Health, Safety, and Environment Manager

HSE&S Manager – Coatings Manufacturing

Location: Waukegan, IL
Salary Range: $120,000–$135,000 annually
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Industry: Paints & Coatings / Chemical Manufacturing

About the Role

AkzoNobel is seeking an experienced Health, Safety, Environment & Security (HSE&S) Manager to lead the HSE&S function at our coatings manufacturing facility in Waukegan, Illinois.

This is a key site leadership position responsible for driving safety culture, regulatory compliance, environmental performance, process safety, risk reduction, and continuous improvement across the facility.

As a member of the site leadership team, the HSE&S Manager will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, HR, and other functions to ensure employees work safely, regulatory requirements are met, risks are proactively managed, and HSE considerations are integrated into daily operations and future projects.

What You'll Do

• Provide overall HSE&S leadership and direction for the manufacturing site.
• Partner with site leadership to strengthen safety culture, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HSE policies, programs, procedures, systems, and training.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, federal, state, local, and AkzoNobel requirements.
• Manage environmental and HSE regulatory permits and maintain relationships with government agencies, consultants, community groups, and other external stakeholders.
• Monitor regulatory developments and implement programs necessary to maintain compliance with new or revised requirements.
• Lead and oversee incident and near-miss investigations, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and follow-up.
• Conduct and oversee workplace risk assessments and occupational exposure assessments.
• Develop and manage industrial hygiene and exposure-monitoring programs.
• Monitor workplace conditions and employee behaviors, identify non-conformances, and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Lead HSE regulatory compliance assessments and ensure audit findings and corrective actions are completed.
• Serve as the site HSE subject-matter expert for new projects and process changes, including Management of Change (MOC) and Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) activities.
• Support and strengthen Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and practices.
• Prepare and submit required internal and external HSE reports.
• Provide HSE expertise during operational issues, emergencies, and other events that could impact employees, the environment, or site operations.
• Coach and influence leaders, supervisors, and employees to reinforce accountability for safe work practices.
• Drive proactive risk reduction and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Science, Engineering, Safety, Environmental Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced education in Industrial Hygiene, Safety, or a related field is also relevant.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Experience working with OSHA and EPA industrial regulations and regulatory compliance programs.
• At least 5 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with regulatory agencies, outside consultants, site leadership, and employees at all levels.
• Strong project-management and organizational skills.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills.

Highly Preferred

• 10 years of Health & Safety experience within manufacturing and/or chemical manufacturing.
• Experience working in environments involving flammable liquids and hazardous materials.
• 2–5 years of Process Safety Management (PSM) experience.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and/or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation.
• Experience with MOC, PHA, incident investigation, industrial hygiene, risk assessment, environmental permitting, and regulatory audits.
• Working knowledge of key environmental regulations including:
• Clean Air Act (CAA)
• Clean Water Act (CWA)
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
• SARA
• CERCLA
• Applicable regulatory training/certifications such as DOT Hazmat, HAZWOPER, and OSHA training.

What Success Looks Like

The successful HSE&S Manager will be visible on the manufacturing floor, build strong relationships with employees and leaders, and balance regulatory expertise with practical operational leadership.

We're looking for someone who can go beyond administering safety programs—someone who can influence behavior, strengthen accountability, identify and reduce risk, and help build a proactive safety culture throughout the site.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $120,000–$135,000 annually. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Benefits include:

• Annual bonus eligibility
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with 6% company match
• Medical insurance with HSA
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Vacation, sick time, and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave after one year
• Career growth and development opportunities
• Employee referral bonus
• Employee appreciation programs
• Diversity & Inclusion Networks

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel has been supplying innovative paints and coatings since 1792. Our portfolio of brands serves customers around the world, and our products help protect and enhance surfaces across a wide range of industries.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where employees can perform at their best.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.

Pay: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 6% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120,000 - $135,000