Safety Director - Commercial Construction

Novak Construction • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Safety Director will lead and oversee Novak Construction’s nationwide safety program, ensuring consistent compliance, proactive risk management, and a strong culture of safety across all projects. This role provides strategic leadership, manages regional safety staff, develops company-wide safety policies, and partners closely with operations teams to identify hazards and implement corrective actions. Responsibilities include directing incident investigations, conducting jobsite audits, overseeing training programs, ensuring OSHA and DOT compliance, and managing safety performance metrics. The position requires a minimum of 15 years of commercial construction safety experience, strong leadership abilities, and national travel with regular onsite presence in the Chicago office.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of progressive safety experience in commercial construction, including senior or director-level leadership.
• Frequent national travel required (3–5 days per week); onsite presence in the Chicago office as needed.
• Proven ability to manage multi-state safety operations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence and build a culture of safety across large teams.
• Skilled in incident investigation, documentation, and root cause analysis.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA regulations, hazard prevention strategies, and construction safety systems. OSHA 30 certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Novak’s national safety program across all projects.
• Establish and enforce company-wide safety policies in compliance with OSHA and regulatory standards.
• Mentor and manage the Safety Team.
• Conduct audits, inspections, and risk assessments to ensure proactive hazard control.
• Oversee safety training, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Partner with operations and leadership to integrate safety into all project phases.
• Manage regulatory compliance (OSHA, DOT, environmental) and serve as agency liaison.
• Track and report safety performance metrics; drive continuous improvement.
• Lead emergency response planning and crisis management.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Weekly allowances for auto, fuel and mobile phone.
• Per diem while traveling, in accordance with GSA rates.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed