Occupational Health and Safety Manager

Overview Join Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory. This role offers a chance to grow your career and contribute to the future of electric vehicles by leading safety and health initiatives across the manufacturing environment. Responsibilities As the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to OHS professionals and production teams. Key duties include: Functional Leadership & Operations Oversee the implementation and day‑to‑day execution of occupational health and safety programs supporting safe and compliant manufacturing operations Manage and evaluate core OHS programs including Lockout/Tagout, Machine Guarding, Confined Space, Fall Protection, Respiratory Protection, and Industrial Hygiene Establish and track OHS performance metrics (KPIs and leading indicators) to monitor safety performance and identify opportunities for improvement Ensure safety policies, procedures, and standards are implemented consistently across production areas Maintain readiness for emergency response programs, ensuring drills, training, and response procedures are effectively maintained and executed Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement Lead the development and continuous improvement of PECNA’s OHS management systems to drive sustainable safety performance and regulatory compliance Analyze safety performance data and trends to identify root causes and implement targeted improvement initiatives Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to enhance safety performance and operational efficiency Align OHS strategies with business priorities and operational goals through participation in leadership planning and performance reviews Team Development & Knowledge Sharing Lead and mentor Health and Safety Partners and site safety champions to strengthen technical capability and safety leadership across the organization Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities that build safety awareness and accountability at all levels Promote a proactive safety culture by reinforcing shared ownership of safety performance and encouraging employee engagement in hazard identification and risk reduction Support the development and delivery of safety training programs and knowledge‑sharing initiatives across shifts and departments Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Partner with operations, maintenance, engineering, facilities, and HR leaders to integrate safety requirements into daily operations and strategic initiatives Collaborate with engineering and operations teams on equipment design, commissioning, and process modifications to ensure inherently safe systems Serve as the primary liaison for external auditors, consultants, and regulatory agencies during inspections, permitting activities, and compliance reviews Provide leadership‑level communication and reporting on safety performance, emerging risks, and program progress to site and corporate leadership Quality, Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements including OSHA, NFPA, and relevant industry standards Oversee risk assessments, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), and Management of Change (MOC) processes for operations and new equipment installations Direct incident investigations to ensure thorough root cause analysis, corrective action completion, and systemic prevention of recurrence Lead internal safety audits, inspections, and compliance reviews to verify program effectiveness and regulatory adherence Support regulatory reporting, documentation, and permitting requirements as required by governing agencies Supervisory Responsibilities Provide direct supervision to Health and Safety Partners, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and professional development Establish performance expectations and accountability for safety program execution and regulatory compliance PPE Requirements Wearing PPE to ensure health and safety in the workplace, which may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with respirator The foregoing description is an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job, not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, and work conditions. Qualifications Education, Certifications, and Licenses Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (work experience may substitute for required education) Preferred Credentials Master’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health or related field Certified Safety Professional (CSP) – strongly preferred Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or equivalent credential ISO 45001 or ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or equivalent credential Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher – preferred HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR, and Emergency Response certifications Essential Qualifications 5+ years of progressively responsible OHS experience or regulatory compliance in a manufacturing, industrial, or high‑hazard environment Demonstrated ability to develop and lead organizational safety strategies, including KPIs and risk‑based performance improvements Strong working knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, ANSI, and other applicable regulatory standards Proven experience implementing and maintaining safety management systems (ISO 45001, ISO 14001, or equivalent frameworks) Skilled in conducting and overseeing incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive actions Ability to analyze safety performance data, identify trends, and develop proactive improvement plans Experience leading risk assessments, process hazard analyses, and management of change processes Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills with the ability to influence and engage at all organizational levels Proficiency with EHS management systems and digital compliance platforms (e.g., Enablon, Intelex, VelocityEHS) Demonstrated success in building a strong safety culture and leading cross‑functional safety initiatives Ability to wear and work in PPE, including respirators and hazmat suits, as required by functional area Working‑level knowledge of English for reading, writing, and speaking Alignment to Panasonic’s core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude) Preferred Qualifications 7+ years of progressively responsible OHS experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or high‑hazard environment 3+ years of experience managing OHS programs or teams in an industrial, high‑tech, or high‑hazard manufacturing environment Experience within lithium‑ion battery, chemical, semiconductor, or automotive manufacturing industries Proven success leading teams through regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance reporting Experience supporting or managing industrial hygiene programs, including air monitoring, noise assessments, and chemical exposure evaluations Background in ergonomics, human factors engineering, or behavioral safety leadership Training or certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 6S implementation applied to safety processes Demonstrated ability to integrate safety into engineering design reviews and new product/process introduction Familiarity with emergency response planning, hazardous materials management, and contractor safety oversight Physical Demands Percentage of time during the normal workday: Sit – 30%; Walk – 50%; Stand – 20%. Required lifting and carrying: up to 10 lbs – Occasional; up to 20 lbs – Occasional; up to 35 lbs – Occasional; team‑lift over 35 lbs – Rare. Benefits & Perks Health Benefits – medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, and Health Savings & Flexible Spending accounts Voluntary Benefits – life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (401(k) with matching contributions) Paid Time‑Off – vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental & caregiver leave Educational Assistance – tuition reimbursement after six months of service Well‑being Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life‑stage resources (eligible from first day of following month) Employee Recognition Program – High5 platform and annual awards Annual Bonus Program – performance‑based bonus opportunity On‑site Food Options – multiple cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, off‑site vendor visits, and employee events Location De Soto, Kansas – On‑site production environment. Company Overview Panasonic Energy is the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory, expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas. We are a diverse, inclusive, and innovative team dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. Pre‑employment Requirement Pre‑employment drug testing is required. EEO Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

R-105716

#J-18808-Ljbffr Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America