Safety Director

$145,000 - $160,000 annually

Established in 1936, Curran has grown into a premier contractor, known for its expertise in site development, excavation, mass grading, paving, and asphalt sales. With a strong presence across multiple industries, serving commercial, industrial, and government clients, Curran operates from key locations: Crystal Lake, DeKalb, Island Lake, Sycamore, and Oswego, Illinois, as well as Merrillville, Indiana.

For over 85 years, Curran has cultivated a reputation for excellence by consistently delivering high-quality results on every project. This success is driven by an unwavering commitment to our core values: Family, Continuous Improvement, Integrity, Partnership, and Respect. These values form the backbone of our operations and have enabled us to maintain lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and communities alike.

The Safety Director serves as the executive leader responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining Curran's company-wide safety vision, strategy, and culture. This role ensures that safety remains an integral part of all business decisions, operations, and performance outcomes. The Safety Director focuses on organizational leadership, strategic alignment, program development, regulatory compliance, and the professional growth of all Safety Department personnel.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Safety Director collaborates with executive management, project teams, and department heads to advance Curran's mission of operational excellence through a proactive, values-driven safety culture. This position provides oversight, mentorship, and strategic direction for all safety professionals, ensuring consistent execution and alignment across every business function and job site.

• Develop and lead the organization's overall safety strategy and vision in collaboration with senior management and department leadership.
• Manage and oversee all department personnel, ensuring effective leadership, communication, and performance across the organization.
• Establish, implement, and continuously improve corporate safety policies, procedures, and programs to ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
• Partner with executives and project leadership to integrate safety principles into business planning, decision-making, and resource allocation.
• Oversee and guide departmental budget planning and utilization, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with company priorities.
• Set and monitor measurable safety performance goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the organization; analyze results and communicate trends to senior leadership.
• Serve as the company's primary contact for all regulatory, insurance, and legal safety matters, including agency interaction, inspections, and compliance reviews.
• Lead company-wide initiatives to strengthen engagement, ownership, and accountability for safety performance at all levels of the organization.
• Direct and evaluate internal audit programs, safety inspections, and risk assessments; ensure consistent documentation, communication, and corrective action follow-up.
• Oversee investigation and management of all Workers Compensation, General Liability, and Auto Liability claims in coordination with Risk Management and executive leadership.
• Collaborate with Operations, HR, and other departments to ensure effective alignment of safety initiatives with training, employee development, and organizational culture.
• Provide executive-level reporting and data analysis to identify risk trends, forecast needs, and recommend proactive safety improvements.
• Develop and deliver high-impact safety communication, leadership training, and management education that supports consistent cultural reinforcement.
• Represent Curran with external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and industry associates, maintaining the company's strong reputation as a safety leader.
• Mentor and develop safety leaders across the organization to ensure succession readiness, professional growth, and alignment with future business needs.
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the Safety Department and broader organization.

• Proven ability to lead safety strategy and culture across large, complex, and multi-site operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels of the organization.
• Deep understanding of OSHA regulations, construction safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Strategic and analytical thinker capable of transforming safety data and trends into actionable improvement strategies.
• Demonstrated success managing and developing safety teams and leaders.
• Strong business acumen with experience integrating safety priorities into company-wide goals and decision-making processes.
• Skilled public speaker and facilitator, able to deliver executive presentations, training, and communications that motivate and inform.
• Ability to navigate sensitive or high-impact situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analytics platforms, and safety management systems.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining Curran's culture through our core values.

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety & Health, Environmental Health & Safety, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant safety experience in the construction industry considered.
• Minimum of 10–12 years of professional experience in safety, preferably within the construction industry.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification required within 6 months of hire, if not already obtained.
• Advanced certifications such as CHST, ASP, CSP, or CSHO required within 6 months of hire, if not already obtained.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise-level safety initiatives that yield measurable cultural and operational impact.

• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods both at a desk and while driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Regularly required to tour active construction sites and must comply with Curran's safety policies, including wearing and maintaining required PPE (e.g., hard hat, safety vest, eye protection, hearing protection, safety-toe footwear).
• Exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, dust) is common.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of materials, equipment, or presentation items.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate a personal or company vehicle to and from job sites, meetings, and for other business purposes.
• Employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally and uphold Curran's core values at all internal and external work-related events, as well as daily interactions and operations.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Profit Sharing
• 401(k) Plan with up to 5% employer match
• Leadership Development Coaching, Ongoing Training & Company Events

Guided by our values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Improvement, this job description provides a general overview of responsibilities. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Curran Contracting reserves the right to adjust duties, titles, and roles as necessary to support business needs.

Curran Contracting Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, citizen status, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local employment laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.