Director, North America Health and Safety

This role is responsible for advancing Health & Safety (H&S) across North America by developing and executing strategic initiatives that strengthen culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and align with McCain’s global vision for H&S. The successful candidate will lead the implementation and sustainment of ISO management systems, drive continuous improvement, and build strong cross-functional partnerships to embed safety into all aspects of the business. This role will be based out of our North America Headquarters located in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and sustainment of ISO management systems (e.g., ISO 45001) for North America H&S.
• Drive continuous improvement through MDI (Managing Daily Improvement) and capability-building initiatives across the region.
• Develop and execute H&S strategies, programs, and policies to improve performance and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Build an audit-ready culture and lead internal and external audit programs, including corrective action follow-up.
• Conduct hazard and risk assessments and develop actionable plans to mitigate risks and improve safety outcomes.
• Analyze leading and lagging indicators (e.g., TRIR, SIF potential) to identify trends and eliminate high-severity incidents.
• Deliver regional training programs and maintain compliance-driven training matrices in partnership with Learning & Development.
• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, HR, and other stakeholders to integrate H&S into business processes.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analysis to prevent recurrence and strengthen safety practices.
• Manage regulatory requirements across North America and maintain relationships with agencies and industry bodies.
• Prepare and present H&S performance reports, strategies, and insights to senior leadership.
• Drive cultural transformation initiatives that foster engagement, accountability, and a world-class safety culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in Health & Safety, including driving culture change in large organizations.
• Deep expertise in occupational safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001, OSHA VPP).
• Experience implementing and assessing ISO-based systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
• Strong knowledge of US and Canadian safety regulations (OSHA, CSA, DOT, NFPA, ANSI, etc.).
• Proven ability to lead change management initiatives and implement organizational structures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using data to drive decisions.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including executive-level presentations.
• Experience managing remote, multi-site teams in complex operational environments.
• Proficiency in project and budget management.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic environments while managing competing priorities.

Qualifications

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Safety & Health Manager (CSHM), or equivalent certification.
• Master’s degree in Health & Safety, Engineering, or Industrial Hygiene.
• Six Sigma certification and experience applying continuous improvement methodologies.
• ISO Management System Internal Auditor certification.

About the Team

You will be part of the North America Health & Safety leadership team, collaborating with cross-functional partners across operations, supply chain, HR, and corporate functions. The team is focused on driving consistent safety standards and performance across multiple sites, with a strong emphasis on capability building, compliance, and continuous improvement. This role will lead and develop direct reports while influencing a broader network of regional and site-based H&S professionals.

Pay

Target compensation range: $146,200.00 - $195,000.00 USD annually, plus bonus eligibility and long-term incentive eligibility. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs.

Benefits

• Health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug).
• Retirement savings benefits.
• Leave support including medical, family, and bereavement.
• Well-being programs including vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources.

Coverages are aligned with applicable law and can vary by work level, location, and nature of the role.