Safety Director

Job Title: Safety Director

Location: Mesa, Arizona, United States

Type: Full Time

Our client is looking for a Health, Safety, Environment & Security (HSE) Leader to drive a prevention‑focused safety, environmental, and security program at the Operating Company (OpCo) level. This role is responsible for developing and executing site‑specific HSE strategies that align with corporate objectives, strengthen safety culture, and ensure regulatory compliance across operations.

Role Overview

This position leads the implementation of health, safety, environmental, and security initiatives at the operating company level. Working closely with operational leadership, the role translates corporate HSE strategy into actionable site‑level programs, driving continuous improvement, risk reduction, and emergency preparedness while promoting a zero‑incident mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute OpCo‑specific HSE strategies aligned with corporate HSE and security goals.
• Partner with operational leadership to integrate safety and environmental practices into daily operations.
• Communicate HSE objectives, progress, and risks effectively to senior leadership.
• Act as a change leader to strengthen safety culture and accountability.

Program Development & Execution

• Design and implement HSE programs to reduce injuries, accidents, and incidents.
• Establish performance metrics to track progress, identify risks early, and drive corrective actions.
• Support site management in executing HSE plans and achieving annual targets for incident frequency, severity, and cost reduction.
• Drive and promote a zero‑incident safety culture across the organization.

Risk, Compliance & Incident Management

• Lead company‑wide hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans.
• Provide training and coaching to supervisors and managers on incident investigation techniques.
• Conduct audits to ensure compliance with internal HSE policies and procedures.
• Monitor regulatory changes and communicate impacts to operating company leadership.
• Interface with regulatory agencies including OSHA, DOT, EPA, and state or local authorities.

Training & Engagement

• Develop and deliver comprehensive HSE training programs for leaders and associates.
• Facilitate annual company‑wide HSE training plans.
• Build engagement through safety committees, teams, and employee involvement initiatives.
• Promote early return‑to‑work programs following incidents.

Operations & Cross‑Functional Support

• Support facilities teams in obtaining permits, submitting regulatory reports, and meeting permit conditions (e.g., PSM, stormwater, waste).
• Collaborate across departments to strengthen safety, environmental, and security outcomes.
• Support execution of emergency preparedness and crisis management procedures.

People Management

• Recruit, develop, coach, and manage direct reports.
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development.
• Enforce company policies consistently and maintain strong employee relations.
• Foster open communication, engagement, and morale through regular interactions.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant certifications with equivalent experience.

Experience

• 5–7 years of hands‑on health, safety, and environmental experience within warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, or transportation environments.
• Strong background in occupational safety, transportation safety, and environmental compliance preferred.

Certifications & Licensing

• CSP or working toward CSP certification preferred.
• Additional safety or environmental certifications are a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with required insurance coverage.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to drive safety performance and behavior‑based change.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication abilities.
• Effective relationship‑builder able to influence at all organizational levels.
• Strong leadership and team‑building capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to new systems and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and resources effectively.
• Consistently demonstrates leadership competencies and accountability.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Role is primarily based at the assigned operating company facilities.
• Limited travel to other facilities or operating companies as needed.
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, and computer use.
• Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Moderate noise levels in operational environments.
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.