Director of Health, Safety, Environment, and
5 days ago
Chicago
Job Description The HSEQ Director is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for setting the strategic vision, governance framework, and performance standards for health, safety, environmental compliance, and quality for the Company. This leader drives a proactive, prevention-first culture, ensures regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DOT, state), advances ISO readiness, and partners with the CEO and Board to reduce risk, improve operational resilience, and enhance stakeholder trust. The ideal candidate brings relevant transportation/infrastructure experience, is a self-starter with exceptional drive, and demonstrates a growth mindset with a high degree of accountability. The Company consists of a dynamic team that is customer-service oriented, disciplined in comprehensive and proactive risk management, and committed to operational excellence and long-term relationships with the community and stakeholders. Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) 1. Strategic Leadership & Governance • Define and execute the enterprise HSEQ strategy aligned with corporate objectives, operational excellence, customer service, and risk appetite., • Establish a corporate HSEQ governance framework: policies, standards, assurance plans, and delegated accountabilities., • Lead annual HSEQ planning, budget ownership, and resource allocation; prioritize high-risk areas, leading indicators, and team capability building., • Present performance, material risks, and improvement initiatives to the CEO and Board; champion a high-accountability culture across leadership. 2. Safety Management Excellence • Deploy systematic hazard identification processes across work zones/equipment/operations; conduct Job Hazard Analyses for high-risk tasks (traffic control, accident response, construction, etc)., • Implement the hierarchy of controls—engineering, administrative, and PPE—and verify effectiveness through audits and field engagement., • Establish preventive safety programs (PPE compliance, fall protection, LOTO, confined space, HazCom, traffic control safety, equipment operation, etc)., • Design onboarding and recurring safety training (including CDL drivers and toll collectors); maintain accurate training records and certifications., • Investigate all injuries, crashes, and near misses; issue root cause analyses and CAPs (corrective and preventive action plans). 3. Quality Management & Continuous Improvement • Establish quality assurance procedures for roadway maintenance, toll collection, and construction; including inspection protocols for materials, equipment, and work processes to meet specs and contracts., • Lead quality audits, performance reviews, and contractor quality assurance; enforce corrective actions., • Prepare monthly and quarterly quality performance reports for leadership and the Board. 4. Risk Management & Compliance • Build and sustain enterprise risk management (ERM) programs for HSEQ (risk registers, controls, and assurance cadence). Maintain and continuously update the risk register for technical risks, ensuring alignment with enterprise risk management processes., • Monitor and enforce proactive compliance with the concession agreement and all regulatory requirements, anticipating changes and implementing timely updates., • Maintain current knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state requirements; ensure policy updates, workforce compliance, and inspection readiness., • Oversee OSHA recordkeeping, regulatory reporting, timely abatement, and corrective/preventive actions., • Lead ISO readiness, certification, and surveillance audit coordination. 5. Emergency Preparedness & Incident Command • Develop and maintain emergency response plans (severe weather, hazardous spills, major incidents) using best practices., • Conduct enterprise-wide drills and tabletop exercises with employees and external agencies; close gaps via CAPs., • Serve as executive liaison during major incidents; ensure after-action reviews and lessons-learned integration. 6. Environmental Stewardship • Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives; manage stormwater, waste, and pollution prevention plans., • Conduct environmental audits, incident investigations, and remediation; maintain permits and records., • Build workforce environmental awareness through training, communications, and recognition programs. 7. Contractor & Supplier Assurance • In collaboration with other members of the leadership team, establish prequalification criteria and ongoing compliance checks for contractors and vendors (safety, quality, environmental)., • Integrate HSEQ requirements into contracts, bid specs, and performance reviews; enforce consequences for non-compliance., • Conduct joint audits and promote collaborative improvement with third parties; maintain long-term, trust-based relationships. 8. Culture, Engagement & Leadership Development • Champion a safety-first, prevention-oriented and customer-service focused culture that empowers employees to identify/report hazards and stop work when unsafe., • Continue recognition and incentive programs tied to leading indicators and participation (near-miss reporting, safety observations)., • Mentor and develop leaders and frontline teams; promote visible felt leadership, change management, and accountability for HSEQ outcomes., • Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Quality Management, or related field; Master’s preferred., • 10–15+ years progressive HSEQ leadership experience in roadway/transportation, infrastructure, utilities, or industrial operations., • Proven track record leading multi-site operations, contractor assurance, and enterprise HSEQ programs., • Professional credentials strongly preferred., • Expertise in OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state regulations; incident command, root cause analysis, and audit methodologies., • Familiarity with digital HSEQ systems, analytics, and dashboarding (e.g., incident management platforms)., • Self-starter with exceptional drive, growth mindset, and high accountability; demonstrated capacity to lead, manage, train, and mentor a dynamic team., • Strategic Thinking & Governance – sets direction, prioritizes risk, aligns resources, and models high accountability., • Operational Excellence – translates strategy to field execution, customer service, and measurable results., • Risk & Compliance Acumen – designs disciplined, comprehensive, and proactive risk management systems., • Data-Driven Decision Making – leverages analytics and leading indicators to improve performance., • Influence & Collaboration – builds trust across departments, contractors, and community stakeholders. This position operates in both office and field environment. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to communicate, sit, stand, and use standard office equipment. • This role may also involve occasional lifting up to [25 pounds], walking, or exposure to outdoor conditions, depending on operational needs. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in alignment with SCC’s commitment to safety, stewardship, and regulatory compliance. Employees must follow established health and safety practices, immediately report hazards, and actively support a safe, secure, and environmentally responsible workplace.