Director, EHSS & Operational Excellence

Ergon is seeking a Director, EHSS & Operational Excellence to set the vision and provide direction, guidance, and hands-on leadership for Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, and regulatory stewardship across Magnolia Marine Transport (MMT) and Ergon Marine Industrial Supply (EMIS). This leader elevates EHSS from "meeting requirements" to best-in-class safety performance-building a strong safety culture, strengthening management systems, and embedding risk-based decision-making into day-to-day operations.

The Director ensures continuous audit readiness and regulatory alignment while driving practical, field-ready improvements that reduce risk and increase reliability. Partnering closely with operations leaders and frontline teams, this role enables safe, resilient, and compliant 24/7 marine and industrial operations through coaching, visible leadership, and disciplined execution.

Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. We are a great company with great pay and great benefits. Ergon, Inc. is a relationship-driven company that values each employee's willingness to learn and contribute to the team. We are family owned with locations throughout the world, but we pride ourselves on maintaining a small company feel.

Key Accountabilities

• Own and continuously improve EHSS and compliance management systems across MMT and EMIS; build practical standards that work in the field.
• Ensure the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) is implemented and continuously functions throughout management and the fleet.
• Serve as Company Audit Coordinator for internal and external audits (regulatory, customer, and third-party).
• Serve as Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) Program Coordinator; drive timely closure and verify effectiveness.
• Administer the Event Investigation Procedure; lead/oversee investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to closure.
• Develop action items and implementation plans to address current and emerging laws, regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements.
• Oversee training coordination to ensure required training is current, effective, and documented; deliver/coordinate training for crews, shoreside teams, and contractors.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness and response readiness; participate on the Incident Management Team and lead drills/after-action improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve the OPA 90 Vessel Response Plan and related response readiness.
• Serve in assigned security and compliance leadership roles, including Company Security Officer (CSO) duties under the AWO Alternative Security Program, Designated Person responsibilities, and Qualified Individual awareness/training requirements.
• Oversee and support a team responsible for training, environmental, health, safety, compliance and vetting; develop capability and accountability.
• Partner with EMIS, MMT, and Ergon leadership to align EHSS/compliance requirements (contractor controls, permits/inspections, incident prevention) with business priorities.
• Remain informed and up-to-date on regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer requirements through industry engagement and monitoring.

What Success Looks Like

• Audit-ready programs with timely CAPA closure and verified effectiveness.
• Reduced repeat events through systemic fixes and strong field engagement.
• Improved leading indicators (near-miss quality, JSA/JHA execution, training completion, safety observations) alongside reduced serious incident potential.
• Strong regulator/customer confidence and consistent TSMS/management system execution.
• Clear, usable procedures and training that improve frontline execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• College degree preferred (Safety, Environmental, Engineering, Maritime, or related) or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in marine transportation operations or closely related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience building and delivering effective training to frontline personnel.
• Strong working knowledge of management systems and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present to crews, managers, executives, and external stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills and ability to use software tools to manage programs, training, and corrective actions.
• Strong working knowledge (development and implementation) of emergency management processes relevant to the industry.
• Valid driver's license; ability to travel routinely and respond to incidents as needed in a 24/7 operating environment.
• TWIC required (or ability to obtain/maintain immediately upon hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of auditing experience (internal and/or external).
• 2+ years of survey/inspection experience (vessel, facility, or comparable).
• Professional certification such as CSP/ASP (BCSP), CHMM, CIH, or comparable credential.
• Incident Command System (ICS) training (e.g., ICS 100/200/300).

Work Environment

• Blend of office and field settings including terminals/facilities, shipyards, and marine environments; PPE required in operational areas.
• Routine field presence required; work may involve heat/cold, weather exposure, noise, uneven surfaces, and other industrial hazards.
• Irregular hours and prompt response to emergencies may be required due to 24/7 operations.
• Travel and overnight stays required to support both EMIS and MMT operations.

Why Ergon

Ergon is a family-owned, growth-oriented organization with a strong commitment to safe, reliable operations and long-term relationships. This role offers broad visibility and meaningful impact across two businesses, with the opportunity to build systems that make work safer and more efficient.