Sr Safety Lead

About the role

A Newark Senior Safety Lead directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of critical processes, programs, and procedures to achieve goals, objectives, and continuous improvement related to health and safety. The successful candidate must spend significant time on the plant floor, engaging and coaching employees, front‑line leaders, maintenance, and contractors on a daily basis. As an integral business leader on the plant leadership team, the Senior Safety Leader provides information and guidance for activities relating to site‑wide safety objectives and ensures alignment with business‑unit and corporate safety goals. The Senior Safety Lead works in a team environment to hold both the team and individuals accountable for injury/illness prevention, regulatory compliance, and asset protection. This position reports directly to the Newark Site Environmental Health and Safety Leader.

Responsibilities

• Assess the level of controls in the assigned site and develop both a strategic vision and a prioritized tactical plan to reach the target state.
• Develop skills and grow capabilities in the assigned facility, including:
  • Coach, mentor, and re‑direct personnel in the plant to develop extraordinary leaders.
  • Coach, mentor, and guide plant leadership from a safety perspective.
  • Develop and implement training programs in coordination with appropriate plant personnel.
• Continually reinforce the company’s stand on safety and recognize employee accomplishments and contributions.
• Establish and accomplish aggressive personal and facility goals that align with division and Owens Corning corporate goals, reflecting a commitment to a world‑class safety culture.
• Participate as a member of the site’s leadership team and drive company‑wide and BU EHS initiatives at the site.
• Participate in site capital planning and review, including safety design reviews for equipment/capital projects and reviews for process/equipment changes.
• Implement OC safety programs/standards and site‑specific safety programs designed to reduce employee injuries and illnesses and improve site productivity.
• Analyze and assess safety trend data to drive safety action planning and resource allocation for the site.
• Ensure occupational illnesses and injuries are immediately reported, thoroughly investigated (root‑cause analysis), and promptly addressed in line with corporate and BU standards.
• Drive ergonomics initiatives to reduce MSD illnesses/injuries.
• Implement wellness programs to meet site needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to EH&S (e.g., industrial hygiene, engineering, science) or equivalent.
• Professional certification preferred (e.g., GSP, CSP, CMSE).
• At least 5 years of safety leadership experience; floor experience highly desired.
• Hands‑on safety leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel 5‑10 %.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of health and safety regulations and industrial hygiene protocols.
• Ability to identify critical processes and system needs and implement appropriately prioritized action plans.
• Ability to establish agreement and consensus with management.
• Ability to effectively engage primary employees.
• Ability to promote a team environment and lead cross‑functional projects to successful completion.
• Adept at delivering safety training.
• Ability to integrate resources across the organization.

Personal Characteristics

• Highly ethical – trusted to do the “right thing” for employees, shareholders, and others.
• Results‑oriented with a strong service orientation, positive can‑do attitude, and commitment to outstanding work.
• Never satisfied with the status quo; continually strives for excellence.
• Enjoys hands‑on work and embraces change.
• Change agent – anticipates risks and proposes practical mitigation plans.
• Appreciates safety’s impact on business strategy and can convey its integral role.