UNFI hiring Sr. Manager EHS - Eastern Region in Indianola, Mississippi, United States | LinkedIn (2024)

PURPOSE: The Sr. Manager, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) - Area supports the UNFI teams to deliver on a critical UNFI value: “Do the Right Thing – Put Safety and Integrity at the Forefront of Everything We Do.” This role is responsible for developing a high performing team of EHS leaders to ensure the execution of the company’s EHS strategy and goals. The role will specifically lead site EHS Managers and Leaders from multiple distribution centers (DCs)in a specific geographic area. The Sr. Manager, EHS - Area will serve as a key advisor on EHS matters to area DC stakeholders including but not limited to operations, human resources, claims and security/loss prevention leaders. This role will provide coaching and guidance to direct reports as well as assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of the EHS management system.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership, direction and oversight of the strategic vision and initiatives to achieve UNFI’s EHS strategy.
• Design and ensure execution of an EHS management system including annual plans, standardized national programs/policies/procedures, external and internal auditing, and management reports showing leading and lagging metrics.
• Monitor, interpret, and assess existing or emerging EHS laws, regulations, regulatory policies, and industry practices; determine operational and business impacts, and develop, integrate, communicate, and execute strategies to effectively manage EHS outcomes.
• Design standardized safety systems, policies, training, safety campaigns and programs to reduce risk, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Partner and collaborate with all functional leaders to influence and manage EHS resources, projects, and business decisions.
• Create a network of internal (operations, human resources, finance, claims and security/loss prevention) and external alliances (industry partners, safety groups) to develop and implement EHS policies, programs, procedures, standards, training, and processes.
• Design and execute injury prevention programs/initiatives to motivate and influence the creation of a world class safety culture and minimize injury risk.
• Implement standardized and actionable EHS metrics and communication protocols to leadership teams to drive continuous EHS improvement.
• Analyze and identify trends that increase injury and accident frequency/severity; develop and direct the implementation of training programs using the appropriate media.
• Collaborate with federal, state, and local regulatory officials to resolve compliance or practice violations.
• Drive the continued development of a world class safety culture by assessing, monitoring, and developing culturespecific initiatives and engaging stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Build a high performing area team of EHS Managers and Leaders to ensure the execution of UNFI’s EHS vision and strategy at the regional level. Assist with hiring of area EHS professionals. Participate in annual talent calibrations.
• Support environmental compliance and claims programs
• Analyze, develop and communicate annual safety targets. Coordinate with analytics team to ensure monthly EHS metrics are accurate.
• Perform other job duties as required.

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in EHS, risk management or a closely related field is required.
• ASP (Associate Safety Professional) certification is required.
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional) certification is highly valued.
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or other professionally recognized certification in EHS (ISO 14001/ISO 45001) are highly desirable

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive EHS program management experience with large national company with multiple sites.
• 3+ years of prior experience leading a team of safety professionals.
• Experience actively working with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to strategically solve problems, manage projects, drive performance while maintaining long-term strategies.
• Excellent ability to develop and present business plans and strategies to influence company decision makers.
• Ability to coordinate planning and collaboration with other business functions in a way that is mutually beneficial and drives continuous improvement.
• Ability to drive a strong safety philosophy and implement programs designed to effectively change behavior and prevent injury using data- and research-driven methods.
• Ability to analyze and independently resolve a variety of difficult situations and problems using timely decision making

Knowledge:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact and influence effectively with all levels of management, employees, and customers.
• Experience collaborating with unions.
• Strong working knowledge of Federal and local occupational health and safety and environmental regulations.

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong training and coaching skills.
• Ability to manage large scale locations and/or multiple locations.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Adapts well to and initiates change in the organization.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Power point and Excel.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Travel will be required up to 70% of the time.
• Most work to be performed in a DC environment.
• Walking and working on your feet is required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feet.
• Reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.