Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Location: Upstate New York Travel: Regional travel throughout the Northeast

Location: Upstate New York (Albany preferred; Rochester/Farmington and Syracuse considered)

Our client in Upstate New York is seeking a Director of Environmental Health & Safety for a Direct Hire opportunity. This is a field-focused leadership position requiring extensive travel throughout the Northeast.

Client Profile

Our client is a growing, international organization specializing in recycling, resource recovery, and sustainable material processing. With operations throughout the United States and globally, the company is committed to improving workplace safety while expanding its operational footprint. The organization offers: An established international presence with continued growth throughout the Americas A strong commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management Executive leadership that has made workplace safety a top organizational priority Opportunities for professional development and long-term career advancement An opportunity to lead meaningful improvements in safety culture and operational performance.

Director of Environmental Health & Safety Role

The Director of Environmental Health & Safety will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership for occupational safety and environmental programs across multiple processing facilities and redemption centers throughout the Northeast. This position is approximately 80% safety focused and 20% environmental, with a strong emphasis on OSHA compliance, safety training, program implementation, and developing a culture of accountability. The organization has established safety policies, procedures, and programs. The incoming Director will focus on strengthening execution, increasing employee engagement, improving incident reporting, and ensuring consistent enforcement across facilities. This individual will lead and develop an existing EHS team, partner closely with operations and senior leadership, and serve as a visible safety leader throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve environmental, health, and safety initiatives across approximately 10 major operating facilities and 50 smaller redemption centers.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and applicable federal, state, and local environmental and safety requirements.
• Drive implementation, enforcement, and continuous improvement of established safety policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
• Build a proactive safety culture through employee engagement, leadership accountability, and consistent communication.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop existing EHS professionals while supporting future team growth.
• Conduct frequent facility visits, safety inspections, operational assessments, and employee training.
• Partner with site leadership to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Strengthen incident reporting practices, conduct or oversee investigations, and identify opportunities to reduce workplace injuries.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Support safety initiatives involving industrial equipment, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling operations.
• Collaborate with fleet safety personnel on initiatives involving transportation and driver safety.
• Establish and monitor safety performance metrics, reporting trends, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with operations leadership in facilities operating across multiple shifts, including 24‑hour operations.
• Support global safety initiatives and coordinate with international leadership on organizational safety priorities.
• Present safety performance, initiatives, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support environmental compliance activities and related reporting requirements.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams on new technologies, operational improvements, and emerging safety initiatives.
• Travel extensively throughout the assigned region to maintain a visible and engaged presence across operating facilities.

Qualifications Required Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of safety management and training experience.
• 2 to 3 years of experience leading, managing, and coaching EHS personnel.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations, occupational safety practices, and workplace safety training.
• Demonstrated experience implementing, enforcing, and improving safety programs within an operational environment.
• Experience developing safety initiatives, influencing operational leadership, and driving employee accountability.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop EHS employees.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to engage with frontline employees and senior executives.
• Ability to work effectively in active industrial, processing, warehouse, or plant environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 70% to 75% throughout the Northeast.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in recycling, waste management, material recovery facilities, industrial processing, warehousing, or plant operations.
• Previous responsibility for safety programs across multiple operating locations.
• Experience with fleet safety, DOT regulations, or CDL driver safety programs.
• Experience supporting unionized operations.
• Familiarity with forklift, pallet jack, and material handling equipment safety training.
• Experience implementing cultural or organizational change within an established workforce.
• Professional safety certifications, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Features and Benefits

• Target annual bonus of 25%
• Comprehensive medical plan options, prescription coverage, dental and vision benefits, wellness resources, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, company-paid life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Paid time off, company holidays, and programs that help employees balance personal and professional priorities.
• Additional voluntary insurance options to help protect you and your loved ones.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, approachable, and hands‑on EHS leader who enjoys being in the field, building relationships with employees, and turning established safety programs into consistent operational practices.