West Liberty Foods

Summary:
The Director of Safety & Health will be responsible for the continuous development of Safety Policies, Procedures and Safety Programs and its effective implementation. The Director of Corporate Safety is ultimately responsible for having an effective workplace safety program and culture in place. 

 In order to effectively fulfill its obligations and accountabilities the position directs the resources and activities of the organization to support the Health and Safety programs by providing advice and guidance to company management and senior management. This position has significant influence on the company’s overall performance in the areas of corporate Health and Safety.  The primary challenge is to continually maintain an appropriate level of awareness, knowledge and preparedness across the organization, enabling its employees, and contractors, to engage in all Health and Safety policies and programs – creating a culture that prioritizes safety. 

 Provide overall leadership, professional knowledge and expertise in the administration and support of Health and Safety processes for all aspects of West Liberty Foods to include regulatory agency compliance, institutional policies and human capital development.  

General duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and provide technical and administrative direction on all safety and health policies and programs which bear critical importance to overall corporate objectives, operations and profitability of the various divisions.
• Oversee and enforce compliance with all OSHA, PSM and DOT Regulations pertaining to company operations while maintaining awareness of OSHA, PSM and DOT amendments and makes recommendations for their implementation.
• Review internal safety policies and practices to ensure they are current and appropriate; conduct hazard and risk assessments and develop new or, where necessary, amend safety policies and procedures.
• Create a work environment which reflects a commitment to protecting the health and safety of employees, food safety and quality.
• Identify and support the development of internal talent in preparation for future advancement and promotional opportunities.
• Positively impact employee relations by exemplifying and enforcing consistent, fair and inclusive employment practices, legal and corporate compliance, and attitudes and behaviors reflective of the company's commitment to diversity and community involvement.  

Position Responsibilities: 

• Prepare training programs in conjunction with the Training Department related to OSHA, PSM and DOT regulations and guidelines of West Liberty Foods. Provide support and training materials for Plant Safety Managers.
• Contribute written submissions to support the Health and Safety communication newsletters and President’s Quarterly Report.
• Work jointly with Risk Management regarding Workers Compensation issues or occurrences to promptly settle claims.
• Work jointly with Operations and Industrial Engineering to improve operational efficiencies and reduce Health and Safety related costs.
• Develop and cause the implementation of accident investigation with follow-up, data analysis, and recurrence prevention programs and procedures.
• Conduct on-site reviews and audits of operations and facilities.
• Direct industrial hygiene, occupational and general safety programs to ensure a safe environment and comply with safety policies.
• Direct implementation of strategies to effectively resolve Health and Safety issues negatively impacting all areas within scope of responsibility.
• Actively participate in the scheduling of safety meetings in support functions to review safety performance and policies.
• Create and maintain a culture reflective of a commitment to an illness and injury -free workplace.
• Provides regular written reports, as well as other production-related results and updates to Chief Operating Officer and other members of management team as requested or needed.
• Stay abreast of current and emerging technical and professional aspects of this position.
• Provides other requests from Chief Operating Officer as required.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required in risk management, industrial safety and health, safety engineering, safety management or closely related field preferred
• Prefer 7-10 years of progressive experience in the food/meat processing industry with 5+ years of general facility safety management.
• Equivalent combination of education, experience and accomplishments may be considered
• Experience with Safety Management Systems preferred:
  • • OHSAS 18001
    • ANSI Z10 ·                                        
    • OSHA 
    • VPP                           
• Professional Certification Preferred:                               
  • • ASP – Associate Safety Professional
    • CSP – Certified Safety Professional  
• Experience in team-based or participative management techniques within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge and experience managing production operations within USDA, FDA, and HACCP regulated environments.
• The ability to balance multiple tasks, along with strong communication skills is essential.
• Passion for what he or she does.
• A quantitative and practical intellect.
• Detailed oriented with a tenacious focus on results.
• High level of self confidence, flexibility, integrity and honesty.

Travel:

• Occasional travel to facility and vendor locations for interchange, meetings, design reviews, product support, and technical seminars.
• A passport is required.