HR & Safety Specialist

OKUMA AMERICA CORPORATION•Charlotte, NC

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Okuma America Corporation, we believe a successful workplace starts with the well-being, safety, and support of our employees. As an HR & Safety Specialist, you will play a key role in fostering a safe, compliant, and employee-focused work environment by supporting both Human Resources and Safety initiatives. This hybrid role combines workplace safety leadership with employee support programs, benefits education, leave administration, and compliance management. Working closely with employees, managers, and leadership teams, you will help strengthen Okuma's culture of safety, engagement, and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field (or equivalent experience).
Working knowledge of OSHA and applicable employment laws (FMLA, ADA, etc.).
3 to 5 years of experience in safety programs, leave administration, and HR operations.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or similar environments.
Familiarity with ISO standards or integrated management systems.
Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety standards.
Understanding of FMLA, ADA, and related employment laws.
Ability to conduct safety audits, JSAs, and incident investigations.
Proficiency with HR systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office.
Ability to sit continuously for over half of the normal work shift, and stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for at least half of the normal work shift
Ability to lift and carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds
Ability to stoop, crouch, and reach
Ability to talk or hear continuously
Ability to see clearly to do all work-related tasks (clear or corrected vision at 20 inches or less)
Finger dexterity is required frequently for over 3/4 of the normal work shift, including operating a phone, computer/ electronic equipment, and electronic tools
Must have a valid Driver’s license and be willing to travel up to 30%
Blend of office- based work and on-site activities
Regular interaction with warehouse, production, and operational environments.
Exposure to varying temperatures, tools, equipment, and noise levels.
Regular travel within the region for training, inspections, and safety activities.
Driving record that is insurable
Must live within commutable distance to corporate office
Maintain annual OSHA safety certifications as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field preferred.
Manufacturing, industrial, or technical work environment experience preferred.
Certifications such as OSHA 10/30 or HR related credentials (PHR/SHRM-CP) preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a resource for employees regarding benefits, wellness programs, leave administration, and workplace accommodations.
Support benefits enrollment, employee communications, and wellness initiatives in partnership with the HR team.
Administer leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, workers' compensation, and return-to-work processes.
Partner with managers and employees to ensure a positive and compliant employee experience.
Develop, implement, and maintain safety programs, policies, procedures, and training initiatives.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
Conduct workplace inspections, safety audits, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and incident investigations.
Lead corrective action planning and monitor safety performance metrics and reporting.
Deliver safety, wellness, and compliance-related training programs for employees and leadership.
Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement.
Serve as a subject matter expert on workplace safety practices, leave programs, and employee support resources.
Support onboarding, compliance initiatives, and employee development programs.
Partner with leadership, HR, and operational teams to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
Manage workers' compensation claims and support transitional duty programs.
Coordinate emergency preparedness activities, safety committee initiatives, and compliance efforts.
Continuously identify opportunities to improve employee programs, safety performance, and organizational effectiveness.