Safety Director - USBL - US

Sysco•Knoxville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safety Director is an Operating Company-based position responsible for leading the implementation of prevention-focused health, safety, environmental (HSE), security, and crisis-preparedness programs. The role establishes and delivers an OpCo-specific strategy supporting Sysco’s overall HSE objectives. It is based at the assigned operating company facilities and may involve limited travel to Sysco facilities or operating companies. The Safety Director works with operational and site management to reduce injuries, accidents, and incidents; strengthen compliance; and promote a zero-incident culture. The position develops HSE plans, metrics, audits, training, and hazard-control processes, and leads incident investigations and corrective actions. It also supports emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, return-to-work programs, and engagement through HSE teams and committees. The role includes management responsibilities such as staff selection, development, discipline, performance reviews, and terminations. It also involves interpreting and enforcing company policies, maintaining associate relations, and supporting engagement and communication. The position is performed at the assigned facilities, where the noise level is usually moderate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or certifications with equivalent experience.
5–7 years of hands-on environmental and safety experience in warehousing/distribution, manufacturing, or transportation operations.
Certification in safety (CSP) or equivalent attained or in progress.
Valid driver’s license and proof of liability coverage meeting company standards.
Strong safety background with a proven record of results.
Ability to drive a strong safety philosophy and constructive behavior changes in transportation safety.
Excellent analytical skills.
Solid employee relations and interpersonal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with all levels of management, supervision, and employees.
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Leadership and team-building skills, including the ability to influence decision-makers.
Knowledge of spreadsheet and word-processing software and ability to learn Sysco technology software and programs.
Ability to use time and resources effectively to accomplish initiatives and program goals.
Ability to analyze and independently solve difficult situations and problems.
Ability to demonstrate all Leadership Framework competencies.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone, and talk and hear; frequently sit and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Ability to work at assigned operating company facilities and make limited travel to Sysco facilities or operating companies.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Considerable experience with occupational safety, transportation safety, and environmental compliance is preferred.
Other pertinent safety certifications or designations are desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop HSE strategy with operational management in support of corporate HSE and security goals.
Develop and support HSE plans to reduce injuries, accidents, and incidents and meet operational goals.
Communicate HSE strategy and objectives to senior leadership and support site management in implementing HSE plans.
Design and implement metrics to track progress, identify concerns, and drive accountability.
Develop and implement HSE training programs for management and associates, and facilitate the annual company-wide HSE training plan.
Establish and conduct audits to identify gaps in local compliance with company HSE policies and procedures.
Support site and leadership teams in setting HSE goals and activity-based objectives.
Lead systems to identify and evaluate hazards and implement corrective controls.
Lead incident investigations, including cause analysis and corrective action plans; train supervisors and managers in root cause analysis.
Interface with OSHA, DOT, EPA, and state and local regulators.
Work with facilities management to obtain regulatory permits, submit required reports, and meet site permit conditions.
Achieve annual targets for incident frequency, severity, and cost reductions.
Create and facilitate HSE engagement through teams and committees, and promote a zero-incident culture.
Support execution of emergency preparedness procedures and policies.
Monitor, interpret, and communicate regulatory changes to OpCo management.
Assist with developing and presenting corporate and site-specific training programs as needed.
Implement early return-to-work programs.
Perform staff management functions, including selection, development, discipline, performance reviews, and/or terminations.
Interpret, train on, and consistently enforce company policies and procedures.
Maintain associate relations through department meetings and ongoing communication; monitor morale and implement ideas to improve engagement and enablement.
Develop effective interdepartmental relationships.