Safety Specialist

Overview The Safety Specialist plays a critical role in advancing a proactive, risk-based safety culture across the Marzetti Distribution Network (Columbus, Atlanta, Iowa). This role partners closely with logistics operations and site leadership to drive injury prevention, ensure regulatory compliance, and embed a “Zero Harm” mindset into daily operations. This position focuses on the consistent application of established safety programs, supporting hazard identification, coordinating safety activities, and reinforcing a “Zero Harm” mindset in alignment with Marzetti Operational Excellence and the Safety Pillar. This role will be based in the Columbus, Ohio area but does require up to 35% travel primarily to our DC in Atlanta, Georgia. Responsibilities Safety Leadership & Culture Championing a proactive safety culture by modeling and reinforcing Marzetti Way behaviors, including Acting Like an Owner and Winning Together Partner with site leadership to embed safety into daily operations and decision-making Coach frontline leaders and associates to strengthen ownership of safety at all levels. Reinforce adherence to safety procedures and elevate concerns or risks as appropriate. Drive engagement through programs and committees such (Behavior-Based Safety, First Responder Program, Safety Committee) while evolving toward proactive hazard identification and prevention Risk Identification & Continuous Improvement Lead hazard identification efforts, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies across distribution centers Analyze safety data (leading and lagging indicators) to identify trends and drive targeted action plans, including assistance with implementing correction actions to address risks. Support and advance continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Marzetti Operational Excellence Incident Management & Compliance Lead and support incident investigations using root cause analysis to prevent recurrence Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulations Partner with leadership on associate incidents such as Reasonable Suspicion and pre-employment processes Maintain accurate OSHA recordkeeping and reporting, support audits and regulatory inspections Partner on workers’ compensation case management and return-to-work processes Training & Capability Building Deliver and coordinate safety training to build capability across all levels of the organization Ensure training effectiveness by reinforcing application in the field Support development of site leaders in safety ownership and accountability Systems, Reporting & Governance Utilize EHS systems and tools to track, analyze, and report safety performance Oversight of safety materials resources (shoes, glasses, Grainger, other supplies) Compile and communicate key safety metrics and insights to leadership Support environmental reporting, sustainability initiatives, and compliance activities Security & Cross-Functional Partnership Oversee site physical security programs including systems, training, and continuous improvement Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, HR, Quality, and Operations to ensure alignment and execution of safety priorities Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (or equivalent experience) 2+ years of experience in EHS, safety, or related role (distribution, manufacturing, or logistics preferred) Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety compliance in an operational environment Demonstrated ability to influence and engage employees at all levels of the organization Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable improvements Preferred: Experience in distribution center or supply chain environments Familiarity with DOT compliance (CDL/non-CDL) Experience with OSHA PSM (Process Safety Management) Experience with EHS management systems or digital safety tools Professional certifications (e.g., OSHA, ASP, GSP) or progress toward certification Competencies Acting Like an Owner: Taking accountability for safety outcomes and proactively identifying risks Winning Together: Collaborating across teams to embed safety into how work gets done Learn & Grow: Continuously building capability—personally and across the organization Develop Talent: Coaching and influencing others to take ownership of safety Working Conditions/Environment Works in an office and distribution center environment where the employee is regularly required to speak, read, hear, sit, stand, walk, and occasionally bend while moving about the facility. DCs vary in temperature—exposure to cold temperatures can be expected. The noise level in the office and distribution centers is moderate. Slip-resistant /steel-toe shoes and high visibility vests are required in the distribution center in accordance with Marzetti safety standards. Additional PPE is required when visiting Marzetti manufacturing plants in accordance with GMPs and safety standards and is subject to change if updates to Marzetti policies are made. We are committed to maintaining a safe work environment where people safety and food safety are our top priorities. We provide appropriate training and protective equipment, and all employees are expected to follow safety, sanitation, and quality protocols. Employees are empowered to report hazards and stop work if unsafe conditions arise #J-18808-Ljbffr