Safety Director

Berglund Construction; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Berglund Construction is seeking a Safety Director to lead and continuously improve our safety culture and performance. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on field engagement, visible on jobsites, and direct interaction with project teams, subcontractors, and leadership across all operations.

The role emphasizes coaching, incident investigations, and program development to drive safe behaviors and compliance with OSHA standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of construction safety program experience on commercial, healthcare, industrial, restoration projects.
• OSHA 500 preferred.
• CSP, CHST, ASP, or similar certification preferred.
• Ability to travel regularly to jobsites throughout Berglund's operating regions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of Berglund's safety culture and safety programs.
• Maintain a highly visible field presence on jobsites and coach project teams on safety leadership and risk management.
• Develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and standards in compliance with OSHA and client requirements.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and communicate lessons learned across the organization.
• Promote safety with subcontractors and clients and participate in safety meetings and audits.

Job description

Build More Than Projects. Build Your Future with an Exceptional Team.

At Berglund Construction, our success is driven by people who care deeply about their work, their teammates, and the communities they serve. We create an environment where collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and innovation are encouraged at every level.

When you join Berglund, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, develop professionally, and contribute to a company that values relationships as much as results. We believe that when our people thrive, our projects do too.

Come build your future with a team that's committed to excellence, growth, safety and making a lasting impact.

About the Role

The Safety Director is responsible for leading and continuously improving Berglund Construction's safety culture and safety performance. This position combines strategic leadership with hands‑on field engagement, requiring a highly visible presence on jobsites and direct interaction with project teams, supervisors, craft workers, and subcontractors.

The Safety Director will build, implement, and improve safety programs while serving as a coach, mentor, and trusted resource to operations teams. Success in this role is measured by the strength of the company's safety culture and the ability to influence safe behaviors throughout the organization.

The Safety Director reports to the Senior Vice President and works closely with leadership, project managers, superintendents, and field personnel across all Berglund Construction operations.

What You’ll Accomplish

Safety Culture Leadership

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Berglund's safety culture.
• Promote safety as a foundational value throughout the organization.
• Build strong relationships with field personnel through consistent jobsite presence.
• Coach project teams on safety leadership, accountability, and risk management.
• Recognize and reinforce positive safety behaviors.
• Partner with operations leadership to drive ownership of safety at every level.

Field Leadership

• Maintain a highly visible presence on jobsites.
• Conduct regular jobsite audits, inspections, and safety observations.
• Assist project teams in identifying and mitigating risks before work begins.
• Participate in planning for high‑risk activities and complex operations.
• Provide coaching and support to superintendents, foremen, and project managers.
• Verify corrective actions are implemented and sustained.

Safety Program Development

• Develop, implement, and improve company safety policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, client requirements, and company expectations.
• Establish and track leading and lagging safety indicators.
• Analyze trends and develop action plans for continuous improvement.
• Support project‑specific safety planning and risk assessments.

Training and Development

• Lead company safety training initiatives.
• Conduct orientations, leadership training, toolbox talks, and specialized safety instruction.
• Ensure employees receive required certifications and training for equipment operation and task‑specific work.
• Develop safety leadership capabilities throughout the organization.
• Support the growth and development of safety personnel.

Incident Investigation and Risk Management

• Lead investigations of incidents, injuries, property damage events, and near misses.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Communicate lessons learned throughout the organization.
• Monitor emerging risks and develop strategies to reduce exposure.

Subcontractor and Client Engagement

• Promote safety expectations with subcontractors and trade partners.
• Participate in client safety meetings and audits.
• Support prequalification efforts and safety‑related business development activities.
• Represent Berglund professionally with owners, agencies, and industry organizations.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of construction safety program experience on commercial, healthcare, industrial, restoration projects.
• OSHA 500 preferred.
• CSP, CHST, ASP, or similar certification preferred.
• Ability to travel regularly to jobsites throughout Berglund's operating regions.

Preferred Characteristics

• Holds true to Berglund Construction’s core values:

Client Focus

Respect for the Individual

• Strong field presence and ability to build credibility with craft workers and supervisors.
• Demonstrated success developing safety culture and influencing behavior.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and coaching skills.

Pay Range

$125,000 - $140,000 USD

What We Offer You

Berglund Construction offers a comprehensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. Eligible employees are offered 401(k) with company match, comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including wellbeing programs; disability and life insurance benefits; paid time off, peer recognition program; and more.

Berglund Construction provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

*The candidate(s) offered this position will be required to submit to a background investigation and drug/alcohol screening.

*This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

*Please note that any salary shared information is a general guideline only. Salaries are based on candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.