Job SummaryWe are seeking a safety and operational risk leader to own the Domestic Operations Safety Program across pellet mills and distribution centers. This role will standardize safety practices, strengthen environmental compliance, reduce operational risk, and partner with site and enterprise leaders to build a consistent, accountable safety culture across the network.
The Manager, EHSS - Domestic Operations owns the Domestic Operations Safety Program and leads its development, implementation, and continuous improvement across Domestic Operations. The role leads a team of two Plant EHSS and Operational Risk Managers, one at the Hope, Arkansas pellet mill and one at the Peebles, Ohio pellet mill, and coordinates with distribution center leadership teams to standardize safety culture and practices across the Domestic Operations network. It partners with plant and Domestic Operations leaders to protect team members, contractors, visitors, assets, and the environment while supporting reliable, efficient, and resilient 24/7 manufacturing operations. This position ensures that site practices, training, audits, investigations, and corrective actions are standardized across locations and aligned with regulatory requirements and company standards.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties and Responsibilities- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Domestic Operations Safety Program across pellet mills and distribution centers.
- Establish and standardize safety, environmental compliance, operational risk, emergency response, security, and business continuity practices across domestic operations.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to site EHSS and operational risk leaders, as well as plant and distribution center leadership teams.
- Partner with operations, maintenance, engineering, HR, quality, continuous improvement, and enterprise leaders to integrate safety and risk expectations into daily operations and business planning.
- Lead and support audits, inspections, incident investigations, regulatory interactions, corrective-action processes, and risk assessments.
- Develop and oversee safety training, communications, performance metrics, reporting, and leadership review processes.
- Use data, observations, and trend analysis to identify risk, prioritize improvements, and drive sustained compliance and operational risk reduction.
Scope and Decision-Making- Own execution of the Domestic Operations Safety Program across both pellet mills and the distribution center network.
- Lead the Plant EHSS and Operational Risk Managers and provide functional coaching to plant and distribution center leadership teams.
- Recommend standards, priorities, and investments based on field findings, risk trends, and operational performance.
- Lead site and multi-site investigations, audits, training, and corrective-action programs.
- Track and report performance and drive timely corrective actions, site accountability, and sustained risk reduction.
- Manage assigned projects and vendor activity within approved budget and authority.
- Exercise independent judgment within established policy and escalate material risk or regulatory matters as appropriate.
Qualification RequirementsRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in occupational safety, environmental health and safety, engineering, operations management, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Progressive experience leading safety, environmental compliance, or operational risk programs in manufacturing, distribution, or industrial operations.
- Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and applicable environmental regulations related to manufacturing and distribution environments.
- Experience leading investigations, audits, corrective-action processes, safety training, and performance reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to influence leaders, coach site teams, and drive consistent standards across multiple locations.
- Strong communication, facilitation, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting 24/7 manufacturing operations, pellet mill operations, warehousing, or distribution centers.
- Experience managing combustible dust programs, Behavior-Based Safety, Safety GEMBA, emergency preparedness, or business continuity programs.
- Professional safety or environmental certification such as CSP, ASP, CIH, CHMM, or equivalent certification.
- Experience working with regulatory agencies, insurers, consultants, and third-party auditors
Work Environment and TravelThis role supports manufacturing and distribution environments and requires regular collaboration with site leaders, corporate partners, and external service providers. Travel to pellet mills, distribution centers, and other company locations may be required based on business needs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Strong knowledge of safety and environmental regulations, standards, and best practices applicable to manufacturing and distribution environments.
- Ability to translate regulatory and company requirements into practical, sustainable operating practices across multiple locations.
- Skilled in leading audits, incident investigations, risk assessments, corrective-action processes, and performance reviews.
- Ability to influence, coach, and build alignment with leaders and team members at all levels of the organization.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, prioritize risks, and recommend effective solutions.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex safety and compliance topics clearly.
- Strong project management, organizational, and follow-through skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and escalate material risks or compliance concerns appropriately.
Physical Requirements- Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, extreme weather, and office environments as needed.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, and move throughout production, warehouse, and outdoor areas during site visits, audits, and inspections.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull items consistent with business needs and site safety requirements.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, hard hat, gloves, respirator, or other site-specific PPE.
- Ability to travel to company locations and participate in site activities across multiple shifts when business needs require.
- Ability to use a computer, phone, and standard office equipment for extended periods.
