Director of Safety

Nevell Group•Brea, CA

19h

About The Position

Nevell Group is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Safety to lead and enhance its company-wide safety program across multiple projects and locations. Reporting directly to the Risk Manager, the Director will lead the Safety Department, establish safety strategy, and ensure the company maintains high standards of workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management. The role partners with Operations, Project Management, Field Supervision, and Executive Leadership and serves as a construction safety subject matter expert. The Director oversees safety planning, regulatory compliance, training, incident response, workers’ compensation coordination, safety documentation, and company-wide safety metrics. Responsibilities span safety strategy and team leadership, training and certification programs, jobsite safety, regulatory inspections and compliance, incident investigations and reporting, safety records, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role also supports project pursuits and client interviews as needed.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of progressive construction safety experience, including management or director-level experience leading a safety department for a General Contractor, specialty contractor, or large commercial construction organization.
OSHA 30 and OSHA 500 certifications required.
Experience managing safety programs across multiple construction projects and locations.
Experience with workers’ compensation claims, incident investigations, root-cause analysis, regulatory inspections, and safety program development.
Proven leadership experience managing and developing safety professionals and field personnel.
Comprehensive knowledge of Federal OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and DIR regulations and reporting requirements.
Strong understanding of commercial construction safety practices and jobsite hazards.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify trends and develop effective corrective actions.
Ability to establish processes and procedures where no precedent or guidelines exist.
Strong project and time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and safety management, reporting, and project management systems.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment and regularly engage with field personnel.
Strong judgment and discretion when handling sensitive safety, workers’ compensation, legal, and employee matters.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Risk Management, or a related field; preferred but not required.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification; strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and direct the Safety Department and establish company-wide safety goals, programs, procedures, and initiatives.
Develop safety benchmarks, standard operating procedures, and protocols that promote a strong safety culture.
Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing safety team; serve as a visible safety leader and subject matter expert.
Develop and manage the company-wide Safety Training Program, including scheduling and tracking training related to OSHA, EPA, DOT, and applicable regulations.
Oversee safety orientations, toolbox talks, tailgate meetings, safety meetings, and stretch-and-flex programs; maintain current certifications and a company-wide certification matrix.
Ensure jobsite compliance with Federal OSHA, Cal/OSHA, DIR, corporate, client, General Contractor, and project-specific safety requirements.
Establish safety inspection criteria, analyze inspection results, and identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Review project contract documents during preconstruction to identify owner and General Contractor safety requirements.
Coordinate safety staffing, resources, documentation, and planning for each project.
Review and approve Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), pre-task planning, site-specific safety plans, and Codes of Safe Practices.
Oversee the company PPE program, including selection, purchasing, issuance, inspections, and budgeting.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations and reporting requirements; lead regulatory, client, General Contractor, and third-party safety inspections.
Develop, implement, and update safety policies and procedures based on regulatory changes and industry best practices.
Partner with Risk Management on workers’ compensation claims, near-misses, incidents, investigations, and corrective actions.
Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, General Contractors, subcontractors, insurance representatives, and safety professionals.
Establish and enforce company-wide injury-response and incident communication protocols.
Direct incident and injury investigations, including root-cause analysis and corrective action planning.
Ensure serious injuries and other reportable incidents are promptly communicated to the Risk Department and Executive Team; coordinate required reporting to agencies, carriers, General Contractors, and clients.
Work with Risk Management and legal counsel on litigated or potentially litigated matters, investigations, documentation, and communications.
Review and approve company and project-specific safety manuals, including the IIPP and site-specific safety plans.
Maintain accurate safety records, certifications, training documentation, inspections, incidents, and claims; oversee project safety documentation and timely completion.
Maintain working knowledge of hazardous materials and hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal requirements.
Track and report safety metrics, goals, incident trends, open claims, and leading indicators; prepare monthly reports for Executive Leadership and stakeholders.
Identify safety trends and recommend corrective and preventive actions; develop initiatives to reduce incidents, improve field performance, and strengthen safety culture.
Support project pursuit efforts and participate in client interviews as needed.