Director of Environmental Health & Safety

About the Role

Our client in Upstate New York is seeking a Director of Environmental Health & Safety for a Direct Hire opportunity. This is a field-focused leadership position requiring extensive travel throughout the Northeast.

Client Profile

Our client is a growing, international organization specializing in recycling, resource recovery, and sustainable material processing. With operations throughout the United States and globally, the company is committed to improving workplace safety while expanding its operational footprint.

The Organization Offers

• An established international presence with continued growth throughout the Americas
• A strong commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management
liExecutive leadership that has made workplace safety a top organizational priority
• Opportunities for professional development and long-term career advancement
• An opportunity to lead meaningful improvements in safety culture and operational performance

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve environmental, health, and safety initiatives across approximately 10 major operating facilities and 50 smaller redemption centers.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and applicable federal, state, and local environmental and safety requirements.
• Drive implementation, enforcement, and continuous improvement of established safety policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
• Build a proactive safety culture through employee engagement, leadership accountability, and consistent communication.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop existing EHS professionals while supporting future team growth.
• Conduct frequent facility visits, safety inspections, operational assessments, and employee training.
• Partner with site leadership to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Strengthen incident reporting practices, conduct or oversee investigations, and identify opportunities to reduce workplace injuries.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Support safety initiatives involving industrial equipment, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling operations.
• Collaborate with fleet safety personnel on initiatives involving transportation and driver safety.
• Establish and monitor safety performance metrics, reporting trends, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with operations leadership in facilities operating across multiple shifts, including 24-hour operations.
• Support global safety initiatives and coordinate with international leadership on organizational safety priorities.
• Present safety performance, initiatives, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support environmental compliance activities and related reporting requirements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on new technologies, operational improvements, and emerging safety initiatives.
• Travel extensively throughout the assigned region to maintain a visible and engaged presence across operating facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, or a related field.
• 7 to 10 years of safety management and training experience.
• 2 to 3 years of experience leading, managing, and coaching EHS personnel.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations, occupational safety practices, and workplace safety training.
• Demonstrated experience implementing, enforcing, and improving safety programs within an operational environment.
• Experience developing safety initiatives, influencing operational leadership, and driving employee accountability.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop EHS employees.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to engage with frontline employees and senior executives.
• Ability to work effectively in active industrial, processing, warehouse, or plant environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 70% to 75% throughout the Northeast.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in recycling, waste management, material recovery facilities, industrial processing, warehousing, or plant operations.
• Previous responsibility for safety programs across multiple operating locations.
• Experience with fleet safety, DOT regulations, or CDL driver safety programs.
• Experience supporting unionized operations.
• Familiarity with forklift, pallet jack, and material handling equipment safety training.
• Experience implementing cultural or organizational change within an established workforce.
• Professional safety certifications, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Benefits

• Target annual bonus of 25%
• Comprehensive medical plan options, prescription coverage, dental and vision benefits, wellness resources, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, company-paid life insurance, and disability coverage
• Paid time off, company holidays, and programs that help employees balance personal and professional priorities
• Additional voluntary insurance options to help protect you and your loved ones

Additional Features

• Opportunity to lead an established EHS function and develop a growing team
• High visibility and direct interaction with executive leadership
• Strong organizational commitment to workplace safety
• Career growth opportunities within a growing international organization
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact across multiple operating facilities

The ideal candidate is an experienced, approachable, and hands-on EHS leader who enjoys being in the field, building relationships with employees, and turning established safety programs into consistent operational practices.

Location: Upstate New York (Albany preferred; Rochester/Farmington and Syracuse considered)

Travel: Regional travel throughout the Northeast (approximately 70-75%)