EHSS Specialist

James Hardie; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Day-one health coverage

401(k) with match

Vacation and holidays

Sustainability initiatives

Job summary

James Hardie Building Products Inc. in Westfield, MA, is seeking an EHSS Specialist to lead environmental, health, safety, and security programs at the site. You will ensure regulatory compliance, integrate EHSS into operations, and drive proactive risk mitigation across the facility.

The role partners with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership to align EHSS priorities with business goals. You will supervise EHSS personnel, coach managers, and promote a culture of safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, or a related field.
• 4–7 years of progressive EHSS experience in manufacturing or industrial settings.
• Experience leading audits, training, and incident investigations.
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve site EHSS policies and programs.
• Train plant personnel on safety, environmental requirements.
• Conduct audits, inspections, risk assessments, and leadership reviews.
• Coordinate site EHSS priorities with Central EHSS Team.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and coaching for EHSS personnel.
• Lead emergency response and incident management plans.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Regulatory compliance

Training delivery

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering

Tools

EHSS management systems

Microsoft Office

Regulatory reporting tools

Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Summary

The EHSS Specialist reports to the Senior Regional EHS Manager within the Central EHSS Team and serves as a key member of the Westfield Site Leadership Team. The position leads the site’s Environmental, Health, Safety and Security programs, ensures regulatory and company compliance, integrates EHSS considerations into operational and capital decisions, and drives proactive risk identification and mitigation.

As part of the Site Leadership Team, the EHSS Specialist partners with operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, human resources, supervisors, and employees to align EHSS priorities with business objectives. The role provides day-to-day supervision, coaching, work direction, and performance support for assigned site EHSS personnel or resources and builds leadership accountability for EHSS performance across the facility.

The EHSS Specialist works closely with the Central EHSS Team to implement company standards, support strategic initiatives, provide required reporting, share best practices, and continually improve site and enterprise EHSS performance. The position is expected to be visible in the operation, responsive to site needs, and effective in influencing safe and environmentally responsible decisions at every level.

What You’ll Do:

• EHSS Program Development and Management
• Participate in the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of site EHSS policies, procedures, standards, and programs consistent with company requirements and regulatory obligations.
• Train plant personnel on applicable policies, procedures, standards, safe work practices, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct and document regular safety and environmental audits, inspections, risk assessments, and leadership reviews.
• Develop, maintain, and exercise site-specific emergency response, crisis management, and incident management plans.
• Coordinate site EHSS priorities, annual plans, compliance calendars, and improvement actions with the Site Leadership Team and Central EHSS Team.
• Site Leadership and Supervisory Responsibility
• Serve as an active member of the Site Leadership Team and participate in plant leadership meetings, business planning, operational reviews, and decisions affecting people, process, equipment, and facility risk.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, coaching, work prioritization, and performance support for assigned EHSS personnel, interns, contractors, or other designated resources.
• Establish clear expectations, assign work, monitor completion, provide feedback, and support the development of assigned personnel.
• Coach department managers and supervisors on EHSS responsibilities, regulatory requirements, risk controls, and employee engagement expectations.
• Partner with plant leadership to integrate EHSS objectives into operating plans, accountability systems, and continuous improvement activities.
• Escalate significant risks, compliance concerns, resource needs, and performance issues to site leadership and the Central EHSS Team.
• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable OSHA, EPA, Massachusetts, MASSDEP, ISO, company, and other industry-specific requirements.
• Manage and support environmental compliance programs, including air permits, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste, RCRA, inspections, recordkeeping, and regulatory reporting, as applicable to the site.
• Monitor compliance obligations, permits, required plans, inspections, submissions, and corrective actions to promote timely and accurate completion.
• Coordinate regulatory visits, inquiries, inspections, and follow-up activities in partnership with site leadership and Central EHSS.
• Stay current on changes to relevant legislation, standards, permits, and company requirements and communicate impacts to affected leaders and employees.
• Training and Development
• Manage and facilitate site EHSS education programs, including new-hire orientation and recurring regulatory and company-required training.
• Deliver training on OSHA, EPA, ISO, company EHSS standards, site procedures, and cultural or behavioral change processes.
• Lead toolbox talks, safety meetings, leadership briefings, awareness campaigns, and targeted learning based on risk and performance trends.
• Assess training effectiveness and maintain accurate training documentation and records.
• Develop supervisors and employees to identify hazards, apply effective controls, report concerns, and participate in improvement activities.

Other duties: Capital development and Project Safety, Incident investigation and reporting, safety culture and employee engagement, performance management and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or a related field preferred
• 4-7 years of progressive experience in an environmental, health, safety, and/or security role within a manufacturing, industrial, construction, or related environment.
• Experience managing or supporting environmental compliance programs such as air permitting, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste, RCRA, inspections, and regulatory reporting.
• Experience leading EHSS programs, risk assessments, audits, incident investigations, corrective actions, and employee training.
• Experience working with supervisors, managers, and cross-functional teams to improve compliance and operational performance.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, project lead, or work-direction experience is preferred.
• Experience supporting the EHSS aspects of capital projects, including risk assessment, safety planning, contractor coordination, and regulatory compliance, is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and follow assignments through completion.

Other Skills

• Sound problem-solving, risk assessment, and incident investigation skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to coach supervisors, engage employees, and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ability to contribute effectively as a member of the Site Leadership Team.
• Ability to supervise, prioritize, and provide constructive feedback to assigned personnel or resources.
• Ability to work successfully within a matrix organization and maintain effective partnerships with site leadership and Central EHSS.
• Strong critical-thinking skills to assess risk, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical, proactive solutions.
• Clear written and verbal communication, presentation facilitation, and training-delivery skills.
• Proficiency with EHSS management systems, reporting tools, and standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and communicate significant concerns promptly.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $110K to $120k. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
• Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.