Job Description

Overview:

A leading food manufacturing facility in the Chicago area is seeking an experienced EHS Manager to oversee and drive safety, environmental, and health initiatives at the plant level. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who combines regulatory knowledge with a practical, hands-on approach to risk reduction and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions:

• Lead by example while promoting a culture of safety, responsibility, and operational excellence.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and mentor to teams throughout the facility.
• Use both experience and innovation to improve site-wide EHS performance and awareness.
• Proactively identify and assess workplace hazards and develop and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze safety data and incident trends to create improvement plans and reduce risk.
• Coordinate responses to safety incidents, including investigations and corrective actions.
• Oversee all workers’ compensation documentation, data tracking, and cost management.
• Develop and maintain EHS-related databases and reporting systems.
• Interpret federal, state, and local regulations and industry best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Conduct and support internal audits and participate in third-party, customer, or government inspections.
• Maintain accurate documentation aligned with regulatory and company standards.
• Provide EHS training on policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing environment required; food industry experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of USDA, BRC, FDA, and HACCP regulations is a plus.
• Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, CSHM, or CHMM are highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access); experience with cloud-based EHS systems preferred.
• Ability to occasionally travel for audits, trainings, or conferences.
• Must be able to work in food manufacturing environments, including areas with allergens.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs occasionally, and perform physical activities such as climbing ladders and stairs.
• Must be able to wear required PPE in compliance with facility protocols.

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