Director of Environmental Health & Safety and Security - Gehl Foods

Position Overview

The Director of EH&S will be responsible for providing leadership and direction for the continuous improvement of Health, Safety, Security and Environmental performance across all locations. Standardizing programs, procedures, protocols, and visual management will be critical. In conjunction with the VP of Operations and other functions, develop the annual improvement plan and implement cost-effective programs that ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Promote and support a behavior-based safety process across multiple facilities for all plant employees through coaching and influencing positive behavior.
• Develop a running 3-year safety action plan across all locations to ensure alignment with our Safety core value.
• Standardize injury management protocols and reporting structure across all locations.
• Standardize the visual factory regarding safety communications across all locations.
• Assist Director of Maintenance and Engineering with insurance audits and corrective actions.
• Support local plant leadership and HR for any ethical sourcing audits.
• Develop a standard training schedule for compliance related topics. Local plant leaders to assist with site specific plans.
• Ensure local facilities maintain all required records and submit all required reports to the regulatory agencies (OSHA, EPA, etc.) on a timely basis and interface with regulatory agency personnel and loss control service providers.
• Maintain Company licenses and obtain required EHS permits for the process and/or equipment or discharges generated at the facility.
• Develop and implement company-wide internal safety audits program to ensure compliance with Company safety programs/policies and government standards.
• Track and communicate Company performance against agreed performance improvement targets, initiate corrective actions as appropriate, and follow up on the corrective action’s effectiveness including appropriate funding (capital/expense) for corrective actions.
• Identify and share best practices for EHS management and performance across all locations.
• Assist in the development of EHS leaders across the Company.
• Chair the Company Safety committee, collaborating with the Director of Human Resources, local plant leadership, and other Safety committee members to manage the overall Safety program.
• Timely reviews of workman’s’ compensation data to identify trends and implement key learning in all locations.
• Ensure compliance with plant safety standards and with applicable regulatory requirements while following the Company’s Good Manufacturing Practices through safety system audits.
• Ensure proper safety protocols are in place and enforced to promote a robust Food Defense and Site security program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2-year associate degree in environmental, health and safety or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of similar experience in a manufacturing environment with an emphasis in food.
• OSHA 40-Hour certification.
• Demonstrated superior communications, organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate to all levels of the organization and in public setting.
• Knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR, EPA 40 CFR, DHS, and environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated experience handling government regulatory agencies.
• Working knowledge of Food Defense Plans and Best Manufacturing practice regarding site safety plans.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations by promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that is respectful and accepting of diversity.
• Ability and means to travel if needed; must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of valid insurance including liability and property damage coverage.
• Travel requirements up to 50%.
• In-person occupation with extremely limited work from home options.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental, health and safety or related field.
• Experience in ISO 45001 (or similar) implementation and certification.
• Working knowledge of California State environmental regulations.
• Lean/ Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Have the physical ability to occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds, frequently climb, squat/bend/kneel, and regularly sit, stand, and walk/move about.