Director, Risk Management, EHS & Sustainability

Applied Industrial Technologies; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Industrial Technologies in Cleveland, OH seeks a Director of Risk Management, EHS, and Sustainability to lead enterprise risk, safety, environmental compliance, and sustainability initiatives across the organization.

The role requires strategic leadership, deep regulatory knowledge (OSHA/EPA/DOT), and a track record of building risk frameworks, reducing incidents, and guiding governance, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, EHS, sustainability, or related functions.
• Experience in a leadership role within a complex or regulated environment.
• Deep knowledge of EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT) and sustainability frameworks.
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 and sustainability reporting standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Data-driven decision-making and analytics capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise risk management framework across the organization.
• Oversee insurance program, contracts, and claims management.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize operational, financial, strategic, and regulatory risks.
• Develop and enforce safety policies and oversee EHS programs.
• Partner on sustainability strategy and reporting (GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, SEC disclosures).
• Ensure adherence to environmental, health, safety, and sustainability regulations.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (MBA, Environmental Science, Safety, Sustainability, or related)

Tools

ISO 14001

GRI/SASB/TCFD reporting

Job description

The Director of Risk Management, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and Sustainability is responsible for leading the organization's enterprise risk & risk management, safety, fleet, environmental compliance, and sustainability strategies. This role ensures the company operates safely, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements while advancing sustainability initiatives that drive long-term value and stakeholder trust.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Risk Management

• Develop and lead the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework across the organization
• Manage Applied's insurance program, prepare bid specifications and selection process, negotiate contracts with brokers, and oversee claims
• Identify, assess, and prioritize operational, financial, strategic, and regulatory risks
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and controls
• Maintain risk registers and report on risk exposure to executive leadership
• Support business continuity planning and crisis management efforts
• Coordinate emergency response programs

Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)

• Oversee all EHS programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other relevant regulations
• Develop and enforce company-wide safety policies, procedures, and standards
• Lead initiatives to reduce workplace incidents, injuries, and environmental impacts
• Conduct audits, inspections, and incident investigations; implement corrective actions
• Promote a strong safety culture through training, engagement, and leadership

Sustainability Strategy and Reporting

• Partner with other business groups in designing and implementing the organization's sustainability strategy to align with corporate goals
• Co-lead reporting and disclosures (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, SEC climate disclosures)
• Track and report sustainability metrics, including carbon emissions, waste and recycling, and fleet matters

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to all environmental, health, safety, and sustainability regulations
• Partner with Legal to manage regulatory risks and filings
• Support governance committees and coordinate with Audit, Compliance and Finance
• Support internal and external audits

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a cross-functional team across risk, EHS, and sustainability disciplines
• Collaborate with Operations, HR, Finance, Legal, and Corporate Communications
• Influence senior leadership and drive organizational change
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership

Additional Areas Of Responsibility

• Lead ISO14001 program, initiatives, compliance and recertification
• Manage ISO9001:2015 for Risk Management
• Responsible for management of the Corporate Fleet Program and initiatives
• Manage the Corporate Wellness Center
• Lead the Risk Management M&A projects
• Manage the Corporate security team

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree (MBA, Environmental Science, Safety, Sustainability, or related field) preferred
• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, EHS, sustainability, or related functions
• Experience in a leadership role within a complex or regulated environment

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT), sustainability frameworks, and risk management principles
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience with sustainability reporting standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD, etc.)
• Knowledge of ISO 14001
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Data-driven decision-making and analytics capability

Certifications (Preferred)

• CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
• CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)
• CRMP (Certified Risk Management Professional)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in workplace incidents and safety metrics (TRIR, LTIR)
• Compliance audit results and regulatory performance
• Risk mitigation effectiveness and reduction in exposure
• Quality and timeliness of sustainability disclosures and reporting

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.