Safety Specialist

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day

• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays , including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore

• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster

• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset

• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits

• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance

• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

Reporting to the GEA Manager of HSE Management – United States, you will be responsible for supporting the implementation and continual improvement of established GEA US and GEA Global HSE management systems. As globally connected HSE professionals at GEA, we are working together to provide safety leadership and empowerment for managers, increase risk awareness toward establishing an open safety culture, and integrate safety in the daily business of all employees. #SafetyByChoice

The role is a full-time on-site/in-person position primarily based at our Hudson, WI location. Occasional travel within the US is also expected, as you will work collaboratively with facility site managers and service/sales leaders to support HSE excellence in the Midwest region of the US. 

In this role, you will serve as the primary HSE partner for your assigned US sites, supporting management with a focus on HSE governance, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to GEA’s management of change procedures. The position requires both a hands-on operational approach and the ability to operate as a credible and trusted member of the leadership team.

HSE Procedures & Communication

• Effectively communicate, implement, and sustain established HSE procedures within assigned business areas.

• Ensure clear, consistent communication and consultation with employees on HSE matters.

• Tailor communication style to suit different audiences—frontline employees, site leaders, and global stakeholders—to ensure engagement and understanding.

• Proactively partner with Site Management and Divisional Leadership teams as a trusted advisor on HSE strategy, initiatives, and decision-making.

HSE System Oversight & Continuous Improvement

• Provide expert-level support for GEA’s HSE Management Systems.

• Manage data integrity and user interaction within online management platforms, including learning, chemical, and hazard management systems.

• Conduct and monitor internal audits and inspections, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.

• Maintain internal audit schedules and prepare detailed performance reports with actionable insights.

• Support external (third-party) audits and contribute to maintaining Health, Safety, Environmental, and Energy standards.

Training, Culture & Leadership Engagement

• Deliver HSE training and provide guidance across all organizational levels.

• Support the ongoing development of a proactive safety culture by influencing leadership behaviors and fostering accountability.

• Coach and mentor managers and supervisors to strengthen ownership and alignment with HSE objectives.

Incident Management

• Lead and support investigations of incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement preventive actions.

• Develop and enhance standard incident-reduction programs, presenting findings and trends to leadership in a clear, business-relevant manner.

HSE Site Activities

• Take primary responsibility for HSE management within assigned business areas, including associated project and service activities.

• Conduct facility risk assessments and deliver HSE onboarding for new employees and contractors.

• Serve as the on-site HSE subject matter expert, balancing operational execution with strategic leadership engagement.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Lead and promote site-level HSE initiatives aligned with corporate objectives.

• Participate in national and regional HSE meetings.

• Support GEA’s sustainability reporting and contribute to US and Global HSE initiatives.

• Provide meaningful data and reports that link site-level results to broader US, North American, and Global performance goals.

Facilities & Compliance

• Prepare, file, and maintain required records, reports, and permits (EPA, OSHA, and applicable state/local requirements).

• Partner with US and Global Quality teams to sustain ISO certifications.

• Plan, implement, and coordinate programs in alignment with safety, fire prevention, occupational health, and environmental regulations.

• Ensure all HSE recordkeeping and documentation are accurate, complete, and compliant.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Profile And Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, or a related discipline (required).

• Minimum of 2 years of practical HSE experience , including management system oversight, risk assessments, hazard identification, and driving safety culture improvements (required).

• Strong proficiency with digital HSE tools and computer-based systems (LMS, chemical management, safety prequalification platforms, etc.).

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance.

• Engineering background preferred, ideally with exposure to manufacturing or facilities environments.

• Comprehensive understanding of HSE legislation , ISO , and OSHA standards .

• Proven ability to partner with senior leaders, influence decision-making, and drive cultural and operational improvements.

• Skilled in translating data and performance metrics into practical, actionable insights.

• Excellent planning, organizational, and prioritization skills.

• Confident and adaptable communicator with strong interpersonal and presentation abilities.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office ; experience with reporting or analytics tools is an asset.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and accountable, with a professional and collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

#Engineeringforthebetter

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