Occupational Health and Safety Lead

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About Role

Summary

As a member of the Safety team, the Occupational Health and Safety Lead is responsible for managing and monitoring safety programs at Wakefern distribution centers. These program elements include, but are not limited to policy compliance, auditing and monitoring safety and health programs and initiatives, supporting accident investigations, conducting reporting analysis, and assembling and facilitating safety trainings. This position is located in Breinigsville, PA.

The ideal candidate is a proactive safety professional with a passion for building strong relationships, influencing positive change, and leveraging data to identify emerging risks and opportunities. Success in this role requires the ability to effectively influence without direct authority, collaborate across all levels of the organization, and drive meaningful improvements that embed safety into daily operations and organizational culture. This individual must be comfortable balancing field engagement, analytical problem-solving, and consultative partnership while serving as a champion for associate well-being and operational excellence.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary Occupational Health & Safety leader for an assigned facility, partnering with site leadership to drive a proactive and sustainable safety culture.
• Provide strategic guidance and day-to-day support to operations leadership and associates on safety-related matters, regulatory compliance, and risk reduction initiatives.
• Act as the sites subject matter expert and primary point of contact for safety questions, concerns, incident response, and regulatory matters.
• Conduct task-specific Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), risk assessments, and hazard evaluations to identify exposures and implement effective controls.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Conduct incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action reviews to prevent recurrence and drive continuous improvement.
• Perform routine and targeted health and safety audits, inspections, and observations to identify risks, unsafe conditions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor facility compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and support interactions with regulatory agencies, auditors, and other external stakeholders as needed.
• Develop, facilitate, and evaluate site-specific safety training programs to strengthen associate knowledge, engagement, and safe work practices.
• Track, monitor, and drive closure of corrective actions, ensuring accountability, sustainability, and measurable risk reduction.
• Analyze safety performance metrics, injury trends, audit findings, and leading indicators to identify emerging risks and recommend data-driven solutions.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate toolbox talks, safety committee meetings, safety campaigns, and associate engagement activities while ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up.
• Partner closely with operations, asset protection, engineering, labor relations, and fellow corporate safety team members to support operational objectives and safety excellence initiatives.
• Coordinate and support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of work standards, safe operating procedures, and best practices.
• Support site emergency preparedness and response initiatives, including drills, employee readiness activities, and business continuity support.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts focused on reducing injuries, strengthening compliance, and advancing overall safety performance across the facility.

Key Accountability Areas

• OSHA and regulatory compliance
• Injury and incident reduction
• Risk assessment and hazard mitigation
• Audit readiness and corrective action management
• Safety culture development and associate engagement
• Safety training and competency development
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Safety performance metrics and reporting
• Cross-functional partnership and operational support

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Risk Management, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Professional certification such as CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST, or equivalent is preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish required, with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization.
• 3+ years of progressive occupational safety experience, preferably within distribution, warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, retail, or industrial environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in OSHA regulations, industry standards, incident investigation, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Proven ability to lead and influence a site-wide safety culture through coaching, engagement, accountability, and partnership with operational leadership.
• Experience developing, facilitating, and evaluating adult learning and safety training programs, including measuring training effectiveness and driving behavioral change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, develop corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven leadership, relationship-building, and customer service skills with the ability to effectively influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects, supporting change management initiatives, and driving successful implementation of safety programs and operational improvements.
• Ability to prioritize work, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and ensure accountability for results.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and data reporting tools.
• Experience utilizing safety management systems, incident tracking platforms, and performance dashboards preferred.
• Valid drivers license required, with the ability to travel as needed to support business operations.

Key Leadership Attributes

• Visible safety leadership and strong executive presence.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with associates, leadership teams, labor partners, and external agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance compliance, risk reduction, and operational objectives.
• Results-oriented mindset with a proven track record of driving measurable safety performance improvements.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to carry/lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, sit and work within warehouse and operational environments. Ability to travel regularly between Wakefern distribution centers, refrigerated warehouses, and other company locations.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and extended hours, based on business needs that could exceed the typical 8-hour shift.
• Ability to conduct facility inspections in operational environments that may include temperature variations, noise, and active equipment.

Competencies

• Communicate Effectively : Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships : Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive : Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change : Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You : Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results : Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,408 – $95,776. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.