Manufacturing Plant Senior EHS Manager

Position Summary

The Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Senior Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving all environmental, health, and safety programs for all Paint / Thermo Chemical Manufacturing Facilities. This role ensures full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and applicable state / local regulations, while driving a proactive safety culture, operational risk reduction, and environmental stewardship across the plants.

Ensure Compliance With:

• OSHA (29 CFR 1910 – General Industry)
• EPA Programs (Clean Air, Clean Water Act, RCRA, EPCRA)
• NFPA (flammable liquids, combustible dust, fire protection)

Lead and Manage:

• Process Safety Management (PSM) programs )
• Hazard Communication (Haz Com / GHS)
• Lockout / Tagout (LOTO)
• Respiratory Protection Program
• Confined Space Entry Program

Maintain All Required Permits (air, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste)

Act as primary liaison with regulatory agencies and inspectors.

Oversee safe handling, storage, and disposal of:

• Solvents, resins, pigments, and flammable liquids

Conduct Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), HAZOPs, and risk assessments

Ensure compliance with:

• Flammable liquid storage (NFPA 30)
• Combustible dust requirements (NFPA 652, if applicable)

Manage Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory systems

Lead Management of Change (MOC) for process modifications

Manage hazardous waste generation, storage, and disposal (RCRA)

Track emissions and ensure compliance with air permits (VOC-heavy operations)

Oversee wastewater discharge and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP)

Lead spill prevention programs (SPCC plans)

Monitor environmental KPIs (waste reduction, emissions, sustainability)

Lead Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) for all plant processes

Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for:

• Mixing operations
• Tank farms and bulk storage
• Loading / unloading operations

Lead incident investigations (root cause analysis – 5 Why, Tap Root, etc.)

Track and trend leading / lagging indicators:

• TRIR, DART, Near Miss, Corrective Actions, Good Catch

Develop and deliver training programs:

• New hire orientation (EHS-specific)
• Chemical handling and emergency response
• PPE, respirator fit testing, hearing conservation

Conduct routine safety meetings and leadership engagement initiatives

Driver behavior-based safety and field-level engagement

Support supervisors with accountability and coaching

Develop and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAP)

Coordinate drills for:

• Chemical Spills
• Fires / explosions
• Evacuations

Ensure fire protection systems are compliant:

• Sprinklers, foam systems, extinguishers

Interface with local emergency responders and LEPC

Conduct internal EHS audits and inspections

Lead third-party audits and compliance reviews

Track corrective actions through closure

Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 (if applicable)

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety, Engineering, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

8-12 years of EHS experience in:

• Paint, coatings, chemicals, or manufacturing (required)

Strong working knowledge of:

• OSHA, EPA, NFPA standards
• PSM-covered processes (highly preferred)

• CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
• CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)
• CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)
• OSHA 500 / 501 Instructor

• Air permitting (VOC emissions specific to coatings / solvents)
• Hazardous waste management
• Chemical exposure monitoring and industrial hygiene
• Incident investigation methodologies
• EHS management systems (ISO 14001 / 45001)

• Strong manufacturing floor presence and ability to influence plant operations
• Ability to drive accountability at all levels
• Effective communication with hourly employees through executive leadership
• Experience managing change in high-risk environments

• Industrial manufacturing setting (paint / chemical production)
• Exposure to chemicals, noise, and industrial equipment
• Requires frequent floor presence (70-80% floor engagement)

• Own all OSHA + EPA compliance for a chemical / paint manufacturing plant
• Lead PSM, Haz Com, LOTO, and chemical safety programs
• Manage air permits, hazardous waste, and spill prevention
• Drive incident prevention, JHAs, and safety culture
• Ensure safe handling of flammables, solvents, and VOC-heavy processes
• Lead audits, training, and continuous improvement

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k