Lead, Health & Safety Program Manager

American Water•Alexandria, VA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

American Water is seeking a Lead, Health & Safety (Ops) to lead health and safety strategy, programs, compliance, training, and risk management initiatives for medium-sized state operations. The role reports directly to the VP of Operations and partners closely with operations leadership and corporate safety teams to protect employees, contractors, and communities while supporting operational excellence. The position can be located in Alexandria, Woodbridge, or Hopewell, Virginia, and requires 30% to 40% travel within the state. The role oversees state-level health and safety systems and processes, regulatory compliance, training, claims, insurance services, reporting, and transportation-related compliance. The position also works with state HR and labor relations teams and supports litigation and accident investigations. The work may occasionally take place in construction environments, near moving mechanical parts, and outdoors in varied weather. Possible exposures include physical hazards, weather extremes, wet or humid conditions, chemicals, elevated levels, confined spaces, and noise. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required, and respiratory protection may be required in certain instances.

Requirements

At least 8 years of related experience.
Bachelor’s degree in safety management, safety engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational environmental health and safety, or a related field; equivalent role-related work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
At least one relevant nationally recognized professional certification, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Knowledge of OSHA and applicable Federal, State, and local regulations for utilities, construction, and related industries.
Knowledge of health and safety program management and OSHA requirements for construction and general industry.
Knowledge of environmental regulations and Department of Transportation regulations.
Strong process, project, and program management skills.
Ability to lead through influence and deliver results through others.
Ability to think strategically and execute training strategies tactically while anticipating business impacts.
Strong quantitative, analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
Effective people management skills, including planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading staff and teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentations.
Effective interpersonal skills, including persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem-solving, and internal consulting.
Leadership presence and ability to maintain collaborative relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Knowledge of the water utility industry.

Responsibilities

Lead health and safety strategy, systems, and processes for state-level operations.
Ensure employees and contractors comply with applicable regulations and American Water safety standards.
Partner with the Corporate Safety team to deliver health and safety training.
Partner closely with state-level Human Resources and Labor Relations teams.
Assist with workers’ compensation, general liability, and product liability matters.
Select and oversee insurance companies or independent counsel for litigated claims.
Prepare or oversee litigation report updates and financial exposure assessments for litigated claims.
Ensure claims and accidents are investigated promptly and required reports are submitted for compliance.
Administer, manage, and approve local insurance services, including certificates of insurance, bonds, builder’s risk, and railroad protective insurance.
Manage compliance related to Community Right to Know, OSHA Process Safety Management, EPA Risk Management Program, RCRA, NESHAPS, underground storage tanks, HazWopr, spill prevention and control plans, Superfund, and medical and solid waste disposal.
Administer the driver pull notice program.
Prepare and submit required annual regulatory reports.
Ensure compliance with Federal and State Department of Transportation regulations, including driver license renewals, driver qualification, vehicle and trailer inventories, annual inspections, driver substance abuse programs, hazardous materials transportation security, and permits.