VP of EHS

SUMMARY

The VP of EHS is a senior leader who will integrate safety as a core value within the culture of H.J. Russell. The VP of EHS will develop and oversees the company's EHS policies and programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, defining project and workplace safety, and fostering environmental sustainability. The VP of EHS leads the company’s risk management, conducts audits, and implements strategies to minimize workplace hazards and environmental impact, ultimately protecting employees, the public, and the organization's reputation. The VP will collaborate with the Construction group, the Program Management group and all corporate services to build, implement and lead the Russell EHS program. The VP is accountable for the safety performance of all company projects and every worker that steps onto that project, handling the planning, organization, and administration of all safety requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the company-wide EHS strategy aligned with business goals and regulatory frameworks.

• Collaborate with the VP of Construction and VP of Program Management to set short- and long-term safety objectives, policies, and operational procedures.

• Serve as the primary EHS advisor to senior leadership, influencing decisions with data-driven insights.

Program Creation and Oversight

• Oversee all safety-related functions across projects and programs.

• Develop and manage site-specific safety plans for Russell-led initiatives.

• Ensure subcontractor safety plans are reviewed and approved prior to site mobilization.

• Monitor safety performance and ensure continuous improvement across all job sites.

• Implement safety tracking metrics

Risk & Compliance

• Lead investigations of accidents and injuries; prepare documentation for hearings, lawsuits, and insurance claims.

• Manage OSHA compliance inspections and resolve any issues.

• Conduct quarterly insurance audits and coordinate carrier inspections.

• Maintain all safety files, records, and certifications.

• Complete annual OSHA logs and filings.

• Implement a CCIPS, Contractor Controlled Insurance Program.

Training & Development

• Maintain OSHA Trainer Certification and deliver required training to Russell staff.

• Oversee field staff safety training including CPR, First Aid, Competent Person, and OSHA 10-Hour.

• Publish quarterly certification logs and ensure timely renewals.

• Plan and implement safety training programs for managers and employees.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Russell in industry safety groups (AGC, ABC, NAMAC, TEXO).

• Build and maintain relationships with trade partners and manage their prequalification.

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, architects, and local authorities.

• Coordinate with internal departments (HR, Legal, IT, Accounting, Preconstruction) to support EHS integration.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing EHS team.

• Ensure adherence to published EHS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Monitor project safety logistics and maintain responsibility matrices.

• Ensure the group is staffed with appropriately trained professionals and supports their development.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field.

• Minimum 15 years of progressive EHS leadership experience in construction or industrial settings.

• Professional registration (Architect or Engineer) preferred but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong command of OSHA regulations and risk management practices.

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Demonstrated experience in supervising EHS teams, including planning, assigning, and directing work; conducting performance evaluations; and resolving safety-related issues in alignment with company policies and legal standards.

• Proven ability to drive project safety outcomes through strategic oversight, coordination, and continuous improvement.

• Proficiency in safety software and project management tools (Primavera, CMAS, Microsoft Suite).

Internal Interfaces

• Accounting: Monitor safety-related costs.

• Preconstruction: Ensure budgets include necessary safety provisions.

• General Superintendents: Establish project safety logistics and monitor work quality.

• Legal/Risk Management: Ensure coverage, licenses, and incident reporting.

• Human Resources: Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and policy alignment.

• IT: Coordinate project setup and technology support.

External Interfaces

• Clients: Maintain strong relationships with client managers.

• Owners & Architects: Develop and maintain professional working relationships.

• Local Authorities: Secure necessary project licenses and permits..

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and is frequently exposed to extreme cold. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate or loud.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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