Divisional Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Manager

Exova•Warren, MI

64d

About The Position

Element has an opportunity for Divisional Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Manager. The Divisional Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Manager for Mobility will have a primary focus to ensure the safe design, execution, and oversight of battery testing operations, with a focus on laboratory and abuse testing environments. This role bridges environmental, health, and safety (EHS) requirements with technical understanding of lithium-ion and other high-energy battery systems across multiple sites. This role supports safety-by-design principles, reviews test methods and fixtures, and helps manage the risks associated with mechanical, electrical, and thermal testing of battery systems. This position plays a critical role in advancing battery safety practices while enabling innovative testing programs for mobility, ESS, and other applications. This role reports directly to the Director, SHE CT&M and indirectly to the Divisional VP. If you are not currently authorized to work in the US, Element Materials Technology will not consider your job application. Any candidate must be lawfully eligible to work in the US as a US Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States (Green Card Holder).

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (required)
3+ years in a lab or test environment involving lithium-ion batteries, including hands-on work with cell, module, or pack-level testing
Experience with battery abuse testing (nail penetration, crush, thermal runaway), environmental testing (thermal cycling, humidity), or electrical testing (overcharge, short circuit)
Familiarity with international battery testing standards (e.g., UL 9540A, UN 38.3, IEC 62133, SAE J2464, UL 2580)
Proficiency in risk analysis and mitigation planning for battery test programs
Strong interpersonal and technical communication skills to interface between lab staff, EHS, and engineering
Willingness to work hands-on in test environments and support live testing with appropriate safety controls
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks: OSHA, DOT, NFPA, EPA, and ANSI
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to conduct effective training and influence safety behaviors across cross-functional teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EHS management systems
Ability to travel up to 25-50% to support multiple sites
Proficiency in Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Proficiency in communication, both written and verbal
Well-developed oral and written communication skills to meet a variety of communication needs. Good interpersonal skills that foster open upward and downward communication built on mutual respect
Able to train and deliver key messages to large groups
Ability to enforce regulations and engage in conflict resolution in a respectful and engaging manner; ability to see both sides of a situation, analyze and resolve safety-related issues
Ability to analyze data and provide evidence-based recommendations
Ability to remain calm when faced with mounting pressure related to deadlines and multiple priorities
Must be able to effectively problem solve
Proven track record of working in and/or influencing relationships where there is exposure to sensitive issues

Nice To Haves

CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or GSP (Graduate Safety Practitioner) designation (preferred or in progress)
CSP/GSP credential welcome but not required if balanced by technical lab experience.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the execution of a company focused SHE program
Partner with location management teams (GM, and Operations Manager, Department level) to understand SHE concerns, opportunities, and gaps and provide solutions to close the gaps
Develop and deliver SHE training as well as development of SHE programs based on organizational needs.
Investigate, determine, and develop a process to track effectiveness of safety programs
Partner with engineering and lab leads to ensure test plans include safety mitigations aligned with battery risk profiles (e.g., cell vs. module vs. pack, and thermal vs. mechanical test types)
Support design reviews for abuse test fixtures, containment systems, and safety interlocks
Evaluate test setup integrity, pressure relief, venting, and emergency response measures before execution
Participate in pre-test checklists and dry runs for high-risk tests, including thermal runaway, fire, short circuit, and crush
Maintain up-to-date understanding of UL, SAE, IEC, ISO, and UN standards related to battery testing
Provide guidance on safety during pack teardown, post-test analysis, and gas handling or scrubbing
Track and trend test-related near misses or failures to guide protocol improvements
Implement and audit lab safety procedures including ESD protection, grounding, PPE use, and chemical management (e.g., electrolyte exposure)
Support maintenance and calibration programs for test equipment critical to battery safety (chambers, DAQs, heaters, abuse rigs, etc.)
Develop and deliver training programs for new and existing test personnel on hazard recognition and lab-specific safety protocols.
Lead investigations into test-related incidents and drive continuous improvement in test execution safety
Ensure compliance with relevant safety codes and provide site-specific support for testing regulatory submissions
Work across engineering, facilities, and site leadership to develop and implement safety best practices and shared learnings
Coordinate and standardize battery safety practices across multiple sites
Conduct regular site visits to monitor compliance and provide technical safety guidance to local teams
Partner with site leadership and testing, engineering, and facilities teams to ensure safety in battery design, transport, and testing activities
Support new equipment reviews and facility modifications to ensure safety in battery handling and abuse testing areas