Manufacturing Plant Senior EHS Manager

About the Role

The Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Senior Manager develops, implements, and continuously improves all environmental, health, and safety programs for paint and thermo chemical manufacturing facilities. This role ensures full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and applicable state/local regulations while driving a proactive safety culture, operational risk reduction, and environmental stewardship across the plants.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance & Program Management
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA (29 CFR 1910 - General Industry), EPA programs (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, EPCRA), and NFPA standards (flammable liquids, combustible dust, fire protection).
  • Lead and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs (1910.119), Hazard Communication (HazCom/GHS), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Respiratory Protection, and Confined Space Entry programs.
  • Maintain all required permits (air, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste).
  • Act as primary liaison with regulatory agencies and inspectors.
• Chemical & Process Safety
  • Oversee safe handling, storage, and disposal of solvents, resins, pigments, and flammable liquids.
  • Conduct Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), HAZOPs, and risk assessments.
  • Ensure compliance with flammable liquid storage (NFPA 30) and combustible dust requirements (NFPA 652, if applicable).
  • Manage Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory systems.
  • Lead Management of Change (MOC) for process modifications.
• Environmental Management
  • Manage hazardous waste generation, storage, and disposal (RCRA).
  • Track emissions and ensure compliance with air permits (VOC-heavy operations).
  • Oversee wastewater discharge and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP).
  • Lead spill prevention programs (SPCC plans).
  • Monitor environmental KPIs (waste reduction, emissions, sustainability).
• Risk Management & Incident Prevention
  • Lead Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) for all plant processes.
  • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for mixing operations, tank farms, bulk storage, and loading/unloading operations.
  • Lead incident investigations (root cause analysis - 5 Why, TapRoot, etc.).
  • Track and trend leading/lagging indicators: TRIR, DART, Near Miss, Corrective Actions, Good Catch.
• Safety Culture & Training
  • Develop and deliver training programs: new hire orientation (EHS-specific), chemical handling, emergency response, PPE, respirator fit testing, and hearing conservation.
  • Conduct routine safety meetings and leadership engagement initiatives.
  • Support supervisors with accountability and coaching.
  • Drive behavior-based safety and field-level engagement.
• Emergency Preparedness & Fire Protection
  • Develop and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAP).
  • Coordinate drills for chemical spills, fires/explosions, and evacuations.
  • Ensure fire protection systems are compliant (sprinklers, foam systems, extinguishers).
  • Interface with local emergency responders and LEPC.
• Auditing & Continuous Improvement
  • Conduct internal EHS audits and inspections.
  • Lead third-party audits and compliance reviews.
  • Track corrective actions through closure.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ISO 14001/ISO 45001 (if applicable).

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety, Engineering, or related field (required). Master’s degree preferred.
  • 8–12 years of EHS experience in paint, coatings, chemicals, or manufacturing (required).
  • Strong working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and NFPA standards.
  • Experience with PSM-covered processes (highly preferred).
• Certifications
  • CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist), CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager), or OSHA 500/501 Instructor (preferred).
• Technical Competencies
  • Air permitting (VOC emissions specific to coatings/solvents).
  • Hazardous waste management.
  • Chemical exposure monitoring and industrial hygiene.
  • Incident investigation methodologies.
  • EHS management systems (ISO 14001/45001).
• Leadership Skills
  • Strong manufacturing floor presence and ability to influence plant operations.
  • Ability to drive accountability at all levels.
  • Effective communication with hourly employees through executive leadership.
  • Experience managing change in high-risk environments.
• Work Environment
  • Industrial manufacturing setting (paint/chemical production).
  • Exposure to chemicals, noise, and industrial equipment.
  • Frequent floor presence required (70–80% engagement).

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k