Corporate Safety Manager

SMS group; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS group is seeking an experienced HSE Manager to develop and lead health, safety, and environmental programs across our construction projects.

You will partner with project management, field teams, and executives to integrate safety into planning, conduct risk assessments, and drive continuous improvement. The role requires strong OSHA knowledge and 8+ years of HSE experience in construction, with CSP/CHST preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in safety, health, engineering, or construction management.
• 8+ years HSE experience in construction or heavy industrial.
• 5+ years leadership in HSE programs.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926).
• Experience with contractor management systems (ISNetworld/Avetta).
• CSP/CHST/OSHA 500/510 certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of HSE management systems across construction/projects.
• Develop site safety plans, JHAs, and Safe Work Procedures.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, federal, state, local, and client requirements.
• Lead incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Oversee contractor prequalification, onboarding, and evaluations.
• Provide HSE training and mentor field personnel.

Skills

Leadership

HSE management

Risk assessment

Contractor oversight

OSHA standards

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety/Engineering/Construction Management

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

ISNetworld

Avetta

Job description

Summary

Specific to our customer job sites, the HSE Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) programs across construction projects. This role requires a strong technical understanding of construction operations, engineering principles, regulatory compliance, risk management, and contractor oversight. The HSE Manager serves as a strategic business partner to project management, field supervision, and executive leadership to ensure safe execution of work while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Summary

Specific to our customer job sites, the HSE Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) programs across construction projects. This role requires a strong technical understanding of construction operations, engineering principles, regulatory compliance, risk management, and contractor oversight. The HSE Manager serves as a strategic business partner to project management, field supervision, and executive leadership to ensure safe execution of work while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety Leadership

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of company HSE management systems across multiple construction and field service projects.
• Develop and maintain site-specific safety plans, risk assessments, Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs), and Safe Work Procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA, federal, state, local, and client-specific requirements.
• Partner in PPE requirements for both project management and field service Teams in reviewing purchase requests made by the direct project manager for the scope of work being performed.
• Maintain an onsite inventory of PPE items and monitoring devices as required for current jobs.
• Conduct routine site audits, inspections, and behavioral observations to identify hazards and verify compliance.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Partner with SMS group functional leaders to develop controls for identified hazards, coordinate the implementation of controls from result of hazard analysis. Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the hazard control system, policies, and procedures and recommend changes that reflect improved opportunities to eliminate workplace accidents and injuries.
• Monitor leading and lagging safety indicators and develop action plans to improve performance.
• Facilitate safety meeting cadence across the function, provide toolbox talk criteria, project kickoffs, lessons learned, and leadership safety engagements.
• Provide technical guidance on construction safety requirements.
• Plan, Develop, Implement Safety Training to Completion for Annual Compliance Requirements.
• Review and Assign Customer required training prior to job start for our employee eligibility through contractor/service vetting services such as ISNetworld/Safe Contractor.
• Maintain eligibility status on contractor compliance portals and rectify any score card deficiencies.
• Maintain on hand PPE items, Safety Devices for Project Management/Field Services at the corporate office.

Technical & Construction Support

• Partner with engineering, project management, and field operations to integrate safety into project planning and execution.
• Review construction methods, engineered lifting plans, temporary structures, and work packages to identify and mitigate risks.
• Participate in constructability reviews and pre-task planning activities.
• Evaluate complex construction activities and provide technical recommendations to reduce exposure and improve operational efficiency.
• Support commissioning, startup, shutdown, and maintenance activities as needed.

Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, regulations, and project-specific requirements.
• Manage environmental programs related to waste management, stormwater controls, spill prevention, and pollution prevention.
• Coordinate environmental inspections, reporting, and corrective actions.

Contractor Management

• Lead contractor prequalification, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes.
• Conduct contractor audits and verify compliance with company and client expectations.
• Partner with project teams to address contractor performance deficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Plan, develop, implement and track safety training for SMS group employees in regard to their annual safety/environmental requirements as well as our Customer base requirements through platforms such as ISNetworld, Avetta, Contractor Compliance as required for maintaining approval ratings prior to our Teams arriving at job sites.

Training & Development

• Develop and deliver HSE training programs for employees, supervisors, and contractors.
• Mentor field safety professionals and operational leaders.
• Promote employee engagement and ownership of safety initiatives.
• Support leadership development through coaching and performance feedback.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain OSHA recordkeeping and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Prepare and present HSE performance reports to senior leadership.
• Manage corrective action tracking and closure processes.
• Support internal and external audits, customer assessments, and regulatory inspections.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Engineering,Construction Management, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 8+ years of progressive HSE experience in construction, heavy industrial, commercial environments.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing HSE programs and personnel.
• Demonstrated experience supporting large-scale construction projects and contractor workforces.
• Strong technical understanding of construction methods, engineering controls, and project execution.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
• OSHA 500/510
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
• First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926).
• Strong understanding of risk assessment methodologies and hazard control strategies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, construction documents, and technical specifications.
• Experience with contractor management systems and client compliance requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to influence all levels of an organization and drive a positive safety culture.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and HSE management software systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to routinely access active construction sites.
• Ability to climb ladders, access elevated work areas, and traverse uneven terrain.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to travel to project locations as required.

Success Measures

• Reduction in recordable injury rates and high-potential incidents.
• Improved audit and inspection performance.
• Successful completion of projects without significant safety or environmental events.
• Increased employee and contractor engagement in HSE programs.
• Consistent regulatory and client compliance.
• Demonstrated development of a proactive, sustainable safety culture.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.PI286700730