Manager Occupational Safety

Position Summary

Safety is not a function-it's a leadership mindset.

As Manager, Occupational Safety, you will be the driving force behind a proactive, people-first safety culture across our Distribution & Transportation operations. This role goes beyond compliance. You'll influence leaders, empower associates, and embed safety into every operational decision-protecting our people while enabling high-performing, efficient operations.

You'll serve as a trusted advisor to site leadership, lead data-driven safety strategies, manage regulatory relationships, and champion continuous improvement initiatives that reduce risk and prevent serious injuries. If you're passionate about creating environments where people go home safe every day-and you thrive in fast-paced, operational settings-this role offers the opportunity to make a measurable, lasting impact.

What You'll Lead & Deliver

Safety Leadership & Culture

• Design, implement, and continuously improve safety policies, programs, and processes that engage leaders and associates at every level.
• Actively partner with frontline and leadership teams on the floor-coaching safe behaviors and reinforcing accountability through presence and influence.
• Serve as a key member of the site leadership team, ensuring safety is embedded into operational planning, execution, and decision-making.
• Lead facility safety, ergonomics, and incident review committees to proactively identify risks and drive corrective action.

Risk Management & Injury Prevention

• Analyze safety and injury data to identify trends, root causes, and Serious Injury & Fatality (SIF) risk exposure.
• Develop and execute targeted prevention strategies to reduce incidents and improve overall safety performance.
• Lead thorough investigations for all injuries and near misses; track corrective actions and communicate learnings to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with leaders to implement behavior-based safety and continuous improvement initiatives.

Training, Coaching & Capability Building

• Teach, coach, and mentor leaders on safety fundamentals, regulatory expectations, and best practices.
• Deliver and oversee safety and environmental training programs for associates and leadership, including new hire onboarding and annual compliance requirements.
• Identify training gaps using safety data and partner with Learning teams to develop impactful training materials.
• Manage the Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) training and certification program to ensure compliance and safe operation.

Regulatory & External Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.), leading inspections, audits, and follow-up actions.
• Conduct internal safety audits and partner with leadership to resolve findings and strengthen compliance.
• Partner with HR to determine OSHA recordability and workers' compensation classification.
• Build strong relationships with local safety, emergency response, and regulatory professionals to share best practices.

Environmental Health & Emergency Preparedness

• Support implementation and maintenance of environmental programs, including SPCC, SWPPP, hazardous waste, and local/state requirements.
• Partner with Facilities Maintenance and Transportation to ensure accurate reporting, permitting, and compliance.
• Maintain and update emergency response plans; lead drills and ensure readiness across the facility.
• Ensure environmental training is completed, documented, and audit-ready.

What You Bring

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience and specialized safety certification
• Professional certifications preferred: CSP, ASSP, ASP, BCSP, or equivalent
• OSHA certifications strongly preferred

Experience

• 3-5 years of safety-specific experience in manufacturing or distribution environments
• 3-5 years of leadership or equivalent experience influencing teams and leaders

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of warehouse and distribution operations
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA, ANSI, DOT, and environmental regulations
• Proven ability to coach, train, and influence leaders and associates
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable safety strategies
• Exceptional communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
• Self-starter who can manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Comfortable responding to emerging risks, including weather-related events
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook

Work Environment & Schedule

• Ability to work flexible schedules to support operational needs
• Occasional overnight travel may be required
• Ability to work in warehouse environments with temperatures ranging from -5°F to 90°F
• Comfort working around powered industrial trucks, concrete floors, and variable conditions

Why This Role Matters

In this role, you won't just manage safety-you'll shape how safety lives in the operation.

Your leadership will directly protect associates, strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and elevate performance across the Distribution & Transportation network. You'll influence leaders, build trust on the floor, and leave a lasting impact on how safety is experienced every day.

If you're ready to lead with purpose, influence change, and build a culture where safety and performance go hand in hand, this role offers challenge, visibility, and meaningful impact.

Salary

-$92,640-138,960, depending on experience.