Lead, Health & Safety Program Manager

Salary range: $83,550.00 - $137,380.00 annually. The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This role is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. Compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education, and experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
• Disability, paid time off, and life insurance
• Voluntary benefits
• Health and wellness programs
• Learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally

About the Role

American Water is seeking a Lead, Health & Safety (Ops) to lead health and safety strategy, programs, compliance, training, and risk management initiatives for medium-sized state operations. This role reports directly to the VP of Operations and partners closely with operations leadership and corporate safety teams to protect employees, contractors, and communities while supporting operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Health & Safety strategy, systems, and processes at the state level operations
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and American Water safety standards for both employees and contractors
• Partner with the Corporate Safety team in delivering health and safety-related training
• Collaborate closely with HR and Labor Relations teams at the state level
• Assist with worker’s compensation, general liability, and product liability
• Oversee selection and management of insurance company or independent counsel for litigated claims
• Prepare or oversee litigation report updates and financial exposure assessments for litigated claims
• Ensure timely investigation of claims and accidents, and submission of required reports for compliance
• Administer and manage local insurance services, including certificates of insurance, bonds, builder’s risk, and railroad protective insurance
• Oversee compliance with Community Right to Know, OSHA Process Safety Management, EPA Risk Management Program, RCRA, NESHAPS, Underground Storage Tanks, HazWopr, Spill Prevention, Control Plans, Superfund, medical, and solid waste disposal regulations
• Administer the driver pull notice program
• Prepare and submit required annual reports per regulatory requirements
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State Department of Transportation regulations, including DOT driver license renewals, driver qualification, vehicle and trailer inventory, annual inspections, driver substance abuse program, hazardous materials transportation security, and permits

Requirements

• 8+ years of related experience
• Bachelor's degree in safety management, safety engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational environment health and safety, or a related field (equivalent role-related work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered)
• Master’s Degree preferred
• At least one relevant/related nationally recognized professional certification, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Skills

• Knowledge of OSHA, Federal, State, and Local regulations applicable to utilities, construction, and related industries
• Familiarity with health and safety program management and OSHA regulatory requirements for construction and general industry
• Knowledge of the water utility industry strongly preferred
• Knowledge of environmental and Department of Transportation regulations
• Strong process, project, and program management skills
• Proven ability to lead through influence and deliver results through others
• Strategic and tactical thinking, with the ability to anticipate business impacts of training initiatives
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem-solving)
• Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading teams)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., report writing, presentations)
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem-solving)
• Leadership presence, with the ability to maintain collaborative relationships with senior management and key stakeholders

Schedule

Travel requirements: 30% to 40% within the state.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in construction environments, near moving mechanical parts, and in outside weather conditions. The role may involve exposure to physical hazards, weather extremes, wet and/or humid conditions, and chemicals. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required. Occasionally works at elevated levels, in confined spaces, and in construction environments. Use of respiratory protection may be required in certain instances. There may also be potential noise exposure.