Strategic Safety Programs & Governance Lead

Washington Gas; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 149,200 - 215,425; Full time

Job summary

Washington Gas is seeking a Sr. Manager, Safety Programs & Governance to provide strategic leadership for safety governance, standards, and programs across the organization.

You will lead a team, drive risk assessment, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while collaborating with Operations, Engineering, Training, and HR to embed safety into operations. You will influence leaders, translate complex safety data into actionable insights, and foster a culture where safety remains at

Qualifications

• Progressive leadership experience in safety, EHS, compliance, risk management, or a related discipline within a regulated environment.
• Experience leading teams and developing high-performing employees.
• Experience developing, implementing, and continuously improving safety programs, standards, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements and safety management practices.
• Proven ability to assess complex challenges, influence stakeholders, and drive execution through others.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and implementing change across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Experience within utilities, energy, oil and gas, pipeline, construction, manufacturing, or other industrial environments is considered an asset.
• CSP, CIH, or similar professional certifications are considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for safety governance framework, safety programs, standards, and procedures.
• Lead and develop a team responsible for safety governance, field safety execution, and safety program implementation.
• Identify risks, gaps, and emerging opportunities, and develop practical solutions that strengthen safety performance and support business objectives.
• Research and interpret regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices to inform decision-making and program development.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives from concept through implementation, including stakeholder engagement, planning, integration, communication, training, and adoption.
• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Training, HR, and other business leaders to ensure safety programs are practical, effective, and aligned with operational needs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization, helping influence decisions related to safety, risk management, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement through audit findings, incident learnings, operational feedback, risk assessments, and performance analytics.
• Support regulatory compliance activities, including audits, inspections, program assurance, and compliance verification processes.
• Monitor safety performance and provide insights and recommendations that strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve business outcomes.
• Build alignment across stakeholders and lead the successful implementation of initiatives that require broad organizational engagement and adoption.

Skills

Leadership

Safety governance

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Influencing skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Safety, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or related field

Job description

Washington Gas is seeking a Sr. Manager, Safety Programs & Governance to provide strategic leadership for safety governance, standards, and programs across the organization.

You will lead a team, drive risk assessment, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while collaborating with Operations, Engineering, Training, and HR to embed safety into operations. You will influence leaders, translate complex safety data into actionable insights, and foster a culture where safety remains at