EHS Manager; metal recycling

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Manager – Chicago Heights, IL Overview

Our client a global leader in aluminum recycling and specification alloy production, is seeking an experienced Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Manager for its Chicago Heights, Illinois facility.
This role is a key part of the plant leadership team, responsible for driving HSE excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of safety and environmental stewardship across all operations.

The Chicago Heights facility operates under a Title V air permit, making experience with major source environmental compliance and reporting a critical component of this position.
The HSE Manager will oversee all site-level programs related to environmental management, occupational safety, and employee health — partnering closely with corporate HSE and plant leadership to deliver continuous improvement and operational excellence.

This is a plant-based leadership role with visibility across the organization and strong opportunities for long-term professional growth within their network of U.S. facilities.

• Partner with plant management and supervisors to maintain a proactive safety culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
• Lead site safety meetings and co‑chair the Safety Committee; support supervisors in conducting effective department‑level safety talks.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans; ensure timely documentation and follow‑up.
• Conduct facility HSE risk assessments, PPE evaluations, and change‑management reviews for new projects or processes.
• Provide guidance and coaching to employees and supervisors to reinforce best practices and accountability in all safety activities.

• Manage all environmental programs and reporting requirements, including air, water, and waste, ensuring full compliance with Title V, NPDES, and other applicable permits.
• Prepare, review, and submit environmental reports, applications, and data to local, state, and federal agencies.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and corporate HSE on inspections, renewals, and audits.
• Lead initiatives focused on emissions control, waste reduction, and sustainable resource use.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely submission of all required documentation.

• Support the integration of continuous improvement tools (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) into HSE processes.
• Partner with operations and engineering on process improvement projects with safety or environmental impact.
• Lead or participate in internal and corporate HSE audits, including audits at other facilities as assigned.
• Manage vendors, consultants, and contractors to ensure adherence to company and regulatory standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of progressive HSE experience in manufacturing or heavy industry; metals or recycling preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Title V permit management and federal/state environmental compliance.
• Strong background in OSHA compliance, incident prevention, and employee engagement.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across all levels of a facility.
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and environmental data management systems).
• Certification such as CSP, CHMM, or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment (exposure to heat, humidity, noise, and PPE use required).

• Location:
  
  Chicago Heights, IL
• Reports To:
  
  Plant Manager (with dotted‑line to Corporate HSE)
• Schedule:
  
  Full‑time, on‑site role
• Relocation:
  Available
• Travel: