Director of Health Safety & Environment

Position

Director of Health Safety & Environment

Operations

VP of Operations

566 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL (50% Travel across USA)

Full-time benefits eligible

At Richard, we’re not just another construction company – we’re the catalyst for change in the industry. As one of the fastest-growing general contractors in the nation, we offer the excitement and innovation of a startup with the stability and expertise of an established firm. We’re seeking visionaries who are ready to break free from the constraints of traditional construction and make a real impact.

• Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line
• Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data centers
• Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality
• Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth
• Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction
• Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices

At Richard, you’re not just a number – you’re a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We’re creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well‑being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation.

The Director of Safety leads the organization’s safety program with strategic oversight, ensuring comprehensive compliance with OSHA, federal regulations, and company policies across all construction sites. This position is crucial for cultivating a culture of safety, minimizing risk, and enhancing operational excellence, where regulatory compliance and environmental sensitivity are paramount.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company’s overall safety program and policies.
• Champion a culture of safety throughout all levels of the organization and subcontractor relationships.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments across job sites.
• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable OSHA, EM 385‑1‑1 (for federal projects), state, and local safety regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of unique safety considerations and infection control requirements (ICRA) in healthcare construction settings.
• Lead safety planning and documentation for federal projects including pre‑task planning and Activity Hazard Analyses (AHA).
• Develop and deliver ongoing training programs for employees, subcontractors, and site visitors.
• Oversee the certification and continued education of field personnel in First Aid/CPR, OSHA 30, EM 385‑1‑1, etc.
• Lead all incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementations.
• Prepare detailed reports for leadership and federal agencies as required.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all safety‑related issues on federal and healthcare construction sites.
• Liaise with project management teams, government inspectors, infection preventionists, and key stakeholders.
• Report key safety metrics to executive leadership regularly.

• Minimum 15 years of progressive safety experience in the construction industry, including at least 5 years in a leadership role at an organization with over $300 M revenue.
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CHST (Construction Health & Safety Technician), or equivalent.
• OSHA 30 and EM 385‑1‑1 training certification.
• ICRA certification or documented experience in healthcare facility safety compliance (preferred).
• Proven experience in managing safety on federal construction projects (e.g., DOD, VA, GSA).
• Familiarity with healthcare construction, including infection control and working in active hospitals.
• Familiarity with other market sector safety standards.
• Willing to travel to job sites is required (estimated 50 %+).

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational…