Senior Manager of Safety and Training

Position Overview

The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of highways while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program, open road tolling or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers.

The Tollway is a user-fee system – no state or federal tax dollars are used to support maintenance and operations. Operations are funded by toll and concession revenues.

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service, and maintain public trust.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the planning, creation, and establishment of a new Tollway training facility to support organizational training, development, and operational readiness.
• Enhance the organization’s Safety Program by developing and maintaining policies, codes, and safety standards that integrate into the Authority’s operational policies.
• Conduct regular site inspections, safety audits, hazard assessments, and incident investigations to create a safe work environment and reduce workplace injuries.
• Identify, inspect, and check inventory levels of the necessary personal protective equipment for maintenance staff and understand its usefulness and life cycle.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, state, local and other safety regulations.
• Lead or assist with development of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Safety Work Plans.
• Maintain and track safety metrics, reporting trends and providing corrective actions to leadership.
• Create and deliver safety training programs tailored to the Tollway’s environments, including new-hire orientation, equipment operation, PPE use, and emergency response.
• Maintain training records and ensure workers remain compliant with certifications (OSHA 10/30, equipment operator cards, fall protection, etc.).
• Lead or assist with incident and near-miss investigations to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop safety manuals, bulletins, brochures, signs and presentations that promote a culture of safety throughout the Tollway.
• Support emergency preparation planning and safety drills.
• Stay current with changing regulations and industry best practices.
• Prepare and maintain safety documentation, permits, and regulatory filings.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on construction safety for field staff, supervisors, and project managers.
• Facilitate toolbox talks, safety briefings, and site safety meetings.
• Mentor employees and promote a positive safety culture across all construction activities.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by the department’s senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Education (Required): Bachelor's Degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Safety, Health, Environmental, Engineering, or in a related scientific or technical field or the Equivalent of Education and Experience.

• Skills and Experience (Required): Seven (7) years of full-time work experience as a safety professional which includes experience in preventive harm to people, property, and the environment (police, fire, health, transportation, construction or structural), and a willingness to obtain an authorized OSHA 10-hour instructor and certified CPR instructor certification.

• Extensive knowledge of Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA), Illinois Department of Labor Laws, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Knowledge in the proper use of safety equipment and current trends in personal protective equipment.

• Knowledge of current techniques and methods used in the hazard analysis process to include job hazard analysis.

• Knowledge of system safety principles.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and work effectively with minimal supervision while adhering to strict deadlines in a fast-paced complex environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively and work with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

• Superior organizational, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to use a range of technology and tools, including but not limited to Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work independently as well as to function effectively in a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include working evenings and weekends as required.