EHS Manager

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute the site's inaugural EHS roadmap, including policies, procedures, and performance goals (TRIR, LTIR, environmental metrics).
• Lead the design and implementation of an integrated EHS Management System aligned with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 frameworks from site launch.
• Establish and manage the site's EHS budget, capital projects for safety/environmental controls, and resource planning.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies (TOSHA, TDEC, local fire department) and lead all inspections, audits, and reporting.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments (JHA, PHA) for all new processes, equipment, and materials, integrating EHS by design during plant setup.
• Secure and manage all necessary environmental permits (air, water, waste) and ensure timely submission of required reports.

Operational Safety & Industrial Hygiene:

• Build and oversee critical safety programs: LOTO, Confined Space, Fall Protection, Electrical Safety, Hoisting & Rigging, and Powered Industrial Vehicles.
• Develop and manage a rigorous Contractor Safety Management program for construction and ongoing maintenance activities.
• Implement industrial hygiene monitoring strategies for potential exposures (noise, welding fumes, VOCs, dust) and manage the site Hearing Conservation and Respiratory Protection programs.

Environmental Stewardship:

• Design and manage waste streams, with a focus on proper identification, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and universal waste in compliance with Tennessee regulations.
• Develop Stormwater Pollution Prevention (SWPPP) and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans.
• Champion sustainability initiatives targeting waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, and water conservation.

Training, Culture & Engagement:

• Create and deliver engaging EHS training for all employees, from orientation to leadership-specific training.
• Recruit, train, and lead the site Safety Committee and Emergency Response Team (ERT).
• Foster a strong reporting culture through visible leadership, safety observation programs, and recognition systems.

Launch & Commissioning Support:

• Act as the key EHS stakeholder during equipment installation, commissioning, and process qualification, ensuring safety and environmental controls are integral.
• Develop and validate all emergency action and contingency plans before production start.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific/engineering field. Master's degree preferred.
• Certifications (One or more required): Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is strongly preferred. Other relevant certifications (CHMM, CEP, PE) are a significant plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive EHS experience in manufacturing, with 5+ years in a plant EHS Manager or Senior Specialist role.
• Proven experience in a plant launch, greenfield startup, or major expansion is highly desirable.
• Deep, hands-on expertise with Tennessee and Federal EHS regulations (TOSHA, TDEC, OSHA, EPA) is mandatory.
• Automotive industry or heavy manufacturing (stamping, plating, painting, injection molding) experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with implementing and maintaining ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 systems.