Hazmat Operations Manager

RK Logistics Group•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Hazmat Operations Manager oversees the safe, compliant, and efficient handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials. The role ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations while leading operational teams, maintaining safety standards, driving continuous improvement, and supporting customer and business requirements. The manager serves as the subject matter expert for hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance. The position manages day-to-day hazardous materials warehouse and distribution operations, including receiving, storage, inventory management, handling, and shipment. It leads compliance and safety programs, maintains required permits and documentation, and works with customers and internal stakeholders to meet service and regulatory requirements. The role also develops employees and supervisors, oversees operational performance, and leads improvement projects. The preferred education is a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Business Administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and operational experience may be considered. The role calls for 5–10 years of relevant warehouse, logistics, transportation, or hazardous materials operations experience, including 3–5 years of leadership experience. The annual pay range is $110,000–$140,000.

Requirements

5–10 years of warehouse, logistics, transportation, or hazardous materials operations experience.
3–5 years of leadership experience managing supervisors and operational teams.
Experience in a hazardous materials, chemical, pharmaceutical, industrial, or regulated warehouse environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of DOT, OSHA, EPA, and hazardous materials regulations.
Strong understanding of hazardous materials classifications and shipping requirements.
Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control processes.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and operational reporting tools.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and operational experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing regulatory inspections and compliance programs.
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
DOT Hazardous Materials Certification.
OSHA 30-Hour Certification.
HAZWOPER Certification (29 CFR 1910.120).
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day hazardous materials warehouse and distribution operations.
Oversee receiving, storage, inventory management, handling, and shipment of hazardous materials.
Maintain operational efficiency while meeting safety and compliance standards.
Establish and monitor KPIs for safety, productivity, quality, and customer service.
Develop staffing plans and manage labor resources.
Ensure compliance with applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, RCRA, 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations, NFPA standards, and state and local environmental regulations.
Maintain required permits, licenses, and compliance documentation.
Lead internal and external compliance audits and inspections; investigate compliance issues and implement corrective actions.
Promote a strong safety culture and develop and maintain site-specific hazardous materials safety programs.
Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses.
Ensure emergency response procedures are established, communicated, and regularly tested.
Coordinate spill response, containment, and remediation when necessary.
Conduct facility safety inspections and risk assessments.
Recruit, train, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly employees; conduct performance evaluations and establish development plans.
Ensure employees receive required hazardous materials and safety training, foster engagement and accountability, and lead shift meetings to communicate expectations.
Serve as the primary customer contact for hazardous materials operations and support customer audits and compliance reviews.
Collaborate with EHS, Quality, Transportation, and Operations teams.
Ensure service levels meet contractual obligations and customer expectations.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance; implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement initiatives.
Analyze operational data and develop action plans to improve performance.
Lead projects involving facility expansion, process improvements, or new customer implementations.
Adhere to RK Safety, Quality, ISO, and HR policies and standards.