Director of Safety

About Rhoads Industries

Founded and family‑owned since 1896, Rhoads Industries is a total solution provider of industrial fabrication, mechanical/maintenance and maritime services. The company operates expansive shipyard facilities and over 300,000 sq ft of heavy manufacturing space in The Navy Yard, Philadelphia. Rhoads delivers commercial, government and maritime projects with a diverse, highly skilled workforce and state‑of‑the‑art resources, backed by a 100‑plus‑year legacy of leadership.

Director of Safety – Role Overview

The Director of Safety provides health and safety program oversight for the company, directing development and implementation of behavior‑based safety practices, auditing health and safety procedures, ensuring compliance with corporate, OSHA, Coast Guard and client requirements, and conducting root‑cause analysis of incidents. The role monitors and documents the effectiveness of safety controls and guides Rhoads staff and subcontractors in implementing the Health and Safety Program.

Responsibilities

• Provide health and safety leadership and direction to Division, Department and Project Managers.
• Serve as the health and safety subject matter expert with clients, regulators, and Rhoads staff on projects or proposal responses.
• Manage health and safety resources and related departmental budgets.
• Manage corporate health and safety staff; plan, request, and assist in hiring new personnel when necessary.
• Serve as the primary contact on health and safety issues.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with Rhoads’ customers, Site Health and Safety Managers, and subcontractors.
• Create, manage and review site‑specific safety plans (SSSP), Job Hazard Analyses, and Activity Hazard Analyses.
• Appraise and implement new safety regulations as they relate to Rhoads’ operations.
• Ensure project personnel are adequately trained in emergency response plan procedures.
• Act as the internal incident manager, ensuring safety emergencies and injuries are properly addressed.
• Oversee safety orientation for all new Rhoads personnel and visitors; review, revise, and conduct safety training as needed.
• Assist in preparing new work proposals to align with corporate health and safety objectives.
• Review contract documents for safety‑related issues.
• Review subcontractor safety programs for compliance with corporate, OSHA, client, or Coast Guard regulations.
• Participate in meetings with field personnel, such as pre‑award and pre‑construction conferences.
• Conduct safety audits and produce brief summary reports noting deviations from the HASP and recommended corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws, regulations, codes, and rules.
• Identify opportunities to minimize workplace injuries, accidents, and health problems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Health and Safety, Safety Engineering, Environmental Health, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years in a safety role with 5 + years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Extensive knowledge of safety policies and applicable OSHA standards (e.g., 1910, 1915, 1926, EM 285‑1‑1) and ability to differentiate among them.
• OSHA 30 certification obtained within the last five years.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• 40‑hour HAZWOPER certificate and current annual 8‑hour HAZWOPER refresher.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to oversee and lead safety training initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong supervisory and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or comparable software.
• Effective time‑management and ability to handle multiple tasks in a rapidly growing organization.
• Experience managing personnel.
• Capability to communicate requirements in an industrial environment and provide clear direction verbally or in writing.

Work Environment

• Exposure to construction or industrial areas where personal protective equipment (safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection) is required.
• Ability to work in various physical positions: sitting, standing, walking, and driving.
• Walking and standing on irregular, uneven surfaces; occasional work at increased heights, climbing ladders, ship stairways, and confined spaces.

Benefits

• Competitive health insurance packages
• 401(k) matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Location

The position is based at Rhoads Industries’ facilities in The Navy Yard, Philadelphia – a reimagined industrial campus featuring over 150 companies, 15,000 + people, parks, dining options, public art, and year‑round events.