Job Summary: The Director, Safety, Security & Environmental (SSE) is responsible for developing leading and continuously improving the enterprise-wide strategies, programs and policies that promote a safe, secure and environmentally compliant and responsible workplace.
This position provides strategic leadership for occupational safety, physical security, environmental compliance, emergency preparedness and risk management initiatives to protect employees, customers, assets and the communities we serve.
This role champions a proactive, prevention-focused culture that reinforces the Company's commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and its mission of "Sustaining life with every drop."
The Director partners across operations and support functions to foster a strong culture of safety, environmental stewardship and operational resilience while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, industry standards and company's policies. This role promotes accountability and continuous improvement through the Company's guiding principle:
"Think Safety, Act Safely."Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership- Develop and execute an integrated enterprise-wide SSE strategy aligned with the MWC 2030 pillars and priorities
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on safety, environmental, security, and regulatory matters
- Lead initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, reduce operational risk, and enhance enterprise resilience
- Develop policies, standards and procedures supporting regulatory compliance and operational excellence
- Foster a culture of accountability, prevention, and continuous improvement across all business units
- Lead SSE audits and inspections and ensure timely resolution of findings
- Ensure lessons learned from incidents and exercises are incorporated into policies and procedures
- Build strong relationships with regulators, emergency responders, law enforcement, industry organizations and other stakeholders
Safety- Develop and execute the company's enterprise safety strategy, policies, standards and programs
- Establish a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, accountability and continuous improvement
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of enterprise safety programs, policies, procedures, and training
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis activities, ensure implementation of corrective actions, and lessons learned processes
- Drive proactive hazard identification, near-miss reporting, and risk mitigation efforts
- Partner with operational leadership to embed safety into daily work practices and decision-making
- Drive behavior-based safety initiatives and continuous learning programs
- Establish and monitor safety goals, performance metrics and KPIs.
- Promote employee engagement and ownership of safety at every level of the organization
- Promote a culture where safety is integrated into daily operations and decision making
Environmental- Lead the company's environmental compliance programs with environmental regulations and reporting requirements, including EPA, NJDEP, DNREC, and other applicable agencies
- Support environmental due diligence associated with capital projects, acquisitions and other strategic initiatives. Oversee environmental programs related to permitting, compliance, water quality, inspections, and environmental stewardship
- Partner with Operations and Engineering to integrate environmental considerations into operational activities and capital projects
- Monitor environmental performance metrics and develop and lead initiatives that support sustainability and continuous improvement
Support environmental risk assessments and mitigation activities
Safety & Emergency Preparedness - Develop, maintain and Oversee physical security programs for facilities, assets, and critical infrastructure across the enterprise
- Conduct security risk assessments and vulnerability assessments of critical facilities and infrastructure
- Partner closely with IT and cybersecurity leadership on the intersection of physical security, operational technology and cybersecurity
- Establish appropriate access control, surveillance, intrusion detection, visitor management and security protocols
- Monitor emerging threats to the water sector and recommend appropriate mitigation measures
- Ensure compliance with applicable utility security standards and regulatory requirements
- Partner with IT, Operations, and leadership teams on emergency preparedness, incident response, crisis management, and business continuity planning
- Lead emergency response planning and incident management processes
- Coordinate training exercises and preparedness drills
- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Support business continuity and resilience efforts
- Lead response coordination and mitigation efforts related to security risks, threats, or emergency events
Leadership and Team Development - Lead and develop SSE teams
- Establish performance objectives and professional development plans
- Manage department budget and resources
- Foster a collaborative and high performing team
Operational Integration- Integrate SSE standards and expectations into field operations, maintenance activities, construction, and capital projects (CAPEX)
- Ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and compliance standards across all locations and operating units
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align SSE priorities with operational and business objectives
Training, Communication & Culture - Develop and implement enterprise SSE training, awareness, and engagement programs
- Promote a speak-up culture centered on accountability, prevention, and employee involvement
- Lead communications and enterprise campaigns reinforcing the "Think Safety, Act Safely" philosophy
- Support leadership development and employee engagement initiatives related to SSE performance and culture
Data, Reporting & Performance Management - Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), including TRIR, DART, environmental compliance metrics, and security-related metrics
- Utilize trend analysis and data insights to identify risks and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Prepare and present SSE performance updates, recommendations, and strategic insights to executive leadership and Board-level stakeholders
Qualifications & Requirements:Required- Bachelor's degree in safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in safety, environmental, security, or industrial operations
- Strong working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and applicable state regulatory requirements
- Demonstrated leadership experience building and sustaining high-performance, compliance-focused cultures
- Strong communication, analytical, and cross-functional leadership skills
- Experience leading enterprise-wide safety and environmental programs
Preferred- CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CHMM, or related professional certification
- Experience within the water, wastewater, utility, or other regulated industry environment
- Experience supporting emergency response, crisis response, business continuity, and enterprise risk management initiatives
Success Measures- Reduction in safety incidents, recordable rate and lost time events
- Improvement in leading safety indicators
- Successful implementation of safety, security and environmental compliance initiatives
- Employee safety and security engagement
- Completion and effectiveness if emergency exercises
- Improved safety culture and employee engagement scores
- Strong regulatory compliance performance
- Effective emergency preparedness and response capabilities
- Enhanced environmental and sustainability outcomes
Working Conditions:This is a full-time, non-exempt, in-office position. Occasional travel to other company sites may be required. Must be able to lift and transport training materials up to 25 pounds as needed.
Compensation & Benefits: - Salary Range: $130,800 to $196,200 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
- Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
- 401(k) with company match.
- Company paid life and disability insurance.
- Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements: This position is primarily performed in a professional office setting and requires the ability to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation. The physical and sensory demands include:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and remaining in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time.
- Constant operation of a computer and other office equipment such as printers, copiers, calculators, keyboard, mouse, and headset.
- Frequent visual inspection and review of both hard copy and online documents.
- Effective and professional communication over the phone, in person, and through written and audio correspondence.
- Ability to detect, discern, convey, express oneself, and exchange information through written, verbal, and audio communication.
- Consistent ability to listen actively, speak clearly, and respond in real-time to customer or internal inquiries.
- Occasional movement within the office and use of stairs to access file cabinets and office machinery.
- Occasional lifting or moving of office materials up to 15 pounds.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks and maintain focus in a structured, customer-facing environment.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Requires excellent knowledge of the English language and excellent spelling.
Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States. Candidates must be able to pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and have a valid driver's license in good standing. You can submit your resume and salary requirements by using the job specific link below or by going to the careers page on our company website. https://www.middlesexwater.com/careers/This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law, effective June 1, 2025, which mandates the disclosure of salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements.No phone calls please. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those applicants who are being considered for the position or are currently employed by Middlesex Water Company will be contacted. 
