Environmental & Safety Manager

Description

Job Summary

The Environmental and Safety Manager is responsible for leading and administering the company’s Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs while also overseeing the Chemical Department to drive process improvements, reduce errors, and minimize waste. This role ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, while fostering a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.  Reporting directly to the VP of Manufacturing, this position will act as a strategic partner and subject-matter expert in EHS compliance, chemical management, and regulatory affairs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Health & Safety

• Develop, implement, and maintain workplace health and safety programs, ensuring compliance with OSHA and other relevant regulations.
• Conduct daily Gemba (shop floor) safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments in partnership with the operations team; recommend and implement corrective actions to address hazards and ensure a safe working environment.
• Lead training and awareness programs for employees and managers to promote safe work practices.
• Monitor workplace incidents, investigate root causes, and lead corrective/preventive action investigations.
• Act as site Emergency Response Commander and lead training and compliance with Emergency Response Plan.
• Partner with HR on workers’ compensation case management.

Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations including EPA, DEP, DOT, TSCA, and local authorities.
• Manage air permitting requirements, including stack testing and emissions monitoring.
• Administer stormwater program requirements, including inspections, sampling, reporting, and permit compliance.
• Oversee waste management, chemical storage, disposal, and recycling programs.
• Prepare, submit, and maintain required federal, state, and local environmental reports and permits.
• Lead sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and improve operational efficiency.
• Act as site management representative for ISO 14001 and related environmental management standards.

Chemical Department Oversight

• Provide oversight and leadership for the chemical area, ensuring safe handling, storage, and usage of all materials.
• Implement process improvements to reduce errors, rework, and material waste.
• Strengthen adherence to current SOPs and create new ones where gaps exist, ensuring consistent, compliant, and efficient operations.
• Ensure compliance with EPCRA Emergency Planning, Chemical Reporting, and Release Notifications.
• Provide training and mentorship to all manufacturing staff on chemical safety and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Provide strategic direction and subject-matter expertise in all EHS and chemical-related matters.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to track safety, compliance, and process improvement performance.
• Partner with leadership team to integrate compliance and safety into company culture.
• Lead and support safety and hazardous waste audits; maintain required records, certifications and documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations, reducing risks and inefficiencies.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related technical field, or equivalent experience with AA or AS degree.
• 5–7 years of experience in EHS or regulatory compliance within a manufacturing environment.
• 1–3 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT, TSCA, DEP).
• Experience with ISO 14001 and safety management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and implement operational efficiencies.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and capable of learning new compliance or ERP systems quickly.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Certifications (Preferred - Training Available):

• HAZWOPER 40-hour Certification.
• OSHA training and program administration experience (HazCom, LOTO, Respiratory Protection, Confined Space, etc.).
• DOT hazardous materials training.
• ISO 14001 or similar EHS management certification.

Qualifications