Environmental Health & Safety Manager

Position Summary

PPC is seeking an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager for our Buffalo Grove IL facility. This role will provide leadership and oversight of EHS activities across local manufacturing and warehousing operations.

The EHS Manager will report directly to the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety, with a dotted line to the Plant Manager, ensuring alignment between corporate EHS initiatives and plant-level execution.

This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local EHS regulations, as well as PPC’s internal policies and programs. It will also collaborate with internal stakeholders and external service providers, including insurance carriers, brokers, and consultants, to implement and continuously improve EHS systems, training, and best practices.

This is a practical role that demands a mix of strategic planning, administrative oversight, and on-the-ground involvement to maintain a workplace that is safe, compliant, and sustainable.

The EHS Manager will be responsible for EHS across three facilities: Buffalo Grove, Pewaukee, and Hartland. This role will be responsible for traveling to the Wisconsin plant(s) on a weekly basis.

Position Responsibilities

The EHS Manager will be responsible for leading, developing, and implementing programs to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. Specific responsibilities include:

Compliance & Program Management

• Develop and implement programs that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local EHS regulations.
• Maintain and promote EHS policies and procedures throughout the site.
• Create and manage plans to ensure EHS training complies with or surpasses regulatory standards.
• Perform risk assessments and create strategies to reduce hazards.
• Oversee the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.
• Perform environmental and safety compliance inspections and submit the necessary reports to regulatory agencies.
• Ensure that site emergency response and contingency plans are current and regularly tested.
• Participate in and lead OSHA and EPA inspections, providing documentation and communicating with site leadership.

Safety Leadership & Culture

• Lead the site’s Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) program.
• Serve as the EHS subject matter expert for the site, mentoring others and promoting safe work practices.
• Actively collaborate with employees and site departments to build a strong safety culture.
• Incorporate EHS goals into yearly site plans and actively participate as a member of the Plant Leadership Team.
• Assist in investigating incidents, accidents, and near-misses to identify root causes and corrective measures.
• Act as the site representative for insurance carriers regarding worker’s compensation claims.

Operational Support & Oversight

• Ensure safety gear (e.g., PPE, forklifts, overhead cranes, machine guards, hearing protection) is accessible, maintained properly, and being used.
• Ensure that routine inspections (e.g., fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, machine guards, warehouse racks, grounds) are carried out and documented.
• Manage the implementation of waste reduction and sustainability projects to lessen environmental impact.
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate EHS considerations into every part of operations.
• Keep the Plant Leadership Team updated on EHS program performance and compliance status.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Keep all necessary safety, accident, and environmental records and documentation.
• Develop and share an EHS Scorecard to monitor performance and promote improvements.
• Attend monthly EHS meetings with site and corporate personnel.
• Serve as the local representative for the company’s Safety Center of Excellence (COE) and Green Team.
• Perform other related duties assigned to support the success of the EHS program.

Skills And Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental health and safety management, EHS Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Safety Programs: Hands-on experience in developing, implementing, and managing a Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) program.
• EHS Management Systems: Experience with Environmental, Health & Safety Management systems (VelocityEHS or similar).
• Committees & Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead safety committees and foster cross-functional engagement.
• Training: Proficient in creating and conducting EHS training programs for diverse groups.
• Hazardous Materials & Waste:
• Experience in managing hazardous waste procedures.
• Knowledge of local and state EHS regulations (Illinois is preferred but not required).
• Regulatory Reporting: Experience with compliance reporting, OSHA, and EPA, including Stormwater, Air Emissions, and RCRA.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Or other industry-recognized certifications.

Working Conditions And/or Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and properly handle items up to 50 pounds.
• Standard work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility to work beyond normal hours as needed.
• Must be able and willing to work extended or irregular workweeks to meet business needs.
• Must be able to identify, prioritize, and meet multiple expectations within the area of responsibility.
• Requires physical dexterity to bend, stand, flex, and reach as dictated by job tasks.
• Must be able to use company software systems efficiently and effectively.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.