Director, EHSS & Operational Excellence

Director, EHSS & Operational Excellence

Ergon is seeking a Director, EHSS & Operational Excellence to set the vision and provide direction, guidance, and hands-on leadership for Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, and regulatory stewardship across Magnolia Marine Transport (MMT) and Ergon Marine Industrial Supply (EMIS). This leader elevates EHSS from "meeting requirements" to best-in-class safety performance-building a strong safety culture, strengthening management systems, and embedding risk-based decision-making into day-to-day operations.

The Director ensures continuous audit readiness and regulatory alignment while driving practical, field-ready improvements that reduce risk and increase reliability. Partnering closely with operations leaders and frontline teams, this role enables safe, resilient, and compliant 24/7 marine and industrial operations through coaching, visible leadership, and disciplined execution.

Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. We are a great company with great pay and great benefits. Ergon, Inc. is a relationship-driven company that values each employee's willingness to learn and contribute to the team. We are family owned with locations throughout the world, but we pride ourselves on maintaining a small company feel.

Key Accountabilities

• Own and continuously improve EHSS and compliance management systems across MMT and EMIS; build practical standards that work in the field.
• Ensure the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) is implemented and continuously functions throughout management and the fleet.
• Serve as Company Audit Coordinator for internal and external audits (regulatory, customer, and third-party).
• Serve as Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) Program Coordinator; drive timely closure and verify effectiveness.
• Administer the Event Investigation Procedure; lead/oversee investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to closure.
• Develop action items and implementation plans to address current and emerging laws, regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements.
• Oversee training coordination to ensure required training is current, effective, and documented; deliver/coordinate training for crews, shoreside teams, and contractors.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness and response readiness; participate on the Incident Management Team and lead drills/after-action improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve the OPA 90 Vessel Response Plan and related response readiness.
• Serve in assigned security and compliance leadership roles, including Company Security Officer (CSO) duties under the AWO Alternative Security Program, Designated Person responsibilities, and Qualified Individual awareness/training requirements.
• Oversee and support a team responsible for training, environmental, health, safety, compliance and vetting; develop capability and accountability.
• Partner with EMIS, MMT, and Ergon leadership to align EHSS/compliance requirements (contractor controls, permits/inspections, incident prevention) with business priorities.
• Remain informed and up-to-date on regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer requirements through industry engagement and monitoring.

What Success Looks Like

• Audit-ready programs with timely CAPA closure and verified effectiveness.
• Reduced repeat events through systemic fixes and strong field engagement.
• Improved leading indicators (near-miss quality, JSA/JHA execution, training completion, safety observations) alongside reduced serious incident potential.
• Strong regulator/customer confidence and consistent TSMS/management system execution.
• Clear, usable procedures and training that improve frontline execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• College degree preferred (Safety, Environmental, Engineering, Maritime, or related) or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in marine transportation operations or closely related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience building and delivering effective training to frontline personnel.
• Strong working knowledge of management systems and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present to crews, managers, executives, and external stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills and ability to use software tools to manage programs, training, and corrective actions.
• Strong working knowledge (development and implementation) of emergency management processes relevant to the industry.
• Valid driver's license; ability to travel routinely and respond to incidents as needed in a 24/7 operating environment.
• TWIC required (or ability to obtain/maintain immediately upon hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of auditing experience (internal and/or external).
• 2+ years of survey/inspection experience (vessel, facility, or comparable).
• Professional certification such as CSP/ASP (BCSP), CHMM, CIH, or comparable credential.
• Incident Command System (ICS) training (e.g., ICS 100/200/300).

Work Environment

• Blend of office and field settings including terminals/facilities, shipyards, and marine environments; PPE required in operational areas.
• Routine field presence required; work may involve heat/cold, weather exposure, noise, uneven surfaces, and other industrial hazards.
• Irregular hours and prompt response to emergencies may be required due to 24/7 operations.
• Travel and overnight stays required to support both EMIS and MMT operations.

Why Ergon

Ergon is a family-owned, growth-oriented organization with a strong commitment to safe, reliable operations and long-term relationships. This role offers broad visibility and meaningful impact across two businesses, with the opportunity to build systems that make work safer and more efficient.

Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.