Lead, Health & Safety Program Manager

American Water; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Lead, Health & Safety (Ops) to guide health and safety strategy, programs, compliance, training, and risk management for state operations. This role reports to the VP of Operations and may be located in Alexandira, Woodbridge, or Hopewell, VA.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in safety, a Bachelor’s in safety-related field, and a track record of leading cross-functional safety initiatives aligned with corporate safety standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related safety experience.
• Bachelor's degree in safety management or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Experience with OSHA, regulatory compliance, and training delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead health and safety strategy for state operations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards for employees and contractors.
• Deliver safety training with Corporate Safety team.
• Partner with HR and LR at state level.
• Oversee workers' compensation and general liability programs.
• Manage insurance and risk reporting for safety initiatives.
• Prepare annual regulatory reports and maintain compliance.

Skills

OSHA regulations

Safety program mgmt

Leadership

Communication

Project management

DOT regulations

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in safety management

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Job Title: Lead, Health & Safety Program Manager

Job Description:

Posting Information

$83,550.00 - $125,000.00 annually

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and hasthe opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determinedbased on factors such as market, geography, skills, education, and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

American Water is seeking a Lead, Health & Safety (Ops) to lead health and safety strategy, programs, compliance, training, and risk management initiatives for medium sized state operations. This role reports directly to the VP of Operations while it partners closely with operations leadership and corporate safety teams to protect our employees, contractors, and communities while supporting operational excellence. This role can be located in Alexandira, Woodbridge or Hopewell, VA.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for Health & Safety strategy, systems and processes at the state level operations
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and American Water safety standards for both employees and contactors
• Partner with Corporate Safety team in delivering health and safety related training
• Closely partner with HR and LR team at the state level
• Assist with worker’s compensation, general liability and product liability
• Responsible for selection and oversight of insurance company or independent counsel with regard to litigated claims
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of litigation report updates and financial exposure with regard to litigated claims
• Ensure that claims and accidents are investigated in a timely manner and necessary reports are submitted to ensure compliance
• Responsible for the administration, management and approval of local insurance services including, but not limited to, certificates of insurance, bonds, builder’s risk and railroad protective insurance
• Responsible for Community Right to Know, OSHA Process Safety Management, EPA Risk Management Program, RCRA, NESHAPS, Underground Storage Tanks, HazWopr, Spill Prevention, Control Plans, Superfund, medical and solid waste disposal
• Administration of driver pull notice program
• Responsible for preparing and submitting required annual reports per regulatory requirements
• Responsible for compliance with Federal and State Department of Transportation regulations. This includes DOT driver license renewals, driver qualification, vehicle and trailer inventory, annual inspections, and driver substance abuse program, hazardous materials transpiration security and permits

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of OSHA, Federal, State and Local regulations as applicable utilities, construction, and related industries
• Knowledge of and familiarity with health and safety program management and OSHA regulatory requirements for construction and general industry with increased opportunities to apply expertise across disciplines or organizational areas
• Knowledge of water utility industry strongly preferred
• Knowledge of environmental regulations
• Knowledge of Department of Transportation regulations
• Strong process, project, and program management skills
• Proven ability to lead through influence and deliver results through others
• Ability to be both visionary and strategic in thinking, as well as tactical in executing training strategies while anticipating and considering how the business may be impacted by training initiatives
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving)
• Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading individual staff and teams)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations)
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders

Experience/Education

• 8 or more years of related experience
• Bachelor's degree in safety management, safety engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational environment health and safety, or a related field (equivalent role related work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered)
• Master’s Degree preferred

Travel Requirements

• 30% to 40% within the State

Certifications/Licenses

• At least one relevant/related nationally recognized professional certification
• like Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, occasionally works in construction environments, near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and could include a work environment where possible exposure to physical hazards, weather extremes, wet and/or humid conditions and chemicals exist. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required. Occasionally works at elevated levels, in confined spaces and in a construction environment. Use of respiratory protection may be required in certain instances. There may also be instances of potential noise exposure.

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.