About the RoleCrossSafety is seeking a
Health & Safety Manager to lead onsite
industrial and food manufacturing safety operations in Shirley / Yaphank, NY.
This role is responsible for managing and continuously improving health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs to ensure regulatory compliance and protect employees, assets, and operations. The HSE Manager drives consistency, accountability, and a proactive safety culture while partnering closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams in a
high-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities HSE Leadership & Program Management (Core Ownership) - Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive HSE programs aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices
- Lead site-level HSE strategy, including change management, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Manage HSE systems, tools, and reporting processes to ensure accurate and timely tracking of safety performance data and KPIs
- Ensure consistency and standardization of safety programs across operations
Manufacturing Safety & Regulatory Compliance - Ensure compliance with OSHA general industry regulations.
- Oversee safety practices related to:
- Material handling and production processes
- Maintain a strong presence on the production floor, conducting inspections and reinforcing safe work practices
- Ensure contractors comply with all regulatory and company safety requirements while performing work onsite
Audits, Inspections & Continuous Improvement - Lead and conduct regular site audits, inspections, and compliance assessments
- Coordinate and support third-party audits and specialized assessments (e.g., industrial hygiene, machine guarding, environmental, and safety audits)
- Identify gaps and drive corrective and preventive actions to closure
- Participate in cross-site or corporate safety assessments and benchmarking initiatives
Team Leadership & Safety Culture - Manage and develop direct reports (e.g., HSE Specialists), including coaching, performance feedback, and formal evaluations
- Build organizational capability by training and mentoring employees and cross-functional partners
- Promote a proactive, behavior-based safety culture through engagement initiatives and leadership visibility
- Partner with plant leadership (Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, etc.) to embed safety into daily operations
Training & Competency Development - Develop and deliver training programs for employees, supervisors, and contractors
- Ensure all new and temporary employees receive proper safety orientation before starting work
- Facilitate ongoing safety education and compliance training programs
Incident Management & Risk Control - Ensure all incidents, injuries, illnesses, and near misses are reported and investigated thoroughly
- Lead root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions
- Support development of risk assessments and safe work procedures
- Ensure timely tracking and closure of corrective actions
Safety Committees & Employee Engagement - Support and lead site health and safety committees, ensuring members have time and resources to fulfill responsibilities
- Conduct regular safety meetings with employees to review policies, risks, and performance
Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement - Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, audits, and inspections
- Build relationships with external agencies, vendors, and consultants to address compliance gaps
- Collaborate with internal teams and leadership to communicate safety performance and initiatives
Food Safety (If Applicable to Site) - Ensure food safety and quality programs are implemented and maintained in compliance with applicable standards
- Ensure trained backup personnel are in place for key positions
Qualifications Education - Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field
- Advanced degree preferred
Experience - 5+ years of HSE leadership experience in industrial / food manufacturing environments (REQUIRED)
- Proven experience leading safety programs and driving culture change
- Experience in active production or processing facilities
Certifications - CSP, CHMM, CRSP, CHSC, or equivalent professional certification
Skills & Competencies - Strong leadership and change management capabilities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder influencing skills across all levels of the organization
- Advanced analytical and root cause problem-solving skills
- Ability to develop, implement, and enforce safety policies and procedures
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Current knowledge of safety legislation, standards, and industry best practices
- Industrial hazards and controls
- Environmental and compliance standards
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and safety management systems
Success Metrics Financial - Delivery of safety initiatives and projects within budget
Non-Financial - Achievement of HSE KPIs and safety performance targets
- Successful implementation of safety programs and improvements
- Positive audit and compliance results
- Strong stakeholder engagement and credibility
- Continuous improvement in safety culture and operational efficiency
Team Structure - Direct reports: 1-2 HSE Specialists
Working Conditions - Primarily based in a manufacturing/industrial environment
- Regular exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and production conditions
- Travel between sites as needed (~10%)
