Environment, Health and Safety Manager

We are seeking an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager to lead compliance and risk management initiatives for our foundry and manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in water discharge regulations, air permitting, and chemical management, along with established working relationships with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the City of Rockford. Foundry experience is strongly preferred.

This role is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring that our operations not only meet regulatory standards but also exceed expectations for workplace safety, environmental stewardship, and community trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance & Permitting
• Manage all environmental permits, including air permits, wastewater discharge permits, and stormwater permits, ensuring full compliance with IEPA and local regulations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with IEPA inspectors, city officials, and environmental agencies, maintaining proactive and positive relationships.
• Chemical Management & Safety
• Oversee programs addressing chemical handling, storage, and disposal.
• Monitor and manage exposure risks, tolerance thresholds, and mitigation strategies to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) programs, SDS documentation, and training.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation
• Conduct ongoing assessments of environmental and occupational hazards related to foundry processes, including emissions, noise, dust, and chemical exposure.
• Implement effective mitigation strategies and corrective actions to reduce risks and improve safety performance.
• Lead incident investigations and root-cause analyses to drive continuous improvement.
• Program Development & Training
• Lead development and execution of EHS policies, training, and audit programs.
• Partner with operations and leadership teams to foster a culture of accountability and proactive safety practices.
• Prepare and deliver training on environmental and safety topics, tailored to all employee levels.
• Reporting & Documentation
• Maintain accurate and timely records of inspections, permits, testing, and reporting.
• Oversee preparation and submission of required regulatory reports to IEPA, EPA, OSHA, and local agencies.

Qualifications

• Education & Certification:
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
• Professional certifications (CSP, CHMM, CIH) preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum 7 years of progressive EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing environment; foundry experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing air permits, wastewater discharge, and chemical programs.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively with regulatory agencies (IEPA, City of Rockford, EPA, OSHA).
• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local EHS regulations.
• Expertise in chemical risk assessment, tolerance limits, and control strategies.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with regulators, employees, and leadership teams.
• Analytical and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in shaping the environmental and safety practices of a cornerstone manufacturing operation in Rockford.
• Collaborate with leadership who value compliance, safety, and community trust.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.