Environmental Health & Safety Manager

Position Summary:

Responsible for the overall support, strategy and development of the EHS functions of Ventura Foods operations.   Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Requires familiarity with standard chemical industry concepts, practices, procedures, and processes.  Must manage, communicate and facilitate Company safety & health goals to be included in Ventura Foods sites, and to coordinate and manage overall safety and health management systems and programs within Ventura Foods.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with, and improvement of EHS programs that meet federal, state and local regulatory requirements including, but not limited to: chemical safety, confined space entry, electrical safety, contractor EHS management, industrial hygiene, LOTO, PPE, PSM, industrial and office ergonomics, storm water pollution prevention, hazardous waste management, air emissions management and wastewater treatment.
• Provide guidance and technical expertise on requirements of EHS regulations, keeping local management informed of legislative updates and the necessary actions. Develop and implement plans, programs, processes and documented procedures for incident-free operations and reduction of risk.  Identify trends in incidents and near miss reports, ensure actions are completed to address root causes.
• Oversee and enhance application of incident investigation process and lessons learned.  Maintain the site EHS management system to be current and accurate.  Integration of OHSA's 18001 & ISO 14001 principles into site management system.  Active member of the plant management team including active participation in committee meetings.  Work with site leadership team to develop and maintain waste minimization efforts and spill prevention practices.  Identify and/or conduct EHS-related training. Responsible for coaching/developing/managing/appraising EHS team members.
• Oversee and enhance behavior-based safety processes including promotion of concepts and teaching.  Develops and assists in the implementation of security guidelines for VF and implements improvement plans that include customer and supplier interface.  Provides technical and regulatory input to proposed capital projects and facilities expansions including property protection recommendations.  Must be able to function across multiple business units upholding business alignment and maximizing integration as well as global strategies in the EHS goals, objectives, planning and execution.
• Responsible for assuring compliance with all Food Safety policies, procedures and regulatory criterion including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated Preventive Controls.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, safety, industrial hygiene, or related field required
• Minimum 5+ years of EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Strong knowledge of EHS Management Systems, regulatory compliance, and safety performance improvement
• Experience with PSM, behavioral‑based safety, training, and waste minimization
• Solid understanding of EHS regulations at the federal, state, and local levels
• CSP or CIH certification preferred
• Food manufacturing experience a plus

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and teamwork abilities
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication
• Accurate, consistent report and document preparation
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and general PC operations
• Empathetic, tactful, and effective in working with others
• Active listener who raises and resolves issues
• Strong analytical thinking and creative problem‑solving
• Detail‑oriented in preparing data and statistical reports
• Thrives in challenging, collaborative environments and influences across all levels
• Self‑starter who manages multiple priorities and drives solutions independently