Health and Safety Director

Job Summary

Job Summary:
Health and Safety Director – January 2026

A Health and Safety Director or EHS Director — Environmental Health & Safety, is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing an organization's overall health, safety, and environmental compliance programs. This position ensures a safe workplace, minimizes risks, prevents accidents and illnesses, and maintains full compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive health and safety policies, procedures, and programs to align with federal, state, local, and industry-specific regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, ISO standards).
• Conduct or oversee risk assessments, hazard identifications, job safety analyses, and workplace inspections/audits to identify potential dangers and implement corrective/preventive controls.
• Lead incident and accident investigations, root cause analyses, and the development of corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Design and deliver safety training programs, awareness initiatives, and emergency response drills for employees at all levels, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, and emergency protocols.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization through leadership, communication, and engagement with employees, management, and stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs, track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as incident rates, near-misses, and compliance metrics, and prepare regular reports for leadership and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and environmental laws; manage permits, inspections, and interactions with regulatory agencies.
• Manage the health and safety budget, resources, and any related vendors or consultants.
• Oversee environmental aspects (in EHS-focused roles), such as waste management, hazardous materials handling, emissions, and sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR, operations, legal, and other departments on safety-related matters, including return-to-work programs, workers' compensation, and ergonomics.
• Stay current on emerging regulations, best practices, and industry trends, and recommend updates to company policies as needed.

• Education: Bachelor's degree (required) in occupational health & safety, environmental science, engineering, industrial hygiene, or a related field. A Master's degree is often preferred for senior roles.
• Certifications:
  • CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
  • CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)
  • CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)
  • OSHA 30-hour certification or equivalent
  • Other relevant designations (e.g., NEBOSH for international roles)
• Experience: 8–15+ years in health/safety roles, with at least 5+ years in a leadership or managerial capacity. Experience in the specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, or higher education) is frequently required.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and team management abilities
  • Excellent knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance strategies
  • Analytical skills for risk assessment and data-driven decision-making
  • Communication and training/presentation skills
  • Project management and problem-solving capabilities
  • Proficiency with safety management software, Microsoft Office, and reporting tools