Senior Safety Specialist

Liberty Steel & Wire; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Liberty Steel USA is seeking a Senior Safety Specialist in Peoria, IL to lead safety programs and training across plant operations. This on-site role partners with operations leadership to reduce incidents and foster a strong safety culture within a unionized steel mill.

The position requires credibility and communication skills to influence behavior from hourly workers to plant leadership, with direct floor-level coaching and regulatory compliance as core responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of safety experience in manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Working knowledge of OSHA General Industry standards.
• Experience in a unionized environment strongly preferred.
• Safety certifications (CSP, OHST, or similar) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of plant safety programs (lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, hot work, and others).
• Conduct safety audits, job hazard analyses, and incident investigations.
• Track and analyze safety metrics, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop and deliver safety training for employees and supervisors.

Skills

Strong communication

Coaching

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety / Environmental Health or related field

Tools

CSP certification

OHST certification

Job description

Senior Safety/ Health Specialist

Location: Peoria, IL (on-site with regular time on the plant floor)

Employment type: Full-time. On call as needed.

Salary grade: SG22 (average starting range $75,000 - $92,000)

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, additional voluntary benefits (accident insurance, critical illness, and employee, spouse, and child whole life), flexible spending account (healthcare and dependent daycare), long-term disability, and participation in employee assistance program (EAP).
• Paid Time Off - vacation, sick leave, personal, and holidays
• Retirement Plans - 401(k) with company match. Eligible: 1st of the month following date of hire or immediate if date of hire is first of the month.
• Career Growth - Opportunities for advancement and continuous learning.

Organizational Overview

Liberty Steel USA is a leading American steel manufacturer grounded in sustainability, innovation, and community. We forge steel that supports critical infrastructure and industrial growth while honoring a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to safety.

We strive to be the employer and supplier of choice in American steelmaking, driven by empowered people, advanced technology, and continuous improvement. Steelmaking has always evolved, and we view change as an opportunity to strengthen our operations, invest in our workforce, and improve how we work.

Safety is not a policy-it is a promise. In every decision, we prioritize the well-being of our people. We believe our strength lies in one another and in the communities we serve. Through responsible stewardship, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect our environment, support our workforce, and ensure long‑term vitality for future generations.

Position Overview

The Senior Safety Specialist is a senior member of the Health & Safety team, leading safety programs, audits, and training across plant operations. This role partners directly with operations leadership to reduce incidents and build a strong, sustainable safety culture in a unionized steel mill environment.

This is a visible, floor-based role that requires the credibility and communication skills to influence behavior at every level of the organization, from hourly employees to plant leadership.

Core Responsibilities

Safety Program Leadership

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of plant safety programs (lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, hot work, and others)
• Conduct safety audits, job hazard analyses, and incident investigations
• Track and analyze safety metrics, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulatory requirements

Training & Culture

• Develop and deliver safety training for employees and supervisors
• Partner with supervisors to reinforce safety expectations and coach on hazard recognition
• Support new employee safety onboarding

Incident Management

• Lead or support investigations of injuries, near misses, and property damage incidents
• Maintain accurate incident documentation and regulatory reporting (OSHA 300 logs and others)
• Partner with Labor Relations on safety-related disciplinary matters

Qualifications

Candidates interested in this role should have the following qualifications:

• 5+ years of safety experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment; steel industry experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Working knowledge of OSHA General Industry standards
• Experience in a unionized environment strongly preferred
• Safety certifications (CSP, OHST, or similar) a plus
• Strong communication and coaching skills across all levels of the organization

Success In This Role

Success in this role requires a credible, visible safety presence who builds trust with the hourly workforce and union leadership alike. The Senior Safety Specialist must balance regulatory rigor with practical, floor-level coaching, and be willing to have direct conversations when safety expectations aren't being met.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.