Environmental Health & Safety Operations Manager, Manufacturing & R&D

Job Description

Job Description

Shape a safer future across our California R&D and production campus

As the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Operations Manager, you will be the on‑site champion for safety, compliance, and environmental stewardship. Partnering closely with production, engineering, and site leadership, you’ll steer the development, rollout, and continuous improvement of EHS programs that protect people, safeguard the environment, and enable operational excellence.

A day in the role

You start with a floor walk through our manufacturing lines, checking leading indicators and confirming corrective actions from yesterday’s audit. A quick stand‑up with engineering aligns on a new process change—together you complete a JHA/JSA and specify the right controls and PPE. Mid‑morning, you facilitate the Safety Committee, spotlight near‑miss learnings, and plan targeted training. After lunch, you finalize an ISO 14001/45001 internal audit checklist, update the Hazardous Materials Business Plan, and submit a permit renewal. You wrap by sharing a best practice with HQ to support alignment of companywide EHS strategies.

What you will lead

• Design, implement, and continually refine safety programs, procedures, and documentation that meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and relevant state/local regulations; maintain current permits and certifications.
• Plan and perform facility audits, inspections, and risk assessments; drive timely and effective corrective/preventive actions.
• Oversee hazardous materials and waste management, including reporting, handling, and Hazardous Materials Business Plan updates.
• Champion ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 conformance; support and/or lead internal and external audits.
• Lead the site Safety Committee and catalyze employee engagement in EHS initiatives.
• Deliver impactful EHS training for employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Investigate incidents and near‑misses using methods such as fishbone and 5‑Whys; implement sustainable fixes.
• Evaluate equipment and processes via JHA/JSA; partner with production and engineering to implement engineering/administrative controls and PPE.
• Select, deploy, and manage appropriate PPE; ensure availability, training, and compliance.
• Support ISO‑driven quality improvement initiatives and help maintain an orderly, compliant workplace.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to advance business goals while elevating EHS performance.
• Conduct periodic reviews of mandated permits and update as conditions change.

Minimum qualificationsEducation & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (environmental sciences, occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, etc.); a relevant blend of education, certifications, and/or experience may be considered.
• Certifications desired: CSP, CIH, CHMM, OSHA‑30, HAZWOPER.
• 3–5+ years in comparable EHS roles; high‑volume manufacturing experience preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 strongly preferred; Auditor or Lead Auditor credentials a plus.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

• Deep knowledge of OSHA/EPA/DOT and applicable state/local EHS regulations.
• Clear, professional communication—written and verbal; Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Skilled at developing reports, policies, procedures, and training content.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Work environmentWorking Conditions / Hours

Full‑time, salaried‑exempt position. May require extended hours and occasional weekends to meet critical program milestones and customer requirements.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Role spans office and manufacturing spaces; frequent movement between both is required.
• Extended computer use and other productivity tools while stationary at times.
• Regular trips between desk and production areas to collaborate and perform duties.
• Expected exposure to elevated noise, moving machinery, nuisance dust, and production‑related hazardous materials.
• Occasional work on stairs, ladders, platforms, or other elevated/awkward areas.
• Company‑provided PPE must be worn as required.
• Occasionally lift up to 40 lbs unaided and over 50 lbs with assistance.

Preferred proficiencies

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification familiarity
• ISO 9001 implementation/audit experience
• Workplace Safety & EHS program management
• Experience tracking and improving LTIR (Lost Time Injury Rate)
• ISO 14001 implementation/audit experience