SUMMARY

Acts independently under only consultative direction from Sr. Management.  Works with latitude to plan, direct, and manage the health, safety and environmental programs and policies for a Westlake Business Segment(s).  This position will provide oversight on the development of HSE strategies and be responsible for facilitating successful implementation of all HSE programs and policies.  One of the main focuses for this position is to aid in the reduction of each sites risk profile and raise employee’s awareness regarding HSE matters.  This position will lead the applicable HSE management steering team(s) and have direct reports located in North America.  This position will provide technical expert support for smaller manufacturing sites and other areas within Westlake Chemical. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

•    Uses expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts to drive the development of the Business Segments HSE policies, standards, and operating guidelines.

•    Leads / Manages / Directs a team of HSE Professionals ensuring all focused activities are aligned to meet at a minimum all Federal, State, regional and countries laws and regulations specific to site locations in which Westlake operates.

•    Acts as an internal authority on all existing and proposed changes in applicable Federal, State, and international laws and regulations related to the field(s) of HSE.  .

•    Stays abreast of all potential emerging issues related to HSE providing technical analysis and reporting to Sr. Management.  

•    Responsible for authoring of HSE procedures and policies.

•    Responsible for supporting and facilitating HSE budget for Corporate and site activities.  Reviews / facilitates development of strategies and ensures all activities are being completed per recognized regulations to include job specific job tasks.

•    Completes data analysis on incidents to include near misses and makes recommendations based on data trends.

•    Provides technical expertise and guidance in interpreting and monitoring compliance with regulatory and industry requirements regarding preventive and remedial programs.

•    Provides expert health risk assessment advice to operations/maintenance and projects groups to anticipate/identify health hazards and recommend engineering design for effective control of these hazards in modifications, expansions, new projects and plants.

•    May be called upon to serve as an expert witness in any potential Health and Safety issue.

•    Reviews, evaluates, and prepares replies to technical and management audits.

•    Supplies technical inspiration and leadership consultation to professional co-workers.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BS Degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Science, Chemistry with 10 years of experience
• Knowledgeable of regulatory compliance laws (OSHA 1910 – General Industry, OSHA 1926 – Construction, Industrial Hygiene Regulations) and/or applicable Environmental Regulations.
• Experience with change management – implementation of new policies/procedures valuable
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal and computer skills, with a good working knowledge of related databases and applications, and excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Capable of developing and managing multiple projects
• Exhibits positivity, passion, integrity and accountability    
• Able to work in a team-oriented environment and lead team projects and collaboration

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk and climb; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and infrequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.   The employee must frequently make minor decisions requiring limited judgement, general decisions in the absence of specific directions, and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working in an office, however, some of the work may be required in the operating units which mandates usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs.  Travel may be required occasionally.