Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Specialist

Champion Petfoods; Auburn (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month

401k with Company matching

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Education Assistance Program

Free Parking

Employee Assistance Program

Education assistance

In-house & online training

Free bag of premium pet food

Free parking

Job summary

A leading pet food manufacturer in Kentucky is seeking a Health, Safety, and Environment Specialist to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards. This role involves developing and implementing HSE programs, conducting investigations, and providing training to staff. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1-5 years of relevant experience. The company offers competitive wages and benefits, including education assistance and a strong commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• 1-5 years’ experience managing safety and environmental programs in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic knowledge of food manufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving safety or environmental programs within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interact with site management and regulatory agencies.
• Strong written and verbal communication; experience delivering training.
• Demonstrated leadership in safety or environmental programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing site Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) activities.
• Ensure continuous compliant with company and governmental HSE standards.
• Investigate HSE incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Investigate incidents and drive corrective actions.
• Lead IH risks management and contractor safety.
• Support security initiatives and risk assessments.
• Provide backup coverage for the site HSE Manager.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Industrial Hygiene

Contractor safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science (e.g., engineering, safety, Industrial Hygiene)

Job description

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Health, Safety, and Environment Specialistto join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry.

Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here’s the scoop - Summary

The Health, Safety, and Environment Specialist reports to the Site HSE Manager and assists in developing and implementing site Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) activities as part of the regional HSE program.

This role supports the Safety, Security, and Environmental Management System by executing Regional and Global HSE Standards, fostering a strong HSE culture, and encouraging associate involvement.

Working closely with the Site HSE Manager and other site representatives, the HSE Specialist ensures HSE activities comply with federal, state, local, and Mars requirements.

The role helps tailor and execute the corporate HSE strategy at the site, minimizing liability and risks related to safety, environmental compliance, and security. Understanding key business drivers and their impact on HSE is also essential.

What are we looking for?

Site HSE Compliance & Program Management

• Ensure continuous “audit ready” compliance with company and governmental HSE standards.
• Develop, deploy, and manage site-specific HSE standards and environmental programs (air, water, stormwater, spill control, wastewater, hazardous waste) in line with all regulations.

Program Development & Training

• Create and implement best-in-class site HSE programs; deliver training and coaching to ensure associate engagement and understanding.

Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions

• Investigate HSE incidents using root cause analysis; drive and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence, including lessons from other sites.

Technical Expertise & Risk Management

• Serve as HSE technical expert with the site HSE Manager, providing coaching and oversight for all initiatives, including capital/non-capital project risk management.
• Influence outcomes beyond direct authority; lead ERT readiness for effective emergency response.
• Lead measurement and improvement of Industrial Hygiene risks (ergonomics, dust, noise, chemical exposure); coordinate IH and audiometric monitoring.
• Own contractor safety program, ensuring risk reduction and proper management by project managers.

Security & Risk Management

• Assist with site security requirements and oversee contract security providers to meet corporate standards.
• Support Mars Global Security Program; manage asset conservation, property loss control, and corrective actions from risk assessments/audits.
• Collaborate with third-party experts for compliance on new projects and support insurance rating audits.

Additional Responsibilities

• Flexibility for night and weekend work as needed.
• Provide backup coverage for the site HSE Manager.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in science (e.g., engineering, safety, Industrial Hygiene) preferred.
• 1-5 years’ experience managing safety and environmental programs or projects in a manufacturing environment or related program.
• Basic knowledge of food manufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is a plus.
• Ability to interact effectively with site-level manufacturing/business management and regulatory agencies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort in developing and delivering training and motivational presentations to all associate levels.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving safety or environmental programs/systems within a manufacturing environment.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to physically inspect company property and assets, in order to meet occupational health and safety requirements

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, 401k with Company, and donation matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.