Director, Safety & Compliance Location: Minneapolis, MN (or commuting distance)
Travel: Frequent travel across Minnesota; ~10% out-of-state
Type: Full-time, Exempt
Why This Role MattersThis is not a traditional safety role. As Director of Safety & Compliance for Capacity*Connect, you will own and build Sparkfund's safety program for one of our most strategic growth initiatives. This is a field-first leadership role where success isn't measured by policies written-it's measured by what actually happens on job sites.
You'll operate as the senior safety authority across a complex portfolio of battery energy storage and infrastructure projects, partnering directly with utility and data center clients, subcontractors, and internal leadership. You'll define safety standards, lead audits and incident response, and ensure our teams are operating at the highest level in real-world conditions.
If you've built safety programs before and want real ownership, visibility, and impact-this is that role.
What You'll DoOwn the Safety Program- Lead and evolve the Capacity*Connect safety strategy, standards, and policies
- Ensure compliance across utility partners, data center clients, and regulatory environments
- Maintain audit-ready documentation, training logs, and safety program records
Be a Field Leader- Conduct site visits across all phases: pre-construction, active construction, commissioning, and post-installation
- Ensure safety standards are actually being followed-not just documented
- Engage directly with crews, subcontractors, and inspectors to assess real-world conditions
Drive Compliance & Performance- Manage OSHA/MNOSHA reporting and supplier prequalification platforms (e.g., ISN, Avetta, Veriforce)
- Own key safety metrics including TRIR and EMR
- Partner with Finance on workers' compensation and insurance activities
Lead Incident Response- Own incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Ensure issues are tracked to resolution and incorporated into future prevention efforts
Manage Subcontractor Safety- Oversee subcontractor prequalification and ongoing field performance
- Issue corrective actions and stop-work orders when necessary
- Represent Sparkfund during audits with utility and data center partners
Collaborate Across the Business- Partner with Projects, Programs, HR, Finance, and Legal to embed safety into operations
- Support onboarding, training, and contract processes to align with safety expectations
- Build reporting and dashboards that track both leading and lagging safety indicators
What Makes This Role Different- Field-first leadership-you'll spend time on job sites, not just behind a desk
- High ownership and authority, including stop-work decision-making
- Opportunity to build and scale a safety program-not inherit a finished one
- Exposure to complex energy storage and infrastructure projects
- Direct visibility and partnership with executive leadership
- Ability to shape safety culture across a growing, distributed organization
What We're Looking ForRequired- 10+ years of experience in field safety, EHS, or risk management
- Experience in construction, energy, utilities, or infrastructure environments
- Proven experience owning or leading safety programs
- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations (1910/1926) and multi-jurisdictional compliance
- Experience leading incident investigations, audits, and corrective action processes
- Ability to operate in field environments and engage directly with crews and subcontractors
Preferred- Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) or electrical infrastructure
- Familiarity with NFPA, UL, and IEEE standards
- Experience working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
- Professional safety certifications (CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST, etc.)
- Experience managing subcontractor safety programs
- Background in multi-site or distributed operations
- Experience partnering with executive leadership on safety strategy
Work EnvironmentThis role includes regular field engagement, including active construction and operational sites. PPE is required during site visits. When not traveling, work is remote.
Compensation & Benefits- Salary range: $140,000 - $195,000 (based on experience and qualifications)
- Bonus eligibility (if applicable)
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with employer match
- Flexible time off
- Paid caregiver leave
- Monthly phone & Wi-Fi stipend
