Safety Specialist

Safety Specialist POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Ascend is currently seeking a Safety Specialist to be part of our Environmental, Safety, Security and Health (ESSH) team at our Pensacola Plant located in Cantonment, FL. The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting the site to drive to achieve best-in-class occupational safety performance while maintaining compliance with applicable OSHA safety regulations.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

The Safety Specialist is responsible for comprehensive safety activities with an understanding of OSHA standards for general industry, data analysis, and reporting of ESSH data to key stakeholders. The position works in conjunction with the Safety/IH Manager to develop, implement, and monitor programs for all safety standards, systems, and work processes. The Safety Specialists creates value by facilitating risk assessments and works with our employees to develop solutions to mitigate or eliminate risks that meet or exceed regulatory, company, and industry standards. Assist the manager – Safety/IH Manager with tasks to assure compliance and reduce the risk of incidents. Works closely with his/her manager and team to deliver and maintain high ESSH performance across the site. Partner with the Maintenance & Reliability teams onsite to help ensure jobs are planned and executed safely. Support and drive improvements in the contractor management initiatives onsite to help ensure jobs are planned and executed safely per site policy. Participate in emerging issues identification, analysis, and resolution. Participate as a core member of the site ESSH team in any other capacity necessary to maintain and improve ESSH programs, policies, systems, and initiatives for the site and/or company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifies and corrects unsafe behaviors or conditions when observed
• Perform safety housekeeping audits as directed/needed
• Act as the incident data management lead to analyze and report out key ESSH statistics
• Perform LOTO, fall protection, confined space entry permit, etc. audits as directed/needed
• Assist with Pre-Start Up Safety Reviews (PSSR’s) as needed
• Coach, mentor, audit, and train to the site’s Hazard Recognition Plus™ (HRP) risk mitigation process
• Learn and become an HRP coach, perform HRP audits, and coach at every opportunity
• Deliver safety related training for new hires and current site employees as required
• Support with reviewing and updating documents controlled by the Safety department (procedures, forms, etc.)
• Update site policies and training as needed

REPORTS TO

Site Safety/Industrial Hygiene Manager

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science degree in safety related field
• Minimum of (2) two plus years of experience in organic chemical industry, oil refining, industrial manufacturing and/or heavy construction environment working as a degreed safety specialist
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and health practices and standards
• General safety program management with strong knowledge and understanding of OSHA and other industry related safety regulations required

DESIRED CERTIFICATION

Should have a desire to and be willing to obtain the CSP designation

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of OSHA Regulations to include (confined space, LOTO, Recordability, fall protection, NFPA 70E, etc.)
• Proactive leadership and team‑building skills with the ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization, including contractors
• Working knowledge of incident investigation and analysis tools (Cause Mapping, 5-Why's, FMEA, etc.)
• Solid interpersonal, influential, coaching, facilitation and organizational skills with excellent verbal and written communication capabilities
• Ability and willingness to effectively lead change, influence others and gain commitment to new ways of performing work with all levels in the organization
• Demonstrated ability to enhance employee engagement in safety programs
• Must be self‑motivated, well organized, and able to manage multiple initiatives to successful completion
• Strong computer skills are required, including sound proficiency with MS Office products

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Previous experience with OSHA VPP
• Previous experience with HSE Global HRP™ process
• Previous experience with SAP, J5, and/or SharePoint is a plus
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and Continuous Improvement tools

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third‑party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer‑lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS. Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision‑making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success. Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.