Safety Manager

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Safety Manager leads the facility’s safety, health, and security programs to protect employees, reduce workplace risks, and support safe, efficient operations. This role develops practical policies and training, ensures regulatory compliance, and drives continuous improvement through hazard identification, incident investigation, and corrective action. Working closely with leadership and department managers, the Safety Manager establishes clear expectations, strengthens accountability, and promotes employee involvement in maintaining a safe workplace. The position also oversees security personnel, emergency preparedness, and facility access procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop, implement, and maintain safety policies, standard operating procedures, and prevention programs appropriate for harvest, fabrication, processing, sanitation, rendering, hide house, and related support operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety and health requirements, including OSHA regulations. Monitor regulatory changes and coordinate necessary updates to facility practices.
• Conduct facility inspections, risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and employee observations. Establish corrective actions, assign responsibility, and verify timely completion.
• Manage applicable safety programs, including lockout/tagout, machine guarding, confined spaces, hazard communication, respiratory protection, hearing conservation, fall protection, electrical safety, hot work, and powered industrial trucks.
• Address hazards associated with knives and cutting tools, repetitive motion, material handling, slippery surfaces, elevated work areas, moving equipment, live animal handling, and biological exposures.
• Partner with Maintenance, Refrigeration, and Sanitation leadership to control risks involving ammonia refrigeration, chemical handling, equipment servicing, high-pressure cleaning, and temperature extremes. Support process safety management and related emergency planning where applicable.
• Establish personal protective equipment requirements based on job hazards and evaluate proper selection, use, and condition.
• Develop and coordinate safety orientation, recurring training, and job-specific instruction for employees, supervisors, managers, and contractors. Verify understanding and maintain accurate training records.
• Lead investigations of injuries, near misses, property damage, and security incidents. Identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain required OSHA records, regulatory reports, inspection documentation, and equipment testing records. Complete required notifications and submissions accurately and on time.
• Analyze safety performance and incident trends, communicate findings to leadership, and establish measurable improvement priorities.
• Work with department managers and supervisors to reinforce safe work practices, address deficiencies, and integrate safety expectations into daily operations.
• Coordinate occupational health activities, including exposure assessments, hearing testing, respiratory protection evaluations, and other required monitoring or medical surveillance.
• Oversee first aid stations, medical supplies, and designated emergency responders. Coordinate prompt care following workplace injuries and provide first aid within the scope of training and certification.
• Partner with Human Resources and medical providers on injury reporting, workers’ compensation documentation, work restrictions, and return-to-work coordination.
• Maintain emergency response and evacuation procedures for fires, chemical releases, severe weather, workplace violence, and other facility emergencies. Organize drills and evaluate response effectiveness.
• Manage security personnel, post assignments, access controls, visitor and contractor procedures, and incident response protocols.
• Serve as the facility’s primary safety contact during regulatory inspections, external audits, and emergency response activities. Coordinate supporting documentation and follow-up actions.
• Recommend safety equipment, facility improvements, and program investments based on identified risks, operational needs, and performance data.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health and Safety, Safety Management, Industrial Hygiene, or a closely related field required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of three years of experience serving as a Safety Manager in a manufacturing or industrial facility required.
• Experience in meat processing or food manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing regulatory compliance, conducting incident investigations, developing safety programs, and leading employee training required.
• Experience supervising safety or security personnel preferred.
• OSHA 30-hour General Industry training and current CPR/AED/First Aid certification preferred.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or a related professional certification preferred.

SPECIAL SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong working knowledge of OSHA general industry requirements and the ability to translate regulatory standards into practical operating procedures.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to influence safe behavior and hold employees and leaders accountable.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver training to employees with varying language, literacy, and technical backgrounds.
• Ability to balance operational demands with safety requirements and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing records, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and safety reporting systems.
• Ability to work throughout production and support areas, including wet, cold, hot, and noisy environments, while wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Availability to support multiple shifts, respond to emergencies, and work occasional evenings or weekends as operational needs require.

Travel requirements: Up to 10%.

DISCLAIMER: This position description outlines the general nature and level of work assigned to this role. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on business needs.