Help shape the future of workplace safety across two of our sites in Germany and Austria.
With a strong on-site presence and a hands-on mentality, you will help create a safe, healthy and inclusive working environment across two European locations.
The Principal Directorate General Administration (PD 4.4) is responsible for creating modern, sustainable and safe working environments for the European Patent Office. In PD 4.4, the Performance Management department's occupational safety team combines strategic, advisory and operational responsibilities to ensure consistent safety standards across all EPO sites and support the evolving needs of our new ways of working, including teleworking. A key priority is to harmonise occupational safety practices across the organisation in line with ISO 45001 recommendations, while promoting greater safety awareness, self-assessment and a strong safety culture.
We are looking for an experienced occupational safety expert for our Munich and Vienna sites. You will have a valid Austrian or German SFK/Sifa (Sicherheitsfachkraft) certificate, a solid understanding of the occupational safety legislation in one of those countries and substantial professional experience in the other.
Reporting to the senior occupational safety expert, you will combine advisory support with a strong operational presence. You will ensure compliance with occupational safety legislation, co-ordinate external safety providers, carry out workplace risk assessments, lead accident and incident investigations and contribute to harmonised occupational risk management across both locations.
Working closely with colleagues active in the areas of occupational health, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and facility management, you will help strengthen a safe, sustainable and inclusive working environment. You will also support internal and external audits, including ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and EMAS, ensuring our occupational safety practices continue to meet regulatory requirements and recognised international standards. Experience in occupational risk management is essential, while knowledge of ISO standards – or the willingness to develop this expertise – and experience supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives are considered strong assets.
With us you will:
- act as the occupational safety expert and central point of contact for our Munich and Vienna sites, performing the full spectrum of responsibilities of a certified occupational safety professional
- advise and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, supporting local projects and promoting occupational safety across the organisation
- play a key role in occupational risk management by carrying out and contributing to risk assessments for tasks, activities and workplaces
- oversee and co‑ordinate external occupational safety providers to ensure consistent implementation of safety standards
- help develop, implement and maintain the annual occupational safety plan
- strengthen local safety awareness through training, promotional activities and participation in local events
- conduct workplace inspections, lead local accident investigations and identify trends to support continuous improvement
- monitor, analyse and regularly report on occupational safety activities and performance
- support ongoing occupational safety initiatives, future safety projects and internal diversity and inclusion initiatives
Apply if you have:
- a valid Austrian or German SFK/Sifa (Sicherheitsfachkraft) certificate and proven knowledge of the occupational safety regulations in the other country
- a university degree in a technical discipline or equivalent professional experience in occupational safety
- experience in occupational risk management; a master's degree in risk management would be an advantage
- practical experience in occupational safety, ideally within an international, multi-site organisation
- experience supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives that promote equity and belonging (considered an asset)
- a passion for occupational safety, combining hands-on operational work with analytical thinking to inform management decision-making
- excellent interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills, both written and spoken
- the ability to work independently, plan and prioritise effectively while building strong stakeholder relationships
- sound judgement, discretion and the ability to handle highly sensitive information with confidentiality and tact
- confidence working in a politically sensitive and complex stakeholder environment
- a proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a genuine interest in continuously developing your occupational safety expertise
