Director, Health & Safety - Retail OperationsSummaryThe Director of Health & Safety is responsible for developing and executing health, safety, and security strategies across distribution centers and retail store locations. This leader partners with operational teams to create a culture of safety, ensure regulatory compliance, reduce workplace injuries, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that protect employees, contractors, vendors, and company assets. The role provides strategic leadership while supporting business objectives through proactive risk management and operational excellence.
Responsibilities- Lead the development and implementation of health, safety, and security strategies that support company goals and operational objectives.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve safety and security performance and reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and risk exposure, including physical security risk.
- Partner with distribution and retail leadership teams to drive accountability for safety and security compliance and performance.
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis efforts, and corrective action programs to prevent recurrence.
- Conduct and oversee safety and security audits, inspections, and compliance reviews across multiple locations.
- Develop and deliver safety and security programs, policies, and training initiatives to ensure employee understanding and adherence to safety standards.
- Collaborate with Risk Management and operational leaders to analyze injury trends, workers' compensation claims, and loss prevention/asset protection opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all applicable local, state, and federal safety requirements, including fire/life safety regulations.
- Build strong partnerships with facility leadership to identify and address safety and security concerns while supporting operational goals.
- Lead, coach, and develop safety team members while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Oversee employee performance management, talent development, staffing recommendations, and team effectiveness.
- Provide recommendations regarding safety-related budgets, training investments, and compliance initiatives.
- Support continuous improvement efforts through Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Travel regularly to support safety initiatives, audits, leadership engagement, and operational assessments.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field required.
- Professional safety certifications such as CSP, CPP, or similar credentials preferred.
Experience- 10+ years of progressive safety and security leadership experience within distribution, warehousing, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, or retail environments.
- Experience supporting multi-site operations within a corporate or regional leadership capacity.
- Proven success developing and implementing safety programs that reduce incidents and strengthen organizational safety culture.
- Experience leading teams, developing safety professionals, and influencing leaders across multiple functions.
- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, workers' compensation programs, return-to-work processes, industrial ergonomics, fire protection systems, fall protection programs, and construction safety principles.
- Experience conducting incident investigations, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective and preventive action plans.
- Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent communication, leadership, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
- Willingness to travel frequently with occasional international travel opportunities.
Work Environment:This position is located in a climate-controlled office environment with standard lighting and moderate noise levels typical of professional workspace settings. The role primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods while working with computers, phones, and other office equipment. The collaborative environment includes interaction with team members and may require attendance at meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communications during regular business hours.
Benefits We Offer:- Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
- Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Tuition Assistance
- Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
- 401(k) and Profit Sharing
- Life Insurance
