Manager, Health & Safety

Overview

Pernod Ricard USA | Fort Smith, AR

Pernod Ricard is a global premium spirits and wine company. The salary range for this role, based in Fort Smith, is $81,040.00 to $. The range may vary if the role is outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate's experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

The Health & Safety Manager is a key leader at the production site level, responsible for driving a proactive, risk-based approach to health and safety management. This role ensures the effective implementation of corporate H&S strategies, standards, and compliance requirements while fostering a strong safety culture across all operational activities. The incumbent will lead initiatives that reduce risk, improve safety performance, and embed safety leadership within site operations.

Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive risk assessments, analyzing safety data to identify trends, and implementing targeted interventions. The role also oversees machine safety programs, change management processes and ensuring alignment with Pernod Ricard's strategic priorities and regulatory obligations.

• Act as the primary H&S leader for the production site, partnering with site leadership to integrate safety into daily operations.
• Drive adoption of health and safety programs through strong leadership, coaching, and engagement with supervisors and employees.
• Champion a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in safety performance.
• Lead the development and execution of site-specific hazard and risk assessments; identify and implement risk reduction strategies.
• Analyze safety metrics and incident trends to proactively address high-risk areas and prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.
• Promote leading indicators such as permit-to-work systems, behavior-based safety, and field-level risk assessments to strengthen incident prevention.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage machine safety programs, including robust change management processes for equipment and operational modifications.
• Coordinate and partner with Compliance Training Manager to deliver safety training programs, including new worker orientations and specialized risk-based training.
• Lead investigations of serious incidents (LTA, High Potential) using advanced root cause analysis techniques; implement corrective actions.
• Support Operations in Root Cause Analysis.
• Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and Pernod Ricard corporate standards, including QSE and ISO systems (14001, 45001).
• Partner with site leadership to evaluate existing safety programs, identify gaps, and implement innovative solutions.
• Prepare and present monthly safety performance reports and trend analyses to site and corporate leadership.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations, risk assessment methodologies, and ISO management systems.
• Experience in manufacturing, packaging, or bottling environments.
• Proficiency in safety data analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to influence and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and proactive in driving change.
• Self-starter with a results-driven mindset and willingness to travel.

• Degree, diploma, or certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, Risk Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial health and safety or risk management.

• Bachelor's degree in Health & Safety, Risk Management, or related discipline.

When you join Pernod Ricard, you'll experience a workplace that is rich in heritage, driven by our iconic brands and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the people and communities where we work. We know that happiness at work starts with that feeling of belonging you get from an inclusive culture where being uniquely you is celebrated.

Our values are lived, they drive our behaviors, and it's what brings our culture to life.

Our work philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection with the flexibility needed to provide one's most meaningful contribution. We offer a flexible work policy, with most of our positions offering a hybrid option with flexibility to work remotely 2 days a week. As a global employer, we understand that not everyone's working hours are the same, and we empower our employees to work the hours that make the most sense for them and their team's schedules.

We offer employees great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support. Check out  for details.

This recruitment process uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to match applicant skills with role requirements and qualifications.

Pernod Ricard USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It employs qualified individuals based solely on…