Director of Safety
Location: Brea, CA
Company: Nevell Group (NGi)
About the Role:
Nevell Group is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Safety to lead and enhance our company-wide safety program across multiple projects and locations. Reporting directly to the Risk Manager, this role is responsible for directing the Safety Department, establishing safety strategy, and ensuring NGi maintains the highest standards of workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
As the Director of Safety, you will provide leadership to the safety team, partner closely with Operations, Project Management, Field Supervision, and Executive Leadership, and serve as a subject matter expert on construction safety. This position will oversee safety planning, regulatory compliance, training, incident response, workers' compensation coordination, safety documentation, and company-wide safety metrics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Safety Strategy:
- Lead and direct the Safety Department and establish company-wide safety goals, programs, procedures, and initiatives.
- Develop and implement safety benchmarks, standard operating procedures, and protocols that promote a strong safety culture.
- Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing safety team.
- Serve as a visible safety leader and subject matter expert for NGi.
- Training & Development:
- Develop and manage the company-wide Safety Training Program.
- Schedule, track, and develop training related to OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulations.
- Oversee safety orientations, toolbox talks, tailgate meetings, safety meetings, and stretch-and-flex programs.
- Ensure field and safety certifications are current and maintain a company-wide certification matrix.
- Field Safety Management:
- Ensure all NGi job sites comply with Federal OSHA, Cal/OSHA, DIR, corporate, client, General Contractor, and project-specific safety requirements.
- Establish safety inspection criteria and expectations and analyze results to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Review project contract documents during preconstruction to identify owner and General Contractor safety requirements.
- Coordinate safety staffing, resources, documentation, and planning for each project.
- Review and approve Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), pre-task planning, site-specific safety plans, and Codes of Safe Practices.
- Oversee the company PPE program, including selection, purchasing, issuance, inspections, and budgeting.
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:
- Maintain current knowledge of Federal OSHA, Cal/OSHA, DIR, and other applicable regulations and reporting requirements.
- Lead OSHA, Cal/OSHA, DIR, client, General Contractor, and third-party safety inspections.
- Develop, implement, and update safety policies and procedures based on regulatory changes and industry best practices.
- Partner with Risk Management on workers' compensation claims, near-misses, incidents, investigations, and corrective actions.
- Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, General Contractors, subcontractors, insurance representatives, and other safety professionals.
- Incident Response & Prevention:
- Establish and enforce company-wide injury-response and incident communication protocols.
- Direct incident and injury investigations, including root-cause analysis and corrective action planning.
- Ensure serious injuries and other reportable incidents are promptly communicated to the Risk Department and Executive Team.
- Coordinate required reporting to Cal/OSHA, DIR, workers' compensation carriers, General Contractors, and clients.
- Work with Risk Management and legal counsel on litigated or potentially litigated matters, investigations, documentation, and communications.
- Documentation & Compliance:
- Review and approve company and project-specific safety manuals, including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and site-specific safety plans.
- Maintain accurate safety records, certifications, training documentation, inspections, incidents, and claims.
- Oversee safety documentation requirements for projects and ensure timely completion.
- Maintain a working knowledge of hazardous materials and hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal requirements.
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement:
- Track and report company-wide safety metrics, goals, incident trends, open claims, and leading indicators.
- Prepare monthly safety reports for Executive Leadership and other stakeholders.
- Identify safety trends and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
- Develop forward-looking safety initiatives designed to reduce incidents, improve field performance, and strengthen NGi's safety culture.
- Support project pursuit efforts and participate in client interviews as needed.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Risk Management, or a related field preferred, but not required.
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive construction safety experience, including management or director-level experience leading a safety department for a General Contractor, specialty contractor, or large commercial construction organization.
- OSHA 30 and OSHA 500 certifications required.
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) strongly preferred.
- Experience managing safety programs across multiple construction projects and locations.
- Experience with workers' compensation claims, incident investigations, root-cause analysis, regulatory inspections, and safety program development.
Key Qualifications:
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing safety professionals and field personnel.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Federal OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and DIR regulations and reporting requirements.
- Strong understanding of commercial construction safety practices and jobsite hazards.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and develop effective corrective actions.
- Demonstrated ability to establish processes and procedures where no precedent or guidelines exist.
- Strong project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and safety management, reporting, and project management systems.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment and regularly engage with field personnel.
- Strong judgment and discretion when handling sensitive safety, workers' compensation, legal, and employee matters.
At NGi, we take pride in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement. As the Director of Safety, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our people, projects, and overall company performance while helping shape the future of safety at NGi.
