Safety Manager

Safety Manager

The Safety Manager is one of the designated safety authorities responsible for day-to-day administration overseeing and coordinating Whitsons' workplace safety programs across two Culinary Centers, two Distribution locations, Corporate Offices and over 1300 kitchens and/or cafeterias where we provide food services on-site at client locations (On-Site Locations). This role serves as an operational safety authority for assigned locations, ensuring compliance with OSHA and company standards while driving a proactive, prevention-focused safety culture. This position also plays a critical employee-facing role, providing outreach and support to injured team members, ensuring appropriate care, clear communication, and timely return-to-work whenever possible.

The Safety Manager functions as a highly autonomous, field-facing leader who conducts inspections, investigates incidents, and manages safety initiatives. While this role has no direct reports, it exercises significant influence and leadership across all On-site services, Culinary services and Corporate operations. This role will also serve as a back-up to the Workers Compensation Specialist, whose role serves as the primary liaison between the company and our Third-Party Administrator (TPA) in overseeing workers' compensation claims and administration.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities and Duties

• Safety Program Oversight
• Inspections, Audits & Compliance
• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
• Training & Safety Engagement
• Reporting, Documentation & Data Management
• Continuous Improvement & Risk Reduction
• Claims Management & Administration
• Special Projects

This role offers a salary range of $90,000– $110,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or a related field required, bachelor's degree preferred.
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry certification required (or ability to obtain within 6 months).

Experience, Other Qualifications and Competencies

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in workplace safety, risk management, or EHS.
• Experience supporting multiple locations or field-based operations required.
• Demonstrated experience conducting inspections, investigations, and safety training.
• Familiarity with OSHA, fleet safety, workers' compensation, and food production/distribution environments.

Other Qualifications

• Strong communication and influencing skills across operational and field environments.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and operate in a fast-paced, geographically dispersed organization.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and follow-up discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate compassionately with injured employees.
• Ability to manage sensitive, confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and safety reporting systems.
• Ability to travel regularly between facilities and On-Site Locations (approximately 30%).

Required Competencies

• Safety & Risk Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Root Cause Analysis
• Operational Partnership
• Training & Coaching
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Continuous Improvement
• Accountability & Follow-Through
• Communication & Influence

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with claims management systems and reporting platforms preferred.