Vice President - Safety

Vice President - Safety

Regular Full-Time Senior Management San Jose, CA, US

5 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

About the Company:

Green Waste has been an industry leader in recycling and waste diversion for 40 years and is on a growth trajectory after private equity investment in 2021. Our business was founded on principles of environmental sustainability, and innovation is a cornerstone of our ongoing operations and growth strategy. Green Waste specializes in all aspects of material collection, processing, and sales, tailoring our service offerings to the unique needs of our customers and communities, and helping to shape the evolution of the solid waste and recycling industry.

We work directly with 20+ municipalities and 50+ jurisdictions, operate highly regulated facilities in 10+ locations, and have 1,000+ employees.

Position Summary:

Green Waste is seeking to fill the position of Vice President, Safety to provide strategic support across multiple facilities. This role is responsible for leading and implementing a comprehensive safety program that ensures regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. This position is expected to work out of our office at 2560 N. 1st St in San Jose and limited job-related travel will be required.

A key focus of this position is fostering a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel empowered to speak up, report concerns, and engage in open dialogue.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  Lead Company-wide strategies for a comprehensive safety program focused on risk management and mitigation effectiveness.
• Serve as a role model for empathetic leadership and inclusive communication, reinforcing safety as a shared responsibility across all levels.
• Develop and implement safety audits and assessments; oversee tracking and analysis of safety data.
• Establish and monitor safety-related metrics and key performance indicators. Establish guidelines and procedures governing collection and maintenance of employee training records, safety manuals, incident/accident reports and other documentation.
• Provide leadership and support for training, consultants, contractors and personnel involved in safety compliance and accident prevention.
• Identify high-priority job hazards and safety gaps; implement and monitor mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop, prepare and maintain safety policies and procedures.
• Drive initiatives to reduce workplace injuries, accidents and health risks.

Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations (e.g. OSHA, Cal-OSHA, EPA).
• Oversee incident reporting procedures across all sites; ensure thorough documentation and investigations.
• Prepare and present safety data reports; recommend corrective actions and performance improvement plans.

Performance Monitoring

• Conducts field reviews, audits, and provides recommendations for a safety-first approach.
• Analyze accident and incident reports; implement changes to improve safety outcomes.
• Review high risk indicators while identifying trends to aid in developing corrective programs.
• Present findings, summaries, and suggestions to Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.
• Responsible for embedding a proactive safety mindset across the organization, with a strong emphasis on psychological safety, employee trust, and inclusive practices. This role partners with senior leadership to ensure that safety is not only a compliance requirement but a core cultural value.
• Regularly review safety practices and adapt based on feedback and data.
• Stay informed on emerging trends (e.g., AI, work risks).

Team Leadership and Other Duties

• Build and lead a high-performing safety team committed to collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by executive leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
:

• Ability to foster and maintain a culture of care that places safety as a top priority for all team members of the Company.
• Ability to influence organizational culture and behavior. Ability to encourage and promote participation and buy in into safety protocols, policies, and best practices.
• Ability to work well with other employees in a team environment and communicate effectively with different groups. Proven track record working with key stakeholders.
• Understand and acknowledge operational needs, employee needs, and safety requirements.
• Proven ability to research, handle and resolve complex assignments with good judgment, initiative and efficiency.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion while coping with challenging situations and deadlines.
• Proven track record meeting actionable requirements.
• Understanding of change management, internal audit and risk management concepts.
• Ability to synthesize complex information quickly.
• Extensive knowledge of current company safety policies and applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and…