Midwest Regional Safety Manager

About the role

Regional Safety Manager

Position Summary

This position provides leadership for Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs across multiple sites in a defined region. The role is accountable for ensuring strict compliance with OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations. The manager is responsible for building a proactive safety culture, reducing risk through systematic audits and investigations, and partnering with site and corporate leadership to improve safety performance and operational readiness.

Core Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee regional EHS strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. These regulations include OSHA General Industry standards, EPA requirements, and DOT mandates. Drive a strong safety culture through leadership, coaching, and behavior-based safety practices across all managed sites. Lead and conduct thorough incident investigations, including near-misses and first-aid cases, using structured root-cause analysis methods such as 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams. The goal is to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Conduct EHS compliance audits, risk assessments, and job hazard analyses (JHA) at regional facilities to identify hazards and implement mitigation strategies. Coordinate and deliver comprehensive safety training for employees at all levels. Training topics include emergency response protocols, hazardous materials handling, equipment safety procedures, and behavior-based safety practices. Partner with site leadership, operations teams, and external agencies, including regulatory bodies, to ensure consistent safety practices and compliance across the region. Develop, document, and regularly test site-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and crisis response procedures to ensure clarity and effectiveness. Evaluate and approve new equipment, processes, and materials from an EHS perspective prior to implementation and deployment. Facilitate regional and site-level safety committees to empower employees to actively participate in shaping and improving the safety program. Support the corporate EHS team with the rollout of company-wide initiatives and systems within the assigned region. Collaborate with Human Resources, Legal, and Operations departments to address complex employee relations matters related to safety and regulatory compliance. Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies during inspections, inquiries, and reporting activities. Analyze regional safety metrics and trends, including TRIR, DART, and LTIR, to identify risk, measure program effectiveness, and present actionable recommendations to senior leadership.

Education and Experience

Candidates must possess 7-10 years of progressive experience in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS). This experience must include a minimum of 3 years in a management or multi-site role. A Master's degree in occupational health and safety or a related field is required. Professional certification is expected, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or equivalent credentials.

Hard Skills

Demonstrated expertise in OSHA (General Industry 1910), EPA, and DOT regulatory compliance and reporting. Proven ability to conduct incident investigation and root-cause analysis using structured methods, including 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams. Mastery of risk assessment and hazard control techniques utilizing JHA/JSA and the hierarchy of controls. Proficiency in safety data analysis, KPI reporting for leading and lagging indicators, and advanced use of Excel and/or EHS platforms. Solid understanding of industrial hygiene fundamentals, including exposure monitoring for chemical, physical, and biological hazards. Competency in conducting ergonomic assessments and implementing recommendations to reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk.

Soft Skills

Leadership and influence are essential to inspire and drive change across all organizational levels, from front-line employees to senior executives, without direct authority. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences in both verbal and written formats. A pragmatic, analytical approach to problem-solving enables effective identification of issues, evaluation of options, and implementation of sustainable solutions. Resilience and adaptability are necessary to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-site environment and to manage competing priorities amid changing business needs. A passion for coaching and mentoring drives the development of others and builds the safety capabilities of teams and leaders across the region.

Position Details

Location: Sturtevant

Engagement: Full-time

Compensation: $123,600 to $156,000 annually

What You Will Do

Define and set regional EHS direction in close coordination with corporate partners for multiple operational sites. Champion safety behaviors and coach across all locations to embed strong daily practices among teams. Drive thorough incident probes using methods like 5 Whys to reveal system flaws and prevent repeat occurrences. Run compliance reviews and risk checks at facilities to expose hazards before they cause harm. Deliver tailored training on emergency response, hazardous materials, and safe equipment use for every level within the region. Align with site leaders and agencies to maintain consistent standards and enable smooth external communication. Test emergency action plans through drills to ensure responses remain clear and effective during real events. Review new tools, materials, and procedures from an EHS standpoint before they enter active use. Empower regional safety committees so employees help shape and continuously improve safety programs. Support enterprise initiatives by rolling out systems and changes that strengthen regional compliance and program maturity.