Job Details
Job Location: Fort Myers, FL
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: Undisclosed
Job Category: Management
Description
The Vice President of Risk Management is responsible for developing and leading the company’s risk strategy, encompassing safety, regulatory compliance, insurance, business continuity, and operational risk. This role oversees the design and execution of risk management programs, ensuring consistent identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks. The VP provides strategic oversight of safety and claims functions, leads regulatory readiness efforts, and ensures proper insurance coverage is in place to protect against key exposures. As a thought leader, this position ensures the company is equipped to proactively manage risk and safeguard the well-being of employees, the satisfaction of customers, and the protection of company assets.
- Effectively manage employee performance by clearly communicating expectations, providing regular and constructive feedback, and addressing both positive contributions and areas for improvement. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous growth.
- Promote a positive and inclusive work environment by actively recognizing achievements, addressing employee concerns promptly, and using approaches to maintain high levels of employee satisfaction and retention.
- Lead the design and execution of the company’s risk management framework, including the structure, processes, and governance needed to consistently identify, assess, manage, and monitor risks across the company.
- Provide leadership and direction to the safety team responsible for executing risk management initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of programs, audits, training, and continuous improvement efforts that support compliance and promotes a safe work environment.
- Design and oversee risk reduction programs aimed at lowering incidents, claims, and liabilities through targeted interventions such as hazard identification, process improvements, and root cause analysis. Continuously improve these programs by monitoring leading indicators like near-misses, unsafe conditions, and audit findings to identify trends and proactively address risks.
- Collaborate with leadership team to establish clear expectations for managing risk across the company. Provide insight into risk exposure, incident trends, and mitigation strategies to support informed decision-making and long-term planning.
- Manage the company’s corporate insurance program, including procurement, coverage evaluations, renewals, and relationships with brokers, carriers, and legal advisors. Ensure comprehensive coverage across property, general liability, workers’ compensation, auto, and environmental risks while maintaining cost effectiveness.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA, DOT, FMCSA), leading all investigations, responding to citations or observations, and coordinating mitigation plans or penalty negotiations on behalf of the company.
- Lead crisis management and emergency response planning across the company, ensuring clear protocols are in place. Support the development and coordination of business continuity strategies to minimize operational disruptions and protect employees, customers, and company assets during critical events.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and enforcement of Site Specific Safety Plans (SSSP) across job sites, ensuring compliance with project-specific safety requirements and protocols.
- Monitor high-risk projects involving elevated-risk operations (e.g., confined space entry, crane or boom truck use). Provide oversight, guidance, and additional controls as needed to ensure safety protocols are followed and risks are effectively managed.
- Oversee the claims management process to ensure efficient, cost-effective handling while providing a supportive experience for those involved. Take the lead on high-risk or complex cases by coordinating investigations, guiding strategy, and participating in mediations or settlements to protect the company’s interests.
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, compliance, and risk mitigation. Provide regular reporting and actionable insights to senior leadership to inform decision-making and drive accountability across the company.
- Ensure that all safety-related documentation, including training records, incident logs, and regulatory reports, is maintained accurately and in compliance with applicable laws.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, FMCSA, and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations by overseeing policy development, training, documentation, and enforcement practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve risk-related processes and procedures that enhance team performance, increase efficiency, and minimize safety, compliance, and liability exposure across the company.
- Stay current on regulatory changes, lead internal audits and inspections, and proactively address potential violations to minimize risk and ensure business continuity.
- Lead efforts in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new employees. Foster a culture of continuous learning by providing training and development opportunities to enhance team skills and performance.
- Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Safety Management, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in risk management, safety leadership, or compliance roles with a minimum of 5 years of management or leadership experience.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., ARM, CRM, CSP) highly desirable.
- Experience in multi-site, multi-state field service, construction, or commercial landscaping industries strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA, DOT, FMCSA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively share information across teams and stakeholders.
- Proficient in computer and technology skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and mobile devices.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 35% of the time to provide onsite support and services to various locations across the company.
- Must possess a valid US driver’s license (or equivalent) and meet Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) verification requirements.
About Us
Juniper is a full-service landscape design, build, and management company servicing the Southeast. Our family of companies proudly includes Juniper, Davis Landscape, LMP, Elegant, Shooter & Lindsey, Rip’s, and Yohe’s. We are recognized as award-winning leaders in our industry with over 30 locations and 2,000+ team members. At Juniper, the foundation of who we are, how we perform, and how we treat others is guided by our core values. We are committed to a culture that welcomes, grows, and celebrates people who share in our mission to design, build, and maintain the best landscaping in the industry.
We offer career growth opportunities and excellent benefits (health/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and PTO plans). Join our company, where weWelcome/Grow/Celebrateyou at Juniper!