Manufacturing EHS Specialist

About the Role

Partner with Operations to build a proactive, world-class safety culture across Palermo’s food manufacturing facilities. This hands-on role focuses on hazard identification, incident investigation, safety audits, Behavioral Safety Observation coaching, OSHA/DNR/EPA compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives that protect employees and strengthen our safety culture.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Operations and production leaders to promote a proactive safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct routine safety audits, Behavioral observations, hazard assessments, and facility inspections.
• Lead and assist in incident investigations, root cause analyses (5 Why, Fishbone, Taproot), and implement corrective/preventative actions (CAPA) to drive incidents to zero.
• Develop, deliver, and track safety training, toolbox talks, one-point lessons (OPLs) for employees and leaders.
• Administer and improve safety programs, including Powered Industrial Trucks, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PSM, machine guarding, PPE, ergonomics, and emergency response.
• Assist the Director of EHS and EHS Manager in facilitating hourly safety committee meetings on all shifts to drive action.
• Analyze leading and lagging KPIs and other safety metrics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and reduce incidents on the plant floor.
• Support environmental compliance activities and maintain required documentation, including SWPPP, SPCC, EPCRA, Tier 2.
• Assist with regulatory inspections and respond to agency inquiries as needed.
• Partner cross-functionally to reduce risk while supporting operational excellence.
• Participate in daily Tier meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of safety experience in a manufacturing, industrial, production, food manufacturing, warehousing, or distribution environment.
• Must have worked in a manufacturing plant.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations and manufacturing safety best practices.
• Experience conducting incident investigations, root cause analysis, and developing corrective/preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Experience performing safety audits, behavioral safety observations, hazard assessments, and compliance inspections.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both hourly employees and leadership.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 30 certification or equivalent.
• Experience in food manufacturing or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with workers’ compensation case management.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Make a visible impact on the safety of hundreds of employees.
• Work alongside Operations leaders to continuously improve workplace safety.
• Join a growing, family-owned company committed to investing in its people.
• Be part of a pivotal safety culture shift to build and maintain world-class safety levels.
• Help shape the future of our manufacturing safety programs.

About Palermo's

At Palermo’s, we’re passionate about making great pizza—and creating a workplace where people can thrive. We believe the best ideas come from empowered employees who are committed to continuous improvement, teamwork, and doing the right thing.