About the Role

Our client, a leading national manufacturing company, is seeking an accomplished National Director of Safety to oversee all safety strategy, compliance, and risk mitigation initiatives across multiple manufacturing plants and distribution operations. This executive leader will establish and drive a world-class safety culture, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations across the organization. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in manufacturing safety, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to influence teams at all levels—plant floor to executive board.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Safety Leadership

• Develop, implement, and oversee the company’s national safety strategy.
• Evaluate current programs and drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
• Build a strong, unified safety culture across all facilities and operational functions.

Program & Policy Management

• Oversee the development and execution of safety programs including OSHA compliance, injury prevention, process safety, contractor safety, ergonomics, and environmental health initiatives.
• Lead audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all U.S. sites.
• Implement standardized safety practices, SOPs, and training across manufacturing and distribution operations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and federal/state/local regulations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Lead incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a national safety team, including regional and onsite safety managers and coordinators.
• Partner closely with operations, quality, engineering, HR, and executive leadership to support safety initiatives.
• Champion ongoing employee education, training, and engagement programs.

Risk Management & Reporting

• Oversee companywide safety performance metrics, analytics, and reporting.
• Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for proactive risk mitigation.
• Present findings, strategies, and recommendations to senior leadership and the board.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Health, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive safety leadership in manufacturing; beverage, food, or CPG strongly preferred.
• Multi-site leadership experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, PSM, EPA, DOT, and industry-specific safety regulations.
• Demonstrated experience creating and scaling national safety programs.
• CSP, CIH, CHMM, or equivalent certifications strongly preferred.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and forward-thinking leader
• Strong operational understanding of manufacturing environments
• Data-driven decision maker
• Skilled in change management and continuous improvement
• Collaborative and relationship-focused
• Hands-on approach with executive presence

Compensation & Benefits

• Executive-level salary (DOE)
• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Vehicle allowance or company vehicle (optional depending on client norms)
• Paid time off & holidays
• Career advancement within a rapidly growing organization