What are the responsibilities and job description for the Site HSES Manager position at Kuraray America, Inc.?
Title: Site HSES Manager
Location: EVAL
Who We Are
Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 12,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.
Why Kuraray
Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.
As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.
Position Summary
The EVAL Site HSES Manager is responsible for leading, implementing, and continuously improving the site Health, Safety, Environmental, and Security programs to minimize risk to employees, contractors, visitors, property, and the environment. This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations as well as company policies and standards.
The EVAL Site HSES Manager partners with all departments to evaluate existing systems, processes, and procedures; improve safety culture; and develop new programs that support operational excellence and regulatory compliance. The role provides visible leadership during routine operations and non‑routine activities such as plant turnarounds and audits, while managing direct reports and serving as the site's technical HSES authority.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Safety Culture
Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/
Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status
No third-party candidates accepted.
Location: EVAL
Who We Are
Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 12,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.
Why Kuraray
Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.
As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.
Position Summary
The EVAL Site HSES Manager is responsible for leading, implementing, and continuously improving the site Health, Safety, Environmental, and Security programs to minimize risk to employees, contractors, visitors, property, and the environment. This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations as well as company policies and standards.
The EVAL Site HSES Manager partners with all departments to evaluate existing systems, processes, and procedures; improve safety culture; and develop new programs that support operational excellence and regulatory compliance. The role provides visible leadership during routine operations and non‑routine activities such as plant turnarounds and audits, while managing direct reports and serving as the site's technical HSES authority.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Safety Culture
- Lead and continuously improve site HSES programs, policies, and procedures in alignment with company strategy.
- Promote and strengthen a positive safety culture through visible leadership, engagement, and accountability.
- Identify and communicate actions required to implement HSES strategy, aligning local execution with organizational mission, vision, and values.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and performance management for direct report(s).
- Provide executive ownership and oversight of the site Process Safety Management (PSM) program in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119, company standards, and Responsible Care principles.
- Establish and sustain a strong PSM management system, ensuring all PSM elements are effectively implemented, integrated into operations, and continuously improved.
- Lead PSM compliance strategy, including internal and external audits, regulatory readiness, and performance monitoring.
- Ensure timely prioritization and closure of PSM audit findings, recommendations, and action items with clear accountability.
- Provide management oversight of process risk assessments (PHAs, LOPAs, revalidations) conducted by the Process Safety Engineer, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with site risk tolerance.
- Ensure PHA recommendations and high‑potential risks are systematically addressed through management of change, capital planning, procedures, training, and safeguards.
- Oversee integration of PSM with Mechanical Integrity, Management of Change, Operating Procedures, Incident Investigation, and Training programs.
- Monitor process safety performance using leading and lagging indicators and drive continuous improvement aligned with business and operational objectives.
- Serve as a visible leader in process safety, reinforcing expectations for operating discipline, risk awareness, and leadership accountability.
- Ensure site compliance with applicable OSHA, environmental, and safety regulations and company standards.
- Conduct inspections, audits, and assessments of facilities, work activities, and permits to ensure compliance.
- Audit work permits and safe work practices including, but not limited to, confined space entry, lockout/tagout, line break, and other high‑risk activities.
- Serve as the Fire Protection Systems Inspections Coordinator for the site.
- Manage SDS processes and ensure accurate, accessible hazard communication.
- Monitor and update environmental, safety, and equipment checklists as site conditions or equipment change.
- Provide safety leadership, support, and on‑site presence during plant turnarounds and major maintenance activities.
- Act as a consultant and liaison with contractor safety personnel to ensure alignment to site requirements.
- Ensure personnel and contractors have appropriate safety equipment and protective devices.
- Oversee and track OSHA‑required and company‑required safety training for all site personnel, including emergency response teams.
- Develop training materials, deliver presentations, and issue course completion certificates.
- Track and manage action items generated from audits, inspections, and meetings.
- Prepare and submit required monthly reports and maintain compliance records.
- Develop and manage the annual HSES budget with guidance from senior leadership.
- Monitor expenditures and resource utilization to support safety and environmental objectives.
- Interact with regulatory agencies, insurers, and external auditors during inspections and site visits.
- Represent the organization in community groups, professional organizations, and trade associations as appropriate.
- Support internal and external communications related to HSES programs and regulatory requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Safety, Environmental, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive HSES experience, preferably in a chemical manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience leading people in a supervisory, managerial, or lead role.
- Broad, hands‑on experience with HSE principles, programs, and compliance requirements.
- Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety processes, including injury/illness recordkeeping.
- Demonstrated expertise in safe work practices such as confined space, lockout/tagout, line break, and permit systems.
- Proven ability to influence outcomes through collaboration rather than authority.
- Strong people leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and facilitation.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Customer Focus
- Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
- Business Insight
- Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
- Cultivates Innovation
- Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
- Action Oriented
- Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Ensures Accountability
- Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Drives Results
- Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
- Collaborates
- Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Values Difference
- Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
- Communicates Effectively
- Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Courage
- Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
- Instills Trust
- Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Situational Adaptability
- Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/
Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status
No third-party candidates accepted.