EHS Manager

East Penn Manufacturing Company • Ann Arbor, MI

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Navitas is ready to invest in you! We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager to oversee all aspects of EHS in our lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of EHS regulations, risk management, and operational safety specifically within the high-tech manufacturing environment of lithium-ion batteries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety Engineering, Occupational Health, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in EHS management within a manufacturing environment, with a specific focus on hazardous materials (such as lead or sulfuric acid) and battery manufacturing processes.
• In-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape for battery manufacturing and environmental compliance (e.g., RCRA, EPA, OSHA, DOT, local environmental standards).
• Proven track record in managing health and safety programs, environmental sustainability initiatives, and process safety management.
• Experience in leading teams, implementing EHS programs, and driving cultural change toward safety and environmental responsibility.
• Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes and associated health and safety risks, including chemical handling, electrical hazards, and fire prevention.
• Familiarity with environmental impact assessment tools, regulatory reporting requirements, and waste management programs in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to train, mentor, and inspire teams to achieve EHS goals and foster a culture of safety.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Regular travel to East Penn locations (estimated 10% to 15% travel required).
• ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) the employee must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• Must be comfortable supporting US-military funded work and building products for military testing and use.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or advanced certifications (e.g., Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)) are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce safety protocols tailored to the unique risks associated with lithium-ion battery production, including safe handling of raw materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and other chemicals.
• Establish and maintain Process Safety Management processes, focusing on the prevention of catastrophic events, such as fires or chemical spills. Ensure proper risk analysis, hazard identification, and safety-critical equipment maintenance.
• Lead efforts in developing fire safety programs specific to the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, including appropriate firefighting protocols, equipment, and emergency response plans. Regularly conduct fire drills and train employees on fire safety procedures.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials involved in the battery manufacturing process. Work closely with environmental and operations teams to implement safe material handling procedures for chemicals such as electrolytes, solvents, and other reactive substances.
• Design and deliver training programs for all employees to ensure a deep understanding of safety protocols. Promote a culture of safety where employees feel empowered to report safety concerns and take an active role in maintaining a safe work environment.
• Lead investigations of any workplace accidents, near misses, or safety-related incidents. Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative measures to avoid recurrences.
• Ensure the facility complies with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including air and water quality, waste disposal, and emissions standards. Maintain compliance with environmental laws such as RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and local environmental standards.
• Develop and implement environmental sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency projects, water conservation strategies, waste reduction programs, and low-carbon technologies. Drive efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing processes.
• Lead the development and implementation of safe and efficient waste disposal protocols, including hazardous materials generated during the battery production process. Coordinate recycling programs for both production waste (e.g., scrap metals, solvents, chemicals) and end-of-life battery recycling.
• Oversee partnerships with recycling companies and work on the development of closed-loop recycling processes to recover valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other critical metals used in battery manufacturing. Regularly audit processes and systems to identify potential environmental impacts and risks. Work with other departments to implement corrective actions and preventative measures.
• Oversee and manage comprehensive health risk assessments, particularly in the context of chemical exposure, noise levels, and ergonomic risks in the production process. Identify potential hazards such as exposure to hazardous chemicals (e.g., solvents, acids, heavy metals) and develop mitigation strategies.
• Design and implement proactive health programs aimed at reducing work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes ergonomic assessments, stress management programs, and programs focused on respiratory health and hearing protection.
• Oversee the implementation of occupational hygiene programs, ensuring that the facility meets or exceeds health standards regarding air quality, chemical exposure, noise, and thermal comfort. Develop and maintain medical emergency response plans, including appropriate procedures for handling chemical burns, inhalation injuries, and exposure to hazardous materials. Ensure that the site has properly trained first responders.
• Lead initiatives to promote mental well-being among employees, implementing programs that reduce stress, foster resilience, and offer resources for managing mental health challenges related to shift work and workplace stressors.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of EHS programs and initiatives. Report on metrics related to environmental impact, safety incidents, health outcomes, and compliance. Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies, including emissions reports, waste disposal records, and safety audits; respond to any regulatory inquiries or inspections.
• Lead the EHS team in continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing data and employee feedback to drive process enhancements and further reduce risks across the organization. Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, product and research & development teams, along with our parent company, East Penn Manufacturing, to integrate safety and environmental measures into the design of processes and equipment. Provide technical input on safety and environmental considerations during product design and process modification.
• Collaborate with the supply chain and procurement teams to ensure that suppliers meet environmental and safety standards, including the review of safety data sheets (SDS) for materials and ensuring that incoming materials comply with all EHS regulations. Lead and mentor a team of EHS professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Collaborate with other senior managers to develop and implement company-wide EHS strategies.
• Physical presence on the job is essential and necessary
• Follow all safety guidelines and operate in a safe manner.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• Paid company holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees