EHS Manager/Director

Syntax Talent Solutions; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntax Talent Solutions seeks an experienced EHS leader to own the Environmental, Health & Safety function at a growing manufacturing site. You will design scalable EHS systems, partner with plant leadership, and implement processes to support safe growth and regulatory compliance.

You will build and lead a team, develop data-driven dashboards, and drive a culture of safety and continuous improvement across facilities and expansion projects.

Qualifications

• Experience leading EHS in a manufacturing setting with site-wide programs.
• Ability to scale EHS systems, processes, and reporting for growth.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA and related regulations for manufacturing.
• Experience guiding EHS during facility expansion and major changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead site EHS activities, ensuring regulatory compliance and company standards.
• Develop and improve scalable EHS policies, procedures, and programs for growth to 500 employees.
• Build out EHS reporting, dashboards, and data-driven insights for leadership.
• Conduct risk assessments, audits, and inspections of manufacturing operations.
• Establish and maintain robust incident management, investigations, and root-cause analysis.
• Design and deliver EHS training for employees and supervisors.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and HR to integrate EHS into expansion and workforce planning.
• Lead and mentor EHS staff as the function grows, defining roles and standards.

Skills

EHS management

Regulatory compliance

Incident investigation

Data analysis

Training & development

Leadership & mentorship

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's in Occupational Safety / Environmental Science / Engineering

Professional EHS certification (CSP/CIH/CHMM)

Tools

ISO 45001 framework

EHS software

Analytics platforms

Job description

This is a pivotal opportunity to take ownership of an expanding EHS function at a growing manufacturing facility. With significant building and headcount growth planned, you'll step into a role where your decisions directly shape safety culture, compliance standards, and operational excellence. If you're ready to build out a sophisticated EHS department from a solid foundation, this role offers both challenge and impact.

About the Role:

You will lead the Environmental, Health & Safety function for a rapidly expanding manufacturing facility, managing current EHS needs while planning for future growth in workforce and operations. Working closely with plant leadership, you will design and implement scalable EHS systems, processes, and reporting that support a safe, compliant, and high-performing environment. Your work will ensure the site can grow confidently while maintaining rigorous safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all site EHS activities, ensuring compliance with applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations and company standards.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve EHS policies, procedures, and programs that can scale with headcount growth to approximately 500 employees.
• Build out and formalize EHS reporting, metrics, and dashboards to provide clear visibility to leadership and drive data-informed decision-making.
• Conduct risk assessments, audits, and inspections of manufacturing operations, identifying hazards and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Establish and maintain a robust incident management process, including investigation, root cause analysis, and follow-up to prevent recurrence.
• Design and deliver EHS training programs for employees and supervisors, ensuring consistent understanding and adherence to safety requirements.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and HR to integrate EHS considerations into facility expansion, process changes, and workforce planning.
• Lead and mentor EHS staff as the function grows, defining roles, responsibilities, and standards for a high-performing EHS team.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in EHS management within a manufacturing environment, with responsibility for site-wide programs and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to build or significantly enhance EHS systems, processes, and reporting from an existing foundation.
• Strong knowledge of relevant OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements applicable to manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing EHS for a large workforce, with the ability to scale programs and controls to support growth toward 500 employees.
• Track record of influencing and partnering with plant leadership to drive safety culture and operational improvements.
• Ability to analyze EHS data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable strategies and programs.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging employees at all levels and gaining buy-in for EHS initiatives.
• Experience leading EHS during facility expansions, new construction, or major capital projects.
• Background in developing and implementing behavior-based safety or similar culture-focused safety programs.
• Familiarity with ISO or other formal management system frameworks related to safety and environment.
• Prior experience building and leading an EHS team, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
• Exposure to advanced EHS technologies, such as digital reporting tools or analytics platforms.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional EHS certification (e.g., CSP, CIH, CHMM) preferred.
• Additional training or certification in industrial hygiene, environmental compliance, or process safety is an advantage.

If you're a manufacturing-focused EHS leader ready to own and grow a critical function in an expanding facility, we encourage you to apply and bring your expertise to this impactful role.