Job Title:
Safety Director
Company: Whitsons Culinary Group
Location: Islandia, NY
Created: 2026-05-08
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Job DescriptionSUMMARYThe Director of Safety is a senior leadership role responsible for protecting the company's most important asset "” its people. Operating across a complex dual environment of dispersed contract foodservice accounts and high-volume meal manufacturing, this leader sets the strategic direction for all safety programs. They are accountable for ensuring regulatory compliance, driving measurable reductions in risk and injury and building a culture where every employee goes home safe not just managing programs, but transforming how the organization thinks about safety at every level.Key ResponsibilitiesWorkplace Safety & OSHA ComplianceDevelop, implement, and enforce safety policies and procedures compliant with OSHA and applicable federal, state, and local regulationsManage all safety programs including lockout/tagout, confined space, machine guarding, powered industrial trucks, ergonomics, and chemical/GHS hazard communicationLead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action tracking to closureConduct and oversee regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments across manufacturing and field service sitesTraining & CultureDesign and deliver safety training programs for hourly food service workers, production staff, supervisors, and managementBuild and sustain a strong safety culture through visible leadership, engagement programs, and accountability systemsDevelop safety onboarding standards across all sites and contract accountsContract Operations SupportEstablish and monitor safety standards across multiple contract foodservice accounts serving diverse client environments (education, residential, healthcare, corporate dining, etc.)Serve as the Safety subject matter expert for contract bids, renewals, and client-facing auditsAlign safety protocols with client requirements while maintaining company standardsWorkers' Compensation OversightProvide strategic direction and oversight to the Workers' Compensation Manager, ensuring programs are cost-effective, compliant, and support injured employee recoveryReview claims trends and loss data to identify opportunities for injury prevention and program improvementEnsure alignment between workers' compensation outcomes and broader Safety initiativesLeadership & StrategyBuild, mentor, and manage a geographically dispersed safety teamSet annual Safety strategy with measurable goals tied to business objectivesReport safety performance metrics and trends to senior leadershipManage the Safety department budget including training, PPE, equipment, and compliance programsThis role offers a salary range of $170,000-$190,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays.RequirementsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:Education:Bachelor's degree in safety management, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field preferred.CertificationsRelevant certifications (CSP, CHST, OSHA 30) a strong plus.EXPERIENCE, OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: Experience:8+ years of progressive safety experience, ideally in food service, hospitality, facilities management, manufacturing, distribution, or other multi-site service industries.Other Qualifications:Proven success designing and implementing safety programs across a large, distributed workforceDemonstrated ability to work autonomously in a lean organization, driving results with minimal supervision.Experience managing direct reports and coaching leaders at all levels.Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations and relevant state/local requirementsExperience with incident management systems, OSHA logs, and workers' compensation processes.Exceptional communication, presentation, and change-management skills.Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and recommend practical, scalable solutions.Ability and willingness to travel regularly to company and customer sites.Computer Skills:Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365Expected Hours of Work:This is a full-time exempt position. Typical work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00 pm with additional hours needed to meet business demands and production schedules. As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This will often require extended work hours, evening, and/or weekend work.Travel Requirements:Travel regularly to company and client sites to conduct audits, support investigations, deliver training, and build field engagement.Work Environment:Work is primarily performed in an office environment with moderate noise levelsThe duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duty does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change. Employee's signature below constitutes an employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.Work ScheduleTypically Monday through Friday 8am-5pmSalary Target$170,000-$190,000