Director of Safety and Risk Management

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

The Safety Director provides leadership and oversight for all safety-related programs, compliance, and risk management across all Scrap Management Industries locations. This role is responsible for sustaining a strong culture of safety, balancing operational productivity with the well-being of employees. The Director of Safety serves as the key point of contact for safety compliance, including Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory requirements and will lead investigations, reporting, and training initiatives.

As a member of the leadership team, this position partners with yard managers, employees, and executives to ensure that safety is integrated into all aspects of operations. The Director of Safety also manages a team of safety professionals and external partners to deliver programs that prevent incidents, reduces risk, and promotes safe practices company-wide.

Requirements :

Essential Duties and Responsibilities : The following are general responsibilities associated with the position as directed :

• Provide leadership and direction for all safety programs, policies, and compliance across all SMI locations.
• Oversee and manage post-incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are completed and communicated.
• Serve as the primary contact for OSHA audits, inspections, and reporting; ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local safety regulations.
• Oversee all Workers Compensation related claims, working with internal and external partners to provide quick resolution.
• Lead and coach managers, supervisors, and employees on safety expectations, standards, and accountability.
• Regularly visit yards, conduct safety inspections, and perform risk assessments in collaboration with local leadership. Develop, update, and implement safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Review and update existing company safety policies and procedures as needed.
• Manage safety-related reporting, metrics, and trend analysis; present findings and recommendations to the executive team.
• Oversee third-party safety, training, and compliance vendors.
• Ensure proper record-keeping and documentation of safety training, incidents, certifications, and inspections.
• Support and oversee emergency preparedness programs, including fire extinguisher and lockout / tagout (LOTO) training.
• Partner with operations leadership to ensure safety standards align with and support production and business goals.
• Lead and develop a team of safety staff, ensuring effective delegation of day-to-day safety responsibilities.
• Champion and model SMI’s commitment to creating a safe, compliant, and respectful workplace for all employees.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor / manager.

Education and Experience : The minimum level of education and experience required to perform the job at a satisfactory level.

High school diploma or equivalent required

A college degree in Occupational Safety, Safety Management, or related field is strongly preferred.

Minimum 5 years of progressive safety management experience; leadership experience required.

Experience in conducting investigations, writing detailed reports, and presenting findings to leadership.

Knowledge of scrap metal recycling, manufacturing, or industrial environments preferred.

Experience writing detailed reports, policies, and procedures

Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : The minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job at a satisfactory level.

Strong understanding of OSHA guidelines and other state and local safety regulations.

Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.

Familiarity with the tools, machines, and equipment used in the industry.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; able to present to employees, managers, and executives effectively.

Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

Ability to teach others the established safety standards.

Excellent critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use data to drive decisions.

Ability to balance safety and production priorities while maintaining compliance.

Comfortable working in both office and yard environments; able to walk yards and operate equipment when necessary.

Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail and follow-through

Excellent at time management.

Ability to work quickly, independently, and with confidence to handle many challenges.

Safety : Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Strictly adhere to all health, safety, and environmental standards.

Follow all safety guidelines and protocol, including wearing of all PPE.

Adhere to all local, state, OSHA, and environmental regulations.

Decision Making : Common decisions made in the job and the level of review or autonomy needed to finalize such decisions.

Decisions that may affect / impact the safety and health for the organization, their employees, or their customers.

Physical Requirements : Activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.

Prolonged periods of stand and / or walking.

Ability to travel regularly to all SMI yard locations; valid driver’s license required.

Ability to walk yards, climb equipment and conduct inspections in outdoor and industrial environments.

Must be able to list up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Must be able to work full days Monday -Friday, with flexibility to respond to incidents if urgent safety needs outside of normal business hours.

Additional Information :

This is a salary position and is not eligible for overtime.

NOTE : The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the Company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.