Safety Manager

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Safety, the Safety Manager will play a crucial role in developing and implementing health and safety strategies and programs for our member companies across the waterfront. This role will develop relationships with stakeholders and regulators and will be responsible for advancing industry safety performance, supporting employers in meeting regulatory requirements, and strengthening overall safety culture across the industry.

This role will involve leading and overseeing claims management/RTW and vocational rehabilitation programs across multiple employers and claims contractors.

We are seeking a dynamic professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at meeting deadlines, and brings a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to safety and claims management.

• Provide proactive leadership and continuous improvement across the industry to develop and establish effective safety management and auditing systems in compliance with regulatory requirements, embedding safety best practices into operational processes and strategies
• Research, educate, coach industry and staff on health and safety matters, including developing and implementing policies and procedures in consultation with employers and the local unions
• Represent employers and consult with the industry through participation on committees and events
• Represent BCMEA in regulatory review sub-committees and various stakeholder groups
• Remain current on safety regulations, keeping management and employers advised of new or revised legislative and regulatory changes and conducting impact assessments
• Develop and support emergency preparedness and response programs including conducting drills, ensuring regulatory alignment, and coordinating with employers and stakeholders on emergency planning requirements
• Support the ongoing development and maturation of the safety management system at the Waterfront Training Centre
• Develop annual plans and budgets for health and safety initiatives
• Maintain communication with other departments and apprise where appropriate of all health and safety developments within and outside of the industry
• Collaborate internally and with employer representatives to ensure alignment between safety practices, claims processes, and workforce capabilities
• Support incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are developed and communicated across the industry
• Identify hazards and support employers in implementing effective controls
• Analyze trends and emerging risks, recommending proactive solutions to improve safety outcomes
• Develop and maintain safety performance metrics and reporting dashboards, providing regular data-driven insights to employers and leadership to support strategic decision-making
• Develop and support safety-related training frameworks, ensuring content aligns with regulatory requirements and industry competency needs

• Provide high-level guidance on claims and RTW best practices to ensure alignment with safety principles
• Maintain relationships with employers and terminal representatives to support the claims process
• Contribute safety expertise to vocational rehabilitation discussions around job demands and worker capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, safety management, or related field
• 7-10 years related experience, including management/leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience leading safety initiatives, participating in audits, and contributing to continuous improvement in safety culture
• Strong safety management experience, including leading safety programs and providing guidance on Return to Work (RTW), vocational rehabilitation, and related program design, including management of third-party contractors/consultants
• Ability to develop, document, and maintain effective standard operating procedures
• Understanding of Workers’ Compensation legislation, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Experience with digital safety management systems, auditing platforms, or safety analytics tools
• Proven ability to…