Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Position OverviewThe Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is a leadership role responsible for building, leading, and executing a best-in-class, enterprise-wide safety and environmental program across CREO Group's multi-site plastics manufacturing and warehousing operations.This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while driving a proactive, performance-based safety culture aligned with CREO's operational and value creation objectives.Reporting to the CHRO, the Director will lead a field-based safety team and partner closely with Operations, Manufacturing, HR, and Executive Leadership to reduce risk, improve safety performance, and standardize EHS practices across all locations.This leader will play a critical role in operational excellence, cost control (workers' compensation, claims, downtime), and ESG readiness in preparation for future growth and potential exit.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Program DevelopmentDesign and implement a comprehensive, enterprise-wide EHS strategy aligned with CREO's operational and financial goalsBuild a standardized safety management system across all manufacturing sitesEstablish and lead safety governance structures, including safety committees and incident review boardsDrive a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement in safety performanceField Execution & Team LeadershipLead, coach, and develop a team of 3 field-based Safety Specialists supporting multiple plant locationsEnsure consistent execution of safety programs, audits, and training across all sitesProvide hands-on support in high-risk environments and during critical incidentsEstablish clear expectations, KPIs, and accountability for field safety performanceCompliance & Risk ManagementEnsure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulationsLead all EHS audits, inspections, and regulatory interactionsOversee environmental compliance including waste management, emissions, and sustainability initiativesMaintain readiness for customer, internal, and third-party audits (including social responsibility audits)Incident Management & Continuous ImprovementLead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementationEstablish standardized protocols for reporting, escalation, and resolution of safety incidentsAnalyze trends to proactively reduce recordable injuries, near misses, and high-risk exposuresDrive measurable improvements in key safety metrics (TRIR, LTIR, severity rates)Training & Culture DevelopmentDevelop and implement enterprise-wide EHS training programs for all levels of the organizationEnsure plant-level engagement through safety committees, toolbox talks, and leadership trainingPromote a behavior-based safety culture rooted in accountability and preventionOperational IntegrationPartner with Operations and Manufacturing leaders to integrate safety into daily production processesSupport capital projects, process changes, and new equipment implementation with EHS risk assessmentsEnsure safety considerations are embedded in continuous improvement and Lean initiativesMetrics, Reporting & PE VisibilityDevelop and track EHS KPIs and dashboards for executive leadership and Board reportingProvide regular updates on risk exposure, incident trends, and mitigation strategiesAlign safety performance with financial impact (workers' comp costs, downtime, insurance exposure)Emergency Preparedness & Environmental StewardshipDevelop and maintain emergency response and business continuity plansOversee ergonomics, industrial hygiene, and environmental impact programsLead sustainability and environmental initiatives aligned with ESG expectationsBudget & Resource ManagementWith the support of CHRO, manage EHS budget, including training, equipment, and compliance investmentsOptimize resource allocation to maximize safety impact and cost efficiencyQualificationEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or related field requiredMaster's degree preferred10+ years of progressive EHS experience, with 5+ years in a leadership roleProven experience leading multi-site manufacturing safety programs (plastics or similar industrial environment preferred)Demonstrated success managing and developing field-based safety teamsCertifications (Preferred)CSP (Certified Safety Professional)CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)Core CompetenciesDeep knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance standardsStrong leadership presence with the ability to influence plant leadership and frontline teamsExpertise in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and risk mitigationExperience building scalable, standardized safety programs across multiple sitesStrong analytical skills with ability to translate data into actionable insightsExcellent communication and executive-level presentation skillsAbility to balance strategic vision with hands-on executionWho We AreCREO Group is a leading consumer product, nursery, and greenhouse supply company. While others make plastic, we build relationships. As both a full-service designer and manufacturer, we offer a wide range of national and private-label products while delivering the flexibility, quality, and innovation our partners expect.At CREO, work is more than a job — it's a journey. Guided by our mission is to be the market-leading provider of innovative container solutions that enhance everyday living by partnering with our customers to deliver best-in-class, high-quality, and environmentally responsible products through disciplined operational execution. Powered by an engaged, high-performing team, we create enduring value for our employees, partners, and the communities we serve.Being part of CREO means joining a community that celebrates collaboration and thrives on the diverse strengths of our people. You'll work alongside colleagues who bring unique experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, and together, we'll achieve more than we could alone.Check us out at: www.creogroup.comCREO offers eligible full-time employees a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, paid time off and holidays. Many health and welfare benefits are available after 30 days of continuous employment. Our 401K has a generous match, with eligibility beginning after 90 days of continuous employment.Work Environment - Manufacturing Plant:The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of a position in our manufacturing plants. Note that office positions located within our Manufacturing Plants often require some plant-floor presence throughout the day so these work environment details may not always apply, they should still be noted.Exposure to moving mechanical parts.Indoor manufacturing setting with potential for extreme heat and limited air conditioning.Uneven surfacesLoud noise levelsRequired PPE: hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety shoes where applicable.CREO Group reserves the right to revise or update this job description as needed to better comply with the actual essential function of the job requirements as business needs dictate.CREO is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity and strengths of our employees, customers, and community.We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic.