Safety Manager - Manufacturing & Operations

Safety Manager – Manufacturing & Operations

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a well-established manufacturing and engineering organization located on the west side of Indianapolis. The company supports complex technical and manufacturing operations and is committed to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive workplace safety and environmental health programs designed to protect employees, visitors, facilities, and company assets. This position oversees safety programs, regulatory compliance, hazard identification, risk assessments, incident investigations, employee training, and continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with operational leaders and cross-functional teams, the Safety Manager promotes a proactive safety culture, encourages employee engagement, and ensures effective safety practices are integrated throughout the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop, implement, and maintain company safety and environmental health programs, policies, and procedures.
• Promote a positive safety culture that encourages hazard reporting, employee engagement, and accountability.
• Identify, evaluate, and monitor workplace hazards and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Conduct workplace inspections, safety audits, and risk assessments to identify unsafe conditions and ensure compliance.
• Lead or coordinate investigations involving workplace injuries, incidents, near misses, equipment damage, and other safety events.
• Identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and monitor completion to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain safety performance metrics, including incident trends, injury data, and leading and lagging indicators.
• Develop and deliver employee safety training, educational materials, and awareness initiatives.
• Coordinate new employee safety orientation and role-specific safety training.
• Provide guidance to employees and leadership regarding OSHA requirements and applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
• Evaluate equipment, machinery, tools, and operational processes to identify potential safety risks.
• Coordinate safety committee meetings and maintain appropriate records of discussions, findings, and corrective actions.
• Support emergency preparedness, response planning, and workplace safety drills.
• Oversee applicable environmental health and safety programs, including hazardous materials, hazardous waste, chemical management, and environmental compliance.
• Maintain safety and environmental documentation and support regulatory inspections and reporting requirements.
• Partner with Human Resources, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other departments to address safety concerns and implement practical solutions.
• Monitor changes in applicable safety and environmental regulations and recommend updates to company policies and procedures.
• Communicate significant safety concerns, performance trends, and improvement initiatives to leadership.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety processes, employee awareness, and overall operational practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Occupational Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressive experience in occupational safety, environmental health and safety, or a related discipline.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, engineering, or other regulated operational environments preferred.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and occupational safety principles.
• Experience with hazard identification, risk assessments, workplace inspections, and incident investigations.
• Experience developing or delivering employee safety training preferred.
• Professional safety or environmental health and safety certification preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of occupational safety principles, hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements.
• Strong investigative and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Ability to analyze safety data, identify trends, and develop improvement strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to influence safe behaviors through coaching, education, and employee engagement.
• Ability to conduct inspections and communicate safety concerns professionally and effectively.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation and meet regulatory reporting requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling employee injuries, investigations, and sensitive safety matters.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works across office, manufacturing, warehouse, and operational environments. Regular interaction with employees and leadership throughout the facility is required. The role may involve exposure to manufacturing equipment, tools, materials, and varying workplace conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be used when required.