Safety Director

About the role

Pavarini McGovern, part of the STO Building Group, is seeking a Safety Director for New York City, NY. The Construction Safety Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all safety initiatives across the organization, driving a proactive safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, reducing risk, and promoting continuous improvement in safety performance.

Core Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Serve as the organization’s senior safety leader, establishing the vision, strategy, and performance expectations for all safety and health initiatives
• Partner with executive leadership to align safety objectives with organizational goals, operational priorities, and business growth strategies
• Advise executives and operational leaders on risk exposure, regulatory developments, emerging industry trends, and best practices in construction safety
• Provide regular reports and presentations to senior leadership regarding safety performance, incident trends, corrective actions, and organizational risks
• Lead initiatives focused on reducing risk, improving operational performance, and advancing a culture of safety excellence
• Participate in strategic planning, business development, preconstruction activities, and operational reviews to ensure safety considerations are integrated into key business decisions
• Represent the organization in matters involving regulatory agencies, clients, insurance carriers, legal counsel, and industry stakeholders

Strategic Safety Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve company-wide safety policies, programs, procedures, and standards
• Establish annual safety goals, key performance indicators, and strategic initiatives to drive measurable improvements in safety performance
• Promote a proactive, behavior-based safety culture that emphasizes accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Ensure consistency in safety expectations and practices across all projects and locations

Operational Oversight

• Direct and manage safety managers, coordinators, specialists, and other safety personnel across multiple projects and locations
• Establish safety staffing strategies and allocate resources based on project complexity, risk levels, and operational needs
• Conduct executive-level project audits, site assessments, and operational reviews to ensure compliance with corporate standards and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with project teams, field leadership, and subcontractors to identify hazards and implement effective control measures
• Review high-risk work activities and ensure appropriate planning, supervision, and control measures are in place
• Monitor project safety performance and provide guidance to operational leaders regarding risk mitigation and corrective actions

Incident Management

• Lead investigations of accidents, near misses, property damage incidents, and safety concerns
• Perform root-cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Evaluate incident trends and develop strategies to reduce workplace injuries and exposures
• Ensure timely reporting and documentation of incidents in accordance with company requirements
• Coordinate with operations, human resources, insurance providers, and legal representatives regarding incident response and claims management
• Maintain accurate safety records and reporting systems

Training and Development

• Develop and oversee comprehensive safety training programs for employees, supervisors, managers, and subcontractors
• Ensure compliance with OSHA training requirements and industry best practices
• Promote workforce engagement through safety committees, leadership training, toolbox talks, and employee involvement initiatives
• Mentor and develop safety professionals to build organizational capability and support succession planning
• Evaluate training effectiveness and identify opportunities for improved knowledge retention and field application

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, federal, state, local, and client-specific safety requirements
• Represent the company during inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews
• Support claims management and return-to-work programs
• Update policies and procedures to reflect evolving regulatory requirements

Program Management

• Develop departmental budgets and staffing plans to support organizational growth and long-term objectives
• Manage safety recognition and incentive programs
• Utilize data analysis and trend reporting to drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making

Safety Performance & Analytics

• Monitor and analyze safety metrics including TRIR, DART, EMR, lost-time incidents, and leading indicators
• Develop action plans to achieve annual safety performance objectives
• Use data analytics to identify trends and opportunities for continuous improvement

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Risk Management, or related field

Experience

• Minimum 7 years in a leadership role managing safety personnel across multiple large-scale construction projects
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing safety personnel across multiple large-scale construction projects

Certifications

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Construction Safety and Health Technician (CHST) or ability to obtain within a specified period
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• NYC DOB Site Safety Manager (SSM)
• NYC DOB Site Safety Coordinator (SSC)
• NYC DOB Construction Superintendent
• NYC 62-Hour SST Supervisor Card
• NYC 40-Hour Site Safety Manager Course

Pay

Salary range: $225,000 – $275,000 based on experience.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Life & AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Hospital indemnity insurance
• Home & auto insurance
• Family support
• Pre-tax paid parking/public transportation
• Paid time off: 2 weeks for non-exempt and three weeks for exempt
• Time away benefits
• 8 paid holidays
• Group legal
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Identity theft protection
• Pet insurance
• Employee Assistance Program