Senior Director, Environment, Health and Safety

SAIT • Calgary, AB

1d • CA$185,800 - CA$216,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team is responsible for maintaining a safe, healthy and secure environment for everyone at SAIT. Join a dedicated team focused on promoting well-being and proactive risk management. SAIT is seeking a Senior Director, Environment, Health & Safety (Senior Director, EHS), to lead the development and execution of functional strategies for Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) across the institution. The Environmental, Health & Safety function is a vital part of SAIT’s People & Culture practice. Reporting to the Vice President of People and Culture, this role is responsible for translating institutional direction into integrated EHS programs, services and operational plans that support compliance, risk mitigation and a safe campus environment. The ideal candidate is a seasoned safety leader with a demonstrated ability to translate strategic direction into effective EHS programs and services, supporting a holistic approach to health and safety across SAIT. The successful candidate will have experience working with external stakeholders, including local and provincial authorities and regulatory bodies, to support compliance and effective program delivery. They will also be skilled in fostering collaboration across schools, departments, and divisions, cultivating a positive work culture and advancing EHS practices across the institution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational or environmental health and safety, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• 12-15+ years of progressively responsible experience in environmental health and safety (and/or related EHS domains) including development and oversight of functional programs, regulatory compliance, and risk-based planning.
• 8-10+ years of people leadership experience, including experience leading managers and multi-disciplinary teams in a complex organization; demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience leading within a unionized environment, with demonstrated capability in collaborative labour relations, change leadership, and policy/program implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change through a proactive, aligning initiatives to strategic priorities.
• In-depth knowledge of the OHS Act, emergency management, investigation procedures, life safety programs, and public safety training.
• Strong understanding of risk management practices, including risk evaluation and reporting.
• Proven ability to understand system dynamics to build a strong, functional team
• Demonstrated ability to initiate activity and follow through on commitments, bring closure to initiative and manage several time-sensitive tasks concurrently
• Ability to work productively and collaboratively across a broad spectrum of interests and levels within SAIT
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders to drive change and achieve business outcomes
• Critical thinker and problem solver; strong analytical skills
• Strong service orientation
• Demonstrated accountability and commitment and strong organizational and leadership skills

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Leadership, Business Administration, Occupational/Environmental Health & Safety, Engineering, Risk Management) is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience will be considered.
• Recognized professional designation such as CRSP/CSRP, CSP, CIH/ROH (or eligibility), CRM, or other relevant senior credential (or equivalent), demonstrating advanced expertise in safety, occupational hygiene, risk, and/or related disciplines.
• Preferred experience in a post-secondary unionized work environment

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of EHS functional strategy and multi-year plans, aligned with SAIT’s institutional strategy and People & Culture priorities
• Translate strategic direction into operational programs, policies, and performance frameworks to support consistent and compliant EHS practices
• Provide subject matter expertise and advice to the Vice President, executives, and senior leaders on regulatory trends, risk considerations, and leading practices
• Establish and monitor functional KPIs, using data and analytics to inform priorities and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide direction and oversight of EHS service delivery across multiple program areas (environmental health, safety, security, risk and compliance)
• Implement standards, operating models, and assurance mechanisms to support effective and consistent delivery across departments
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance systems, reporting, and training aligned with institutional priorities
• Build and maintain relationships with external regulators and agencies, ensuring coordinated and compliant organizational responses
• Lead and develop a department comprising multiple teams and managers, ensuring strong performance, capability development, and service delivery
• Establish workforce and talent plans to meet current and future operational needs
• Provide coaching and leadership to managers and senior professionals, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture
• Strengthen partnerships with academic schools and corporate services to support effective program delivery
• Accountable for the EHS departmental budget, including planning, prioritization, and allocation of operating and capital resources
• Monitor expenditures and ensure alignment to functional priorities and risk-based initiatives
• Develop and present business cases to support program enhancements and investments
• Lead and coordinate the implementation of SAIT’s enterprise risk management frameworks within the EHS function
• Identify and assess functional and operational risks, working with internal stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies
• Support institutional risk reporting through functional insights and analysis for senior leadership and Board of Governors
• Provide leadership for EHS-related components of emergency management and business continuity programs
• Ensure readiness frameworks, procedures, and training are implemented effectively within the function
• Support coordinated institutional responses to incidents and contribute to post-incident reviews and improvements
• Provide oversight of the campus security function, ensuring a safe campus for students, staff, and faculty

Benefits

• 5 weeks’ vacation and 14 flex days per year
• SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate
• Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account
• Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses
• Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence
• Excellent dining options on campus
• Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director