Manager of Combustible Dust Safety Management, Environmental, Health and Safety

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

 

Summary

The Manager, Combustible Dust Safety Management and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), Live Operations will manage ongoing compliance for combustible dust safety programs. The role requires technical knowledge of NFPA 660, the Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particle Solids. The Manager will implement world-class NFPA 660 and EHS business practices, engineered solutions, risk mitigation processes, and compliance efforts. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, leads an initiative-taking culture within the facilities managed, and regularly provides project management ownership, while minimizing operational risk, protecting employees, contractors, communities, and assets.

The position will manage organizational dust testing, coordinate Dust Hazard Analyses (DHAs), oversee technical training and ensure that all engineering controls, explosion protections, and management systems meet applicable regulatory and corporate standards. The position will partner with live operations and engineering leadership to integrate EHS standards into day-to-day activities, continuously improve safety and environmental performance, and support business continuity in dynamic, real-time operational environments.

The salary range for this position is $101,000- $151,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). 

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage implementation of process safety management principles applicable to combustible dust hazards within regional operations.
• Manage mechanical integrity programs for critical combustible dust protection systems.
• Manage enterprise standards for inspection, testing, and maintenance of dust collectors, rotary valves, isolation devices, explosion venting systems, and explosion suppression systems.
• Manage and maintain all Dust Hazard Analysis documentation and ensure mandatory 5-year updates and reviews are completed on schedule.
• Function as a subject matter expert for NFPA 660 within the region and direct gap assessments, testing, and hazard mitigation across all sites.
• Ensure effectiveness through audits and field assessments.
• Interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction, insurance providers, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors during facility audits.
• Support the corporation's technical authority for combustible dust safety, explosion prevention, explosion protection, and combustible particle solids management.
• Leverage external expertise to benchmark company programs against industry-leading practices and emerging regulatory expectations.
• Administer established technical standards, approved risk mitigation strategies, and technical guidance regarding NFPA 660 integration and implementation.
• Manage Management of Change reviews and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews for modifications to dust-handling equipment.
• Support maintenance reliability and planning as related to equipment testing and regulatory compliance.
• Manage the enterprise combustible dust management system aligned with business objectives and reduce high-hazard combustible dust exposures and environmental impacts.
• Maintain governance frameworks, policies, and standards across all regional live operational sites and ensure consistent execution and accountability.
• Lead initiatives that embed safety and environmental stewardship programs across the region.
• Partner with engineering and operations to execute a prioritized NFPA 660 combustible dust safety capital improvement plan to minimize risk.
• Ensure effective incident prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery protocols.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards and environmental risks, including regular onsite facility and equipment evaluations.
• Perform root cause analyses of incidents and near misses.
• Manage corrective and preventive action plans to reduce risk and build resilience.
• Track and analyze leading and lagging indicators to drive continuous improvement.
• Implement NFPA 660 combustible dust safety and Environmental, Health & Safety training programs tailored to operational environments.
• Deliver foundational and advanced training programs for production and maintenance staff.
• Promote a strong safety and environmental compliance culture through engagement, communication, and leadership visibility.
• Track and document compliance metrics, including emergency response records, inspection records, and housekeeping plans.
• Manage environmental combustible dust compliance as directed by the Environmental Department.

 

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Fire Protection) or Environmental, Health and Safety.
• Bachelor of Science in Feed Milling or Business may be considered when accompanied by expert-level NFPA and Environmental, Health and Safety knowledge.
• 7+ years of progressive process safety or Environmental, Health and Safety experience with a strong emphasis on leading enterprise-wide combustible dust safety programs.
• Project management implementation experience leading NFPA 660 combustible dust projects.
• Strong proficiency in NFPA 660 and previous standards (NFPA 61, NFPA 484, NFPA 652, NFPA 654, and NFPA 664).
• Experience supporting real-time production or high-risk dust or grain environments, including manufacturing, energy, or sustainability-related operations.
• Experience supporting environmental and/or safety programs at scale.
• Strong experience with regulatory compliance, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Fire Protection Association requirements.

 

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master of Science in Engineering or Environmental, Health and Safety.
• Certified Dust Safety Professional (CDSP™).
• Certified DHA Leader (CDHA).
• Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Travel to live operational and grain sites.
• Ability to access upper levels of feed mills and work on elevated work surfaces.
• Exposure to active feed mill environments, including outdoor and industrial settings.
• Ability to respond to incidents outside normal working hours as needed.

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Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.