Health & Safety Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Type: Salaried
Work Arrangement: Onsite | Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Position Summary:

Responsible for the overall support, strategy and development of the EHS functions of Ventura Foods operations.   Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Requires familiarity with standard chemical industry concepts, practices, procedures, and processes.  Must manage, communicate and facilitate Company safety & health goals to be included in Ventura Foods sites, and to coordinate and manage overall safety and health management systems and programs within Ventura Foods.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with, and improvement of EHS programs that meet federal, state and local regulatory requirements including, but not limited to: chemical safety, confined space entry, electrical safety, contractor EHS management, industrial hygiene, LOTO, PPE, PSM, industrial and office ergonomics, storm water pollution prevention, hazardous waste management, air emissions management and wastewater treatment.
• Provide guidance and technical expertise on requirements of EHS regulations, keeping local management informed of legislative updates and the necessary actions. Develop and implement plans, programs, processes and documented procedures for incident-free operations and reduction of risk.  Identify trends in incidents and near miss reports, ensure actions are completed to address root causes.
• Oversee and enhance application of incident investigation process and lessons learned.  Maintain the site EHS management system to be current and accurate.  Integration of OHSA's 18001 & ISO 14001 principles into site management system.  Active member of the plant management team including active participation in committee meetings.  Work with site leadership team to develop and maintain waste minimization efforts and spill prevention practices.  Identify and/or conduct EHS-related training. Responsible for coaching/developing/managing/appraising EHS team members.
• Oversee and enhance behavior-based safety processes including promotion of concepts and teaching.  Develops and assists in the implementation of security guidelines for VF and implements improvement plans that include customer and supplier interface.  Provides technical and regulatory input to proposed capital projects and facilities expansions including property protection recommendations.  Must be able to function across multiple business units upholding business alignment and maximizing integration as well as global strategies in the EHS goals, objectives, planning and execution.
• Responsible for assuring compliance with all Food Safety policies, procedures and regulatory criterion including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated Preventive Controls.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, safety, industrial hygiene, or related field required
• Minimum 5+ years of EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Strong knowledge of EHS Management Systems, regulatory compliance, and safety performance improvement
• Experience with PSM, behavioral‑based safety, training, and waste minimization
• Solid understanding of EHS regulations at the federal, state, and local levels
• CSP or CIH certification preferred
• Food manufacturing experience a plus

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and teamwork abilities
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication
• Accurate, consistent report and document preparation

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and general PC operations

• Empathetic, tactful, and effective in working with others
• Active listener who raises and resolves issues
• Strong analytical thinking and creative problem‑solving
• Detail‑oriented in preparing data and statistical reports
• Thrives in challenging, collaborative environments and influences across all levels
• Self‑starter who manages multiple priorities and drives solutions independently

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses.  We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves.  When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.  As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there.  We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.  

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required.  Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day.   Additional unscheduled time after hours may also be required.  Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements.  In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values.  We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.