Verification & Validation Coach

Lensa; Richmond (VA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company seeks a HSE Validation and Verification Coach to enhance safety programs across manufacturing locations. This role focuses on developing and implementing validation strategies, coaching teams in the field, and analyzing data to drive safety improvements. The ideal candidate will have extensive mill operations experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to health and safety. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to sustainable practices and employee well-being, where your contributions will make a significant impact on workplace safety and culture.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Long-term Disability

Short-term Disability

Voluntary Benefits

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mill operations or related roles.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills essential for team coaching.

Responsibilities

• Coach teams in the field using Validation and Verification protocols.
• Analyze data to identify gaps and support safety initiatives.

Skills

Mill Operations Knowledge

Verbal Communication

Mentoring Skills

Training Skills

Coaching Skills

Independent Work

Challenging Status Quo

Courage and Confidence

Customer Focus

Interpersonal Skills

Job description

HSE Validation and Verification Coach

Location: Remote, near facilities (~70% Travel)

The Job You Will Perform

The HSE Validation and Verification Coach will support the company’s safety program to assure the use and effectiveness of critical health & safety controls in our manufacturing locations (mill locations). This role will be involved in key initiatives including the formation of the Validation and Verification program to drive safety improvement strategies for the enterprise. The individual will report to the manager, Validation and Verification and be a member of the Validation and Verification Team. This team will handle creation and administration of critical control assessments, support real-time coaching in the field, provide visibility to leadership about the use and effectiveness of controls, collaborate across various teams to support significant improvement in safety results, and provide feedback on HSE requirements and policies.

Responsibilities:

1. Assess and coach teams in the field using Validation and Verification protocols.
2. Input assessment results into the company’s database.
3. Provide a formal summary of engagement results for internal teams.
4. Analyze data to identify gaps.
5. Support V&V field activities, training sessions, and program roll-out.
6. Build relationships in the field, with Mill EHS teams, Mill Lead teams, NAP HSE and Technology resources.
7. Develop knowledge of safe work systems, Safety Performance Standards, and Human Organizational Performance principles and tools.
8. Work with HSE Program Managers, Business EHS Managers, and Site EHS Leadership to identify trends and gaps in work standards.
9. Develop technical, leadership, and coaching skills by embracing guidance from EHS, HR, and Technology Leadership.

The Skills You Will Bring:

1. Considerable knowledge of mill operation(s) preferably 10 plus years of experience as a senior Operator, FLL, OMC, Area Manager, or Maintenance Lead.
2. Strong verbal communication skills with ability to deliver reinforcement.
3. Strong mentoring, training, and coaching skills.
4. Ability to work independently with a strong internal drive for success.
5. Willingness to challenge the status quo.
6. Courage - must have confidence, poise and must ensure that safety is not only a priority, but a company value.
7. Basic knowledge of safe work systems.
8. Demonstrated commitment to health and safety.
9. Customer Focus, Action Oriented, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Dealing with Ambiguity, Communicates Effectively, Is Authentic, Courageous, Instills Trust, Manages Complexities, Effectively Works Through Others.

The Career You Will Build:

The successful candidate will gain valuable experience in this position that prepares the individual for advancing roles in using technology to carry out critical business objectives or Health, Safety and Environmental positions.

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets.

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.