Director of Safety - Retail and Distribution

Ollie's Bargain Outlet•Lower Paxton Township, PA

About The Position

The Safety Director is responsible for setting and executing the enterprise safety strategy across all retail stores and distribution centers. This role provides executive leadership over safety, risk mitigation, and compliance programs, ensuring safety practices are fully integrated into operational decision-making. The Safety Director drives culture, accountability, and measurable reductions in risk, injuries, and claims while aligning safety performance with business outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Environmental Health, or related field (preferred).
7–10+ years of progressive safety leadership experience
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and use findings to improve safety programs.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety, housekeeping standards, and sanitation protocols.
Strong background in incident investigation, safety auditing, and compliance reporting.
Willingness to travel regularly to stores and DCs.
Strong business acumen with ability to connect safety to financial outcomes
Ability to drive for long distances
Ability to stand, walk, bend and kneel on a frequent basis
Ability to operate a motor vehicle with a valid state issued license
Physical ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer
Ability to see, hear, and speak regularly

Nice To Haves

Retail + Distribution Center experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Develop, implement and oversee company-wide safety policies, procedures and programs for both retail and distribution operations.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other federal, state, and local regulations.
Monitor/evaluate regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments across stores and DCs.
Maintain safety manuals, hazard communication programs, and emergency action plans.
Own the enterprise safety strategy for retail and distribution operations.
Establish multi-year safety roadmaps aligned with company growth.
Develop and maintain governance models, standards, and escalation frameworks.
Ensure consistency of safety expectations across all regions and DCs.
Deliver training on workplace safety, hazard recognition, housekeeping standards, forklift safety, HazMat handling, PPE, and ergonomics.
Lead store and DC associates in safety awareness campaigns, emphasizing safe customer interactions and store cleanliness.
Provide coaching to leaders on how to sustain a safe and orderly environment.
Serve as the executive safety authority for stores and DCs.
Partner with the Sr. Director of Asset Protection, Operations, HR, and Supply Chain leadership on enterprise risk decisions.
Present safety performance, trends, and risk exposure to senior leadership.
Influence leaders through data, insight, and business impact.
Investigate workplace accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions to determine root causes. Create remediation plans.
Partner with HR, Operations, and Loss Prevention to manage OSHA reporting and workers’ compensation claims.
Ensure remedial/corrective and preventive actions are implemented, with follow-up validation.
Identify systemic risks and prioritize intervention strategies.
Drive continuous improvement through predictive risk indicators and trend analysis.
Recommend investments in technology, tools, and process improvements.
Develop and enforce daily/weekly housekeeping checklists for stores and DCs to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Ensure aisles, exits, and stockrooms remain clear of obstructions.
Monitor restrooms, breakrooms, and common areas for cleanliness and safety compliance.
Drive accountability for sanitation standards that protect associates and customers.
Partner with Retail Operations, Distribution leadership, and Loss Prevention to provide strategic direction that aligns safety practices with business goals.
Serve as primary liaison for regulatory inspections and external audits.
Report safety performance, incident trends, and cleanliness compliance to executive leadership.
Lead, develop, and influence safety resources across the organization.
Build leadership capability by working closely with field leadership RDs, DTLs, RLPMs, DLPMs, DC leaders, and Store Leadership Teams.
Establish training standards and leadership accountability models for safety ownership.
Serve as executive sponsor for safety culture initiatives (e.g., SAFE 360).
Track and analyze safety and cleanliness data to identify trends.
Implement proactive risk-reduction strategies in high-risk areas.
Research and recommend new tools, cleaning methods, or technologies that improve workplace safety and customer experience.