Safety Manager

Palmer Food Service • Rochester, NY

21d • $70,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Safety Manager leads and promotes a culture of safety and continuous improvement across Palmer Food Services. The role designs, implements, and maintains safety policies, procedures, and programs for food service, meat production, and retail environments; monitors regulatory compliance; and works with department leaders to integrate safety practices into daily operations. The Safety Manager also leads incident investigations and corrective actions, coordinates staff training, maintains safety and compliance records, manages Safety Data Sheets, and serves as the point of contact for regulatory inspections and third-party audits. In partnership with the Facilities Manager and Human Resources, the role manages the physical security of company locations, including system maintenance.

The position requires travel between company locations and work throughout production and retail facilities, including exposure to cold environments. The stated annual salary range is $70,000–$95,000.

Requirements

• High school diploma or state-issued equivalency certificate.
• At least 2 years of safety experience in a warehouse and/or production setting, with demonstrated increasing responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct audits, inspections, and training.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and implement effective solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and safety management systems.
• Ability to travel between company locations as needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move through production and retail facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a cold environment for extended periods, with temperatures reaching -10.
• Occasional ability to lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety or a related field; equivalent experience is accepted.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and safety standards.
• Professional certifications such as CSP or OSHA 30-hour.

Responsibilities

• Model company values and foster an environment that motivates associates to reach their potential and contribute to team, customer, and company success.
• Lead by example and champion the company's Values in Action.
• Stay informed about trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies, and communicate relevant changes in policy, practice, and resources to upper management.
• Facilitate staff development, training, and certification activities.
• Design, implement, and maintain safety policies, procedures, and programs for food service, meat production, and retail environments.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments across facilities and operations.
• Monitor compliance with OSHA and other relevant regulatory agencies.
• Lead incident investigations and root-cause analyses, and partner with department leaders to implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Organize required training across departments to improve safety awareness and adherence.
• Coordinate and deliver safety training for all staff, including equipment safety and emergency response.
• Maintain accurate records of safety incidents, training, inspections, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with department heads to integrate safety best practices into daily operations.
• Partner with the Facilities Manager and Human Resources to manage physical security at all locations, including system maintenance.
• Manage and update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure chemicals are handled and stored properly.
• Serve as the point of contact for regulatory inspections and third-party audits.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid benefit time, including PTO, holidays, and sick time.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Eligibility for an annual profit-sharing bonus.
• 15% employee discount on retail grocery items, including fresh meat and seafood.
• Associate discounts on warehouse food products.
• Employee appreciation events.
• Competitive wages and a generous benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED