Manufacturing Plant Senior EHS Manager

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.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Program Management

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 (1910.119)

Hazard Communication (HazCom / 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.

Chemical & Process Safety

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

Environmental Management

• 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)

Risk Management & Incident Prevention

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, TapRoot, etc.)

Track and trend leading / lagging indicators

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

Safety Culture & Training

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

Emergency Preparedness & Fire Protection

Develop and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAP)

Coordinate drills for

Chemical Spills

Fires / explosion

Evacuations

Ensure fire protection systems are compliant

• Sprinklers, foam systems, extinguishers
• Interface with local emergency responders and LEPC

Auditing & Continuous Improvement

• 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)

Requirements

Education and Experience

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)

Certifications

CSP (Certified Safety Professional)

CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)

CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)

OSHA 500 / 501 Instructor

Technical Competencies

• 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)

Leadership Skills

• 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

Work Environment

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

Job Summary

• Own all OSHA + EPA compliance for a chemical / paint manufacturing plant
• Lead PSM, HazCom, 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

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

401k