Safety Director

Safety Director

Location: Downey, California

Compensation: $160,000 – $190,000 annually

A leading infrastructure and utility construction organization is seeking a Safety Director to provide enterprise-level leadership across multiple operating divisions. The company delivers complex utility, transportation, energy, and heavy civil construction projects throughout the Western United States and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, operational performance, and risk management.

Position Summary

The Safety Director will lead the implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide safety initiatives across multiple operating companies. This role is responsible for driving compliance, operational risk reduction, field engagement, incident management, and safety performance improvement initiatives throughout the organization.

This position operates within a highly collaborative, matrixed environment and requires a leader who can influence operational teams, safety personnel, and executive leadership through partnership and field presence rather than direct reporting authority. The role requires extensive interaction with field operations and active project sites.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Safety Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for company-wide safety programs, initiatives, and performance objectives across multiple business units.
• Partner with operational leadership teams to ensure consistent application of safety standards, policies, and accountability measures.
• Influence safety performance and operational compliance through collaboration and relationship-building across matrixed teams.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen organizational safety culture and field execution.

Safety Technology & Systems Management

• Lead the administration, governance, and optimization of enterprise safety technology platforms, including systems supporting vehicle telematics, driver monitoring, field observations, audits, incident tracking, corrective actions, and safety training documentation.
• Ensure standardized implementation and consistent utilization of safety management platforms across operating groups.
• Analyze system-generated data, trends, and compliance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and risk reduction.
• Support the integration of technology-driven safety solutions into field operations.

Field Engagement & Operational Support

• Maintain a significant field presence to coach, mentor, and support field safety personnel and operational leadership teams.
• Conduct site visits, field audits, and leadership engagement activities across active construction projects.
• Improve consistency and effectiveness of field observations, inspections, corrective actions, and frontline safety accountability.
• Reinforce leadership engagement and proactive hazard recognition in the field environment.

Safety Programs & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the development and ongoing enhancement of enterprise safety manuals, procedures, and operational standards.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for high-risk construction and operational activities.
• Support implementation of advanced risk management concepts and proactive hazard identification methodologies.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives and incorporation of lessons learned into company-wide programs and training.

Incident Management & Risk Mitigation

• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation related to safety incidents and operational losses.
• Ensure findings and lessons learned are effectively communicated and integrated into training programs and operational procedures.
• Partner closely with Risk Management, Legal, Insurance, Operations, and external stakeholders regarding incident response and compliance matters.
• Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and regulatory communication as required.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Develop and administer safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations including OSHA and related construction safety standards.
• Participate in regulatory inspections, audits, and agency interactions as needed.
• Evaluate operational risk exposure and recommend mitigation strategies to reduce financial and operational impact.
• Oversee Operator Qualification (OQ) program administration and compliance requirements.

Leadership, Training & Reporting

• Lead enterprise safety councils and facilitate collaboration between safety and operations leadership teams.
• Support recruitment, mentoring, development, and performance management of safety personnel.
• Develop and implement standardized onboarding, orientation, and safety training programs.
• Prepare dashboards, reports, metrics, and statistical analyses for executive leadership review.
• Assist with department budgeting, forecasting, and expense management activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive safety leadership experience within heavy civil, utility, infrastructure, transportation, or industrial construction environments.
• Extensive experience supporting heavy civil construction operations required.
• Utility, electrical distribution, and/or transmission construction experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience developing, implementing, and managing safety programs.
• Proven experience supporting enterprise or multi-division safety operations.
• Experience implementing and managing safety technology platforms and compliance management systems.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, Cal/OSHA, DOT, EPA, NEPA, and applicable construction safety standards and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence operational teams within a matrixed organizational structure.
• Strong field leadership presence with excellent coaching and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive operational matters professionally.
• Valid California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one required.

Preferred Certifications

• CSP, CUSP, CUSA, or similar professional safety certifications preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Position requires regular travel to active construction sites and operating company locations.
• Approximately 50% travel and field presence expected.
• May require operation of a company-provided vehicle in support of assigned responsibilities.
• Positoin will support BD and Lobbying Teams

Equal Opportunity Employer

The company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities for growth and advancement. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.