Vice President, Health and Safety

Vice President, Health and Safety

Bonita Springs, FL, USA

Founded in 1965, Herc Rentals is one of the leading equipment rental suppliers in North America with 2025 total revenues reaching approximately $4.4 billion. Herc Rentals' parent company, known as Herc Holdings Inc., listed on the New York Stock Exchange on July 1, 2016, under the symbol "HRI."

Herc Rentals serves customers through approximately 609 locations and has about 9,700 employees in North America as of March 31, 2026.

Job Purpose

The Vice President, Health and Safety is a key strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a forward-thinking safety vision that aligns with the company's operational and growth objectives. This executive will drive enterprise-wide safety strategy, embed safety into the organizational culture, and position safety as a competitive differentiator. The role requires a proactive, data-driven leader who can influence across functions, lead innovation in safety practices, and deliver measurable improvements in safety performance and business outcomes.

What You Will Do...

• Strategic Safety Leadership : Define and execute a long-term safety strategy that supports the company's mission, operational excellence, and risk mitigation goals. Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team, integrating safety into strategic planning, capital investments, and operational decisions. Champion a culture of safety ownership and accountability at all levels of the organization.
• Enterprise Collaboration and Influence : Build strong cross-functional relationships with Operations, HR, Legal, Sales, and Marketing to embed safety into core business processes. Represent the company with regulatory agencies, industry groups, and external stakeholders to influence policy and stay ahead of regulatory trends. Partner with Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development to build internal safety capabilities and leadership pipelines.
• Data-Driven Performance Management : Establish and monitor key safety performance indicators (KPIs) and leading indicators to drive accountability and transparency. Leverage analytics and digital tools to identify trends, predict risks, and inform strategic decisions. Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Customer-Centric Safety Solutions : Ensure full compliance with all applicable safety regulations across U.S. and Canadian operations. Lead the development of customer-facing safety training programs to enhance client value and support solution-based selling. Establish partnerships with industry associations and certification bodies to expand training offerings and credibility. Position safety services as a revenue-generating capability through innovative offerings such as certification programs and safety consulting. Oversee enterprise-wide safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations, ensuring timely corrective actions and continuous improvement. Develop and maintain governance frameworks and policies that support consistent safety practices across all business units.
• Innovation and Revenue Enablement : Identify and develop new revenue streams tied to safety, including: Safety Equipment Rentals: Integrate safety gear into equipment rental offerings. Client Certification Programs: Launch branded safety certification programs for customer employees. Digital Safety Tools: Explore technology-enabled safety solutions (e.g., mobile apps, wearables, AI-driven risk alerts).

Requirements

Minimum 10 to 15 years of progressive leadership in safety management, with at least 5 years in a senior or executive role. Proven success in building and scaling safety programs in industrial, construction, or multi-site operational environments. Experience leading safety across a distributed network of branches in the U.S. and Canada. Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred. Professional certifications such as CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) strongly preferred.

Skills

Visionary leadership with the ability to influence and inspire across all levels of the organization. Deep knowledge of OSHA, CSA, and other relevant safety regulations and standards. Strong business acumen with the ability to link safety performance to financial and operational outcomes. Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Willingness and ability to travel extensively across North America.

Req #: 65597 Pay Range: $225K - $275K annual base compensation plus bonus