Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

AWP Safety, a leading traffic management and safety company in North America, is dedicated to providing comprehensive worksite safety solutions across diverse sectors, including utilities, construction, and broadband infrastructure. With over 160 locations in 33 states and four Canadian provinces, AWP Safety offers reliable traffic control, innovative safety solutions like Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs), and robust support for multijurisdictional projects. AWP Safety’s workforce, known as “Protectors,” ensure worksite and public safety through advanced training and a commitment to protecting communities.

Job Description

The Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety – Field Operations will serve as a key strategic leader responsible for driving and embedding a culture of safety and environmental compliance across all levels of our traffic management operations. This individual will assist in the development of, and lead the execution of, a comprehensive Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) strategy, translating high-level goals into clear, actionable tactics that reduce risk, ensure compliance, and protect the health and well-being of employees, the public, and the environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Assist in the design and development, and lead the execution, of the company’s EHS strategy aligned with the overall business objectives. Translate strategic safety initiatives into measurable programs, policies and procedures.
• Operational Excellence: Collaborate with regional leaders and field teams to adapt safety strategies to AWP Safety’s diverse project environments.
• Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Oversee adherence to federal, state and local laws and regulations. Manage regulatory inspections and incident investigations with a proactive, preventative approach. Assess and mitigate EHS risks in high-exposure environments such as roadways, construction zones, and field operations.
• Data-Driven Safety Insights: Use data analytics to drive continuous EHS improvement. Drive root cause analysis and corrective and preventative action development as appropriate.
• Leadership and Culture: Provide executive leadership to regional and field-level EHS teams, ensuring alignment with company standards. Mentor and develop EHS talent and promote employee engagement in safety initiatives. Champion a culture of accountability, empowerment, and proactive safety ownership.
• Communication: Ensure effective internal communication and knowledge sharing related to significant EHS events, expectations, policy changes, and best practices.

Scope & Organizational Impact:

• Team Size and Direct Reports: Position is responsible for leading a team of 27 EHS professionals with six (6) direct reports.
• Organization Impact and Success:
  • Drives enterprise-wide reduction of exposure to high-energy hazards and potential serious injury and fatality (SIF) risks through proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.
  • Advances a culture where operational leaders and Protectors actively recognize, report, and address hazards before incidents occur.
  • Establishes leading indicators that measure the effectiveness of risk identification, hazard resolution, field engagement, learning activities, and critical control verification.
  • Partners with Operations leadership to embed risk-based decision-making into planning, execution, and continuous improvement processes across all regions.
  • Improves organizational learning by ensuring meaningful analysis of significant events, near misses, and high-potential exposures, resulting in sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
  • Enhances operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and business performance by integrating safety excellence into daily operations and strategic business objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience: 12 – 15 years of progressive experience in safety leadership, with a focus on utilities, telecom, traffic management, construction, or a related field. Demonstrated success in developing and implementing EHS strategies at the enterprise level.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team-building skills, with eight (8) years of demonstrated experience in managing teams across multiple geographic regions.
• Expertise in EHS Standards: Extensive knowledge of OSHA, DOT, CCOHS and industry-specific standards and regulations.
• Education: BS, Environmental, Health and Safety, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene or related field. Advanced degree preferred (MS, MBA, etc.)
• Certifications: Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) preferred; neither is required.
• Skills and Competencies: Exceptional strategic thinking with the ability to drive execution. Strong leadership and team development capabilities. Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Travel: Ability to travel 40% of the time (regionally & nationally)
• Location: Preferred in Columbus or Canton, OH; open to exceptional executive talent in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Atlanta or Nashville.

Additional Information

What You'll Love About Working Here:

• Career Growth Opportunities - Clear pathways for advancement within a growing organization.
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays - Take time to recharge with a competitive PTO and holiday package.
• Comprehensive Benefits - Medical, dental and vision coverage available beginning the first of the month following hire.
• Multiple Plan Options - Choose from three medical plans, two dental plans, and a variety of supplemental benefits, including accident, critical illness, legal and identity protection coverage.
• Company-Paid Life Insurance - $50,000 of basic life insurance provided at no cost to employees.
• Company-Paid Long-Term Disability - Added peace of mind with employer-paid LTD coverage.
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts - Available to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• 401(k) with Company Match - Save for your future with company-supported retirement benefits.
• Award-Winning Workplace - Proudly recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2023 and 2025.

Why Join AWP Safety?

AWP Safety offers a unique opportunity to lead safety in a company committed to protecting communities and work environments. Known for a safety-centered culture and recognized for workforce diversity, AWP Safety empowers its Protectors and leaders with top-tier training and career advancement opportunities. As Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety – Field Operations, you will be integral to AWP’s mission of safety and community protection, working at the forefront of a rapidly growing industry.

AWP Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.