Safety Manager chez Upstate Niagara Cooperative

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day. 

Job Summary:

The Safety Manager will plan, implement, and coordinate programs to reduce or eliminate occupational injuries, illnesses, and financial losses and appraise conditions that could produce accidents. Responsible for overseeing accident prevention programs for incorporation into policies. Coordination of safety activities to ensure implementation throughout the facility. Plans and directs safety and health activities in an industrial plant to evaluate and control environmental hazards. Inspects machinery, equipment, and working conditions in industrial or other settings to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health regulations. Coordinates activities in training employees. Leads employee engagement initiatives with a focus on building relationships and showing up when things are going right.

Key Responsibilities including: 

• Oversee site compliance with OSHA standards, industry best practices and meet organizational goals for overseeing the Safety Management Operating System (SMOS)
• Conduct incident investigations and lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Provide site-specific safety training and development across all teams
• Involvement in daily huddle meetings to provide a safety presence and message
• Develop individual and plant-focused SMART goals from high-level initiatives
• Daily walkthroughs to ensure boots on the ground with a focus on behavior and adherence to safe work practices
• Engaging with personnel to promote worker participation in proactive safety
• Review and prioritize Open Action Items and update status
• Review and follow up of near misses and hazard recognition in the facility
• Review weekly Supervisor Audits and ensure that follow-up actions are added to the Action List in Teams and addressed
• Implement the health and safety program requirements at the facility
• Assisting with the development of Lockout/Tagout procedures
• Perform proactive safety functions
• Audit completion of the required safety documentation like pre-shift inspections on PITs
• Develop Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for plant operations
• Develop One Point Lessons as necessary
• Oversee Monthly Safety Committee Meeting
• Ensure that OSHA 300 log is current and properly maintained
• Identify and Implement Weekly Toolbox Topics
• Perform and document Monthly Safety Manager Compliance Tasks
• Identifying and leading safety related capital projects

Qualifications: 

Work within a union environment among a cross-disciplinary population. Must be able to work individually and in a team setting. Organize and manage time and competing priorities. Flexibility to train and meet with staff overnight or afternoon shifts. On-call 24/7/365 with duties shared among coworkers. The team includes technical and administrative managers, engineers, trade professionals, administrators, financial professionals, and laboratory scientists. The above requirements represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Education and Experience 

• A BS degree in Safety Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Sciences, Business, Health or in a related field. MS in EHS or an MBA degree is preferred.
• Five plus years’ experience in manufacturing or industrial setting preferred
• Deep understanding of legal health and safety guidelines
• Understanding of environmental regulations and good practices
• Ability to produce reports and develop/manage relevant policies
• Good knowledge of data analysis and risk assessment
• Excellent organizational and motivational skills
• Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the health, safety, and environmental field.
• Collaborative problem solver who understands the complexities of a manufacturing environment
• Expected to take a hands-on approach and build relationships with leaders and employees throughout the organization

Confidentiality:

This position will have exposure to product and project specifications, organizational growth strategies, and O-AT-KA strategic plans. A high degree of confidentiality is required.

Management Responsibility:

The Safety Manager is an individual contributor who works under the general direction of the EHS Manager. Resources and coworkers for this position include the Senior Director of Safety & Compliance, plant EHS Manager, plant Safety Manager, Training Coordinator, and contract environmental consulting firm.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. 

The Safety Manager will work cross-organizationally in all facets of the O-AT-KA Plant and office environments. Must be capable of operating standard office equipment and seeing, grasping hold, walking, climbing, bending, stretching, and lifting up to 40 lbs. Immersed in the production environment working near moving mechanical parts, corrosive chemicals, high-speed conveyors, and processing equipment where temperatures fluctuate, floors may be wet, and noise is a constant factor. 

Pay: $70k-$105k/yr.* 

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.