EHS Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The EHS Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining environmental, health, and safety programs across the organization. This role ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA, FDA, state, and local regulations while fostering a proactive safety culture that protects employees, contractors, visitors, and the environment. The EHS Manager partners with leadership and frontline employees to reduce risk, drive continuous improvement, and embed safety as a core business value.

Responsibilities:

Health & Safety

• Develop, implement, and enforce safety policies, procedures, and programs in compliance with OSHA and other regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all production areas.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action implementation.
• Oversee safety training programs (new hire orientation, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, PPE, chemical handling, ergonomics, etc.).
• Track and analyze safety metrics (TRIR, near misses, first aid, etc.), providing regular reports to leadership.
• Act as the primary contact for all workplace safety matters, ensuring effective communication between management, employees, and regulators.

Environmental Compliance

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations (EPA, DNR, etc.).
• Manage waste streams, hazardous materials, stormwater, air emissions, and wastewater discharge programs.
• Ensure proper recordkeeping, permits, and reporting (e.g., Tier II, TRI, SPCC, SWPPP).
• Drive initiatives to reduce environmental impact, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability programs.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Develop and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and Crisis Management procedures.
• Coordinate emergency drills, evacuation plans, and spill response readiness.
• Serve as primary liaison with local emergency response agencies (fire, EMS, regulatory authorities).

Leadership & Culture

• Build a strong safety culture through visible leadership, employee engagement, and accountability.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and HR to integrate EHS into daily business practices.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to supervisors and frontline leaders on safety and compliance.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives in EHS performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive EHS experience in manufacturing, food production, or chemical/ingredient processing preferred.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and state/local safety and environmental regulations.
• Proven track record of leading safety programs and driving cultural change.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and training skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and influence across all levels of the organization.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
• OSHA 30-hour General Industry certification.
• HAZWOPER certification.