EHS Manager

Position Summary

The Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager/Specialist is responsible for leading and supporting environmental, health, safety, and machine safeguarding initiatives across assigned manufacturing facilities. This role serves as a strategic partner to Operations, Engineering, Human Resources, and facility leadership to ensure compliance with corporate standards and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement in workplace safety culture and environmental performance.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on EHS professional who combines experience in compliance, risk assessments,  & machine safeguarding. They are a collaborative leader capable of influencing behavioral change, driving operational excellence, and developing sustainable EHS systems that protect employees, ensure regulatory compliance, and support business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Partner with Operations Management to lead and assist in all environmental, health, and safety compliance activities, management system requirements as well as Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSC) to strengthen employee engagement, increase safety awareness, and promote an interdependent safety culture.
• Train, mentor, and coach plant supervisors and managers in applicable modules of the EHS Management System (EHS Insight) to ensure effective utilization and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce risk, improve compliance, and enhance overall EHS performance. 
• Foster a strong safety culture and operational excellence by effectively communicating EHS expectations, influencing organizational change, and building collaborative partnerships with employees, leadership, regulators, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Develop and standardize machine safety processes across facilities, supporting equipment installations, capital projects, and Management of Change (MOC) activities to proactively integrate safety requirements and mitigate operational risk.
• Manage environmental programs including SPCC, stormwater, industrial wastewater, hazardous waste, and related permit requirements.
• Coordinate with Sr. Environmental Engineer & EHS Director to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and corporate environmental requirements.
• Lead / participate in incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action processes to prevent recurrence and reduce risk.
• Conduct EHS audits and assessments, identify compliance gaps, and drive timely closure of corrective & preventive actions.
• Monitor facility compliance and assist in maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations, company standards, and environmental requirements. 
• Deliver EHS training programs and serve as a resource for supervisors and managers.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employees receive required onboarding and job-specific safety training.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other environmental, health, safety, and risk management duties as assigned.
• Ability to travel regularly between assigned sites in Elk Grove Village, IL and Valparaiso, IN to support EHS programs and initiatives.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Safety, Engineering or a related technical field required.
• Experience administering & managing safety training, compliance programs and recordkeeping requirements in accordance with OSHA.
• Preferred certifications include CSP, CIH, ASP, CHMM, PE, or other relevant EHS credentials.
• EHS experience in a manufacturing setting preferred.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations and implement practical solutions.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence outcomes at all organizational levels.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. Experience with EHS Insight or similar EHS management systems preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.