Assistant Safety Director

About the role

The Assistant Safety Director will help lead and oversee Novak'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

• 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.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of progressive safety experience in commercial construction, including senior-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.

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience.

Schedule

Weekly allowances for auto, fuel and mobile phone. Per diem while traveling, in accordance with GSA rates.