Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Regional Safety Manager

🎯 Role Definition

The Regional Safety Manager is a pivotal leadership role, acting as the primary champion and expert for all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) matters across a designated geographic region. You're not just enforcing rules; you're building a proactive, behavior-based safety culture from the ground up. This position involves strategic planning, hands-on implementation, and influential leadership to ensure our operations not only meet but exceed all regulatory standards and internal safety goals. You will partner closely with site-level leadership, operations teams, and corporate EHS to drive continuous improvement, mitigate risk, and ensure every team member goes home safe, every single day. This is a role for a passionate safety professional who thrives in a dynamic, multi-site environment and can translate complex regulations into practical, effective programs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Site Safety Manager or EHS Manager
Senior EHS Specialist/Coordinator
Operations Manager with a strong safety focus

Advancement To:

Director of Safety / Corporate EHS Director
Vice President of Risk Management
Senior Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

Regional Environmental Manager
Corporate Security Manager
Senior Manager, Process Improvement / Operational Excellence

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive regional EHS strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT).
Drive the creation and maintenance of a world-class safety culture through leadership, coaching, and the promotion of behavior-based safety principles across all sites in the region.
Lead and conduct thorough incident investigations, including near-misses and first aids, utilizing root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone) to identify systemic issues and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Analyze regional safety metrics, data, and trends (e.g., TRIR, DART, LTIR) to identify risks, measure program effectiveness, and present actionable insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Serve as the primary subject matter expert and point of contact for regulatory agencies during inspections, inquiries, and reporting, ensuring professional representation and timely resolution.
Conduct comprehensive EHS compliance audits, risk assessments, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) at all regional facilities to proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards.
Manage and mentor a team of site-level safety professionals, providing guidance, professional development, and performance management to build a high-performing regional safety team.
Develop and deliver engaging and effective EHS training programs for all levels of the organization, from new hire orientation to advanced leadership training on topics like LOTO, confined space, and emergency response.
Partner with site management and operations leaders to integrate safety seamlessly into daily operations, ensuring that production goals and safety objectives are mutually supportive.
Oversee the regional workers' compensation claims management process, working with HR, insurance carriers, and medical providers to ensure proper case management and facilitate a timely return-to-work program.
Manage the regional EHS budget, including forecasting needs for personal protective equipment (PPE), training resources, and capital improvement projects related to safety.
Lead the development and regular testing of site-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and crisis response procedures to ensure preparedness for all foreseeable emergencies.
Champion industrial hygiene initiatives, including monitoring for noise, air quality, and chemical exposures, and implement controls to protect employee health.
Evaluate and approve new equipment, processes, and materials from an EHS perspective to ensure all potential hazards are identified and controlled prior to implementation.
Facilitate and energize regional and site-level safety committees, empowering employees to take an active role in the safety program.

Secondary Functions

Support the corporate EHS team in the rollout of new company-wide initiatives and systems within the assigned region.
Review and provide EHS input on contractor safety plans and performance to ensure compliance with company standards while on-site.
Stay current with advancements in safety technology, industry best practices, and proposed regulatory changes, and assess their potential impact on the organization.
Assist in the environmental compliance aspects of the role, including waste management, spill prevention (SPCC), and stormwater pollution prevention (SWPPP) plans.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners in Human Resources, Legal, and Operations to address complex employee relations issues related to safety and compliance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Regulatory Expertise: Deep and practical knowledge of OSHA (General Industry 1910 and/or Construction 1926), EPA, and DOT regulations and reporting requirements.
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis: Proven ability to lead complex investigations using structured methodologies like 5-Why, Fishbone, or TapRooT®.
EHS Management Systems: Experience implementing and managing systems based on ISO 45001, ISO 14001, or VPP principles.
Risk Assessment & Hazard Control: Mastery of techniques like Job Hazard Analysis (JHA/JSA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and the hierarchy of controls.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficiency in analyzing safety metrics (leading and lagging indicators) and using software (e.g., Excel, specialized EHS platforms) to create compelling reports that drive action.
Industrial Hygiene: Foundational knowledge of IH principles, including monitoring for chemical, physical, and biological hazards.
Ergonomics: Ability to conduct ergonomic assessments and recommend effective engineering or administrative controls to reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Influence: Ability to inspire and influence change across all levels of the organization, from front-line employees to senior executives, without direct authority.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to a diverse audience.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: A pragmatic and analytical approach to identifying problems, evaluating options, and implementing effective, sustainable solutions.
Stakeholder Management: Skill in building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including operations, HR, and regulatory bodies.
Resilience & Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site environment and can effectively manage competing priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
Coaching & Mentoring: A passion for developing others and building the safety capabilities of the teams and leaders you support.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field.
Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or similar.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Occupational Health & Safety
Environmental Science
Industrial Engineering
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10 years of progressive experience in an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) role, with at least 3 years in a management or multi-site capacity.

Preferred:

Experience within a relevant industry (e.g., manufacturing, logistics/distribution, construction, or energy).
Proven track record of successfully managing a team of direct or indirect reports.
Demonstrable experience in transforming a reactive safety program into a proactive, behavior-based safety culture.