Manufacturing Plant Senior EHS Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Senior Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving all environmental, health, and safety programs for all Paint / Thermo Chemical Manufacturing Facilities. This role ensures full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and applicable state / local regulations, while driving a proactive safety culture, operational risk reduction, and environmental stewardship across the plants.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance & Program Management

Ensure Compliance With:

OSHA (29 CFR 1910 – General Industry)

EPA Programs (Clean Air, Clean Water Act, RCRA, EPCRA)

NFPA (flammable liquids, combustible dust, fire protection)

Lead and Manage:

Process Safety Management (PSM) programs (1910.119)

Hazard Communication (HazCom / GHS)

Lockout / Tagout (LOTO)

Respiratory Protection Program

Confined Space Entry Program

Maintain All Required Permits (air, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste)

Act as primary liaison with regulatory agencies and inspectors.

Chemical & Process Safety

Oversee safe handling, storage, and disposal of:

Solvents, resins, pigments, and flammable liquids

Conduct Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), HAZOPs, and risk assessments

Ensure compliance with:

Flammable liquid storage (NFPA 30)

Combustible dust requirements (NFPA 652, if applicable)

Manage Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory systems

Lead Management of Change (MOC) for process modifications

Environmental Management

Manage hazardous waste generation, storage, and disposal (RCRA)

Track emissions and ensure compliance with air permits (VOC-heavy operations)

Oversee wastewater discharge and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP)

Lead spill prevention programs (SPCC plans)

Monitor environmental KPIs (waste reduction, emissions, sustainability)

Risk Management & Incident Prevention

Lead Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) for all plant processes

Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for:

Mixing operations

Tank farms and bulk storage

Loading / unloading operations

Lead incident investigations (root cause analysis – 5 Why, TapRoot, etc.)

Track and trend leading / lagging indicators:

TRIR, DART, Near Miss, Corrective Actions, Good Catch

Safety Culture & Training

Develop and deliver training programs:

New hire orientation (EHS-specific)

Chemical handling and emergency response

PPE, respirator fit testing, hearing conservation

Conduct routine safety meetings and leadership engagement initiatives

Driver behavior-based safety and field-level engagement

Support supervisors with accountability and coaching

Emergency Preparedness & Fire Protection

Develop and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAP)

Coordinate drills for:

Chemical Spills

Fires / explosion

Evacuations

Ensure fire protection systems are compliant:

Sprinklers, foam systems, extinguishers

Interface with local emergency responders and LEPC

Auditing & Continuous Improvement

Conduct internal EHS audits and inspections

Lead third-party audits and compliance reviews

Track corrective actions through closure

Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 (if applicable)

Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety, Engineering, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

8-12 years of EHS experience in:

Paint, coatings, chemicals, or manufacturing (required)

Strong working knowledge of:

OSHA, EPA, NFPA standards

PSM-covered processes (highly preferred)

Certifications

CSP (Certified Safety Professional)

CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)

CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)

OSHA 500 / 501 Instructor

Technical Competencies

Air permitting (VOC emissions specific to coatings / solvents)

Hazardous waste management

Chemical exposure monitoring and industrial hygiene

Incident investigation methodologies

EHS management systems (ISO 14001 / 45001)

Leadership Skills

Strong manufacturing floor presence and ability to influence plant operations

Ability to drive accountability at all levels

Effective communication with hourly employees through executive leadership

Experience managing change in high-risk environments

Work Environment

Industrial manufacturing setting (paint / chemical production)

Exposure to chemicals, noise, and industrial equipment

Requires frequent floor presence (70-80% floor engagement)

Job Summary

Own all OSHA + EPA compliance for a chemical / paint manufacturing plant

Lead PSM, HazCom, LOTO, and chemical safety programs

Manage air permits, hazardous waste, and spill prevention

Drive incident prevention, JHAs, and safety culture

Ensure safe handling of flammables, solvents, and VOC-heavy processes

Lead audits, training, and continuous improvement

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

401k