Program Manager, Safety

Build Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in healthcare infrastructure is seeking a Program Manager, Safety. This role requires deep expertise in Occupational Health and Safety, focusing on compliance, risk management, and program development. The successful candidate will engage with stakeholders and lead safety initiatives, ensuring adherence to provincial regulations and best practices. This position offers a dynamic environment where you can shape health and safety strategies while supporting operational excellence across projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional certification completed or eligible within 3 years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Identify, monitor, assess, and control risks and hazards.
• Participate in HSE investigations and lead investigations for complex incidents.
• Implement the department's HSE Program across all projects.

Skills

Occupational Health and Safety

Risk Assessment

Compliance Auditing

Education

College diploma or University degree/certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Certificate

Job description

Reporting to the Director, Project Delivery, the Program Manager, Safety is a subject matter expert (SME) on the operational application of Provincial OHS legislation and other safety-related regulations for the work performed by the Build Nova Scotia's (BNS) Healthcare Infrastructure Group. The Program Manager, Safety is required to have an advanced understanding of building construction and industrial operations to identify and promote adherence to operational best practices and provincial regulations. The role supports Directors and Managers in applying the departmental HSE program across all work sites under the BNS Healthcare Infrastructure Group. The Program Manager, Safety is key in developing and implementing programs, processes, and resources to ensure consistent HSE practices that meet BNS needs.

The Program Manager, Safety interfaces with contracted parties and external stakeholders on HSE matters, representing BNS to clarify roles, responsibilities, and project expectations related to HSE. They may perform effectiveness and compliance audits of BNS projects, providing quantitative reports on HSE performance.

This position conducts occupational health, safety, and environmental research to maintain best practices, support continuous improvement, and help shape the strategic and operational priorities of the BNS HSE team. They assist senior management through research, recommendations, and the development and implementation of operational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Occupational Health and Safety.
• College diploma or University degree/certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or related field.
• Completion of Occupational Health and Safety Certificate or equivalent.
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional certification completed or eligible within 3 years of hire.
• Membership in good standing with a professional or industry association is an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license with ability to travel to worksites.
• Additional safety training/certification is an asset.
• Experience in a healthcare environment is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Hazard Identification, Inspection, HSE Investigation

• Identify, monitor, assess, and control risks and hazards, considering the impact of changes on health and safety of patients, public, contractors, and visitors.
• Assist in hazard identification activities during operational planning and site inspections.
• Provide operational reporting on findings to support HSE decision-making.
• Participate in HSE investigations, reviewing incident reports and leading investigations for complex incidents involving multiple parties.
• Ensure proper documentation and recording of incidents to support operational planning and prevention initiatives.

Key Administrative Responsibilities

• Ensure effective and lawful compliance with audits and investigations under the OHS Act, Environment Act, and related standards.
• Implement the department's HSE Program across all projects.
• Review and update HSE manuals, policies, procedures, and emergency response plans.
• Act as a liaison between operations and management, communicating HSE reports and recommendations.
• Follow up to ensure HSE actions are completed timely and escalate non-conformance issues as needed.

Program Development Collaboration

• Support the HSE team as a SME in developing departmental policies and programs that meet or exceed regulatory standards, including training, incident reporting, respiratory and hearing protection, lead and radon management, asbestos, emergency preparedness, and environmental management.
• Reinforce program objectives and standards through operational management and safety resources, promoting performance and behavior aligned with department standards and legislation.