Regional Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Job description

Position Summary: Manages regional and national Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) programs, policies and procedures for traffic control operations. Tactically aligns strategic goals into operational plans, ensures regulatory compliance, mitigates risk, and fosters a proactive safety culture. Operates within a matrix reporting structure and builds accountability across teams and functions. Overview: The Business Unit EHS Director provides leadership within the Gulf Coast Business Unit locations and its functional framework, while partnering with The AWP Safety Leaders to establish vision and strategy and advance a culture of EHS throughout these locations. This individual will support planning and implementation of various programs to ensure a safe, healthy, and incident free work environment for every team member. The role will also provide technical and compliance expertise, support the day-to-day business unit operations of health and safety, and ensure proper reporting practices of all injuries, health and safety concerns, environmental regulatory compliance, audit/inspection corrective actions, safety matters, and motor vehicle collisions. The Business Unit EHS Director will work directly with AWP Safety Company Leaders from various lines of business, as well as the Corporate VP of Safety, EHS and Risk Teams, to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved. Key Responsibilities: Regulatory Compliance - Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, and state-specific traffic control regulations. Lead regional audits and inspections, ensuring timely resolution of findings. Maintain accurate documentation and reporting systems. Provide guidance and training on regulatory changes and requirements. Risk Mitigation - Conduct risk assessments focused on traffic control hazards including vehicle movement, flagger exposure, and public interaction. Implement mitigation strategies and monitor effectiveness. Lead serious incident investigations and ensure root cause analysis and corrective actions. Use data analytics to identify trends and prevent future incidents. Proactive Safety Culture - Promote a culture of safety ownership and accountability at all levels. Lead safety campaigns, stand-downs, and recognition programs. Encourage reporting of near-misses and proactive hazard identification. Support behavioral safety initiatives and peer coaching. Matrix Reporting Structure - Operate effectively within a matrix structure, collaborating with both operational and functional leaders. Balance regional autonomy with corporate EHS standards. Communicate clearly across reporting lines and manage competing priorities. Building Accountability – Establish clear safety expectations and performance metrics for regional teams. Monitor compliance and follow through on corrective actions. Provide coaching and feedback to build ownership of safety outcomes. Foster transparency and continuous improvement through regular reporting and reviews. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Progress against strategic EHS goals (e.g., % of initiatives completed on schedule). Improvement in leading indicators (e.g., near-miss reporting, safety observations). Reduction in high-energy incidents or exposures Field leadership engagement in safety activities (e.g., site visits, observations). Reduction in repeat incidents across regions. Timeliness and effectiveness of incident investigations. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 10+ years of progressive EHS experience, including leadership roles in corporate or multi-site environments. Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local EHS regulations. Experience in multi-state or field-based operations preferred (i.e., linear construction). Ability to communicate clearly across all levels – from executives to the frontline. Builds a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. Navigates complex reporting structures with diplomacy and clarity. Understands and responds to the needs and pressures of both field and corporate teams. Manages conflict and resistance with empathy and professionalism. Responds effectively to changing regulations, operational demands, and field conditions. Compensation: $155k - $195K + 20% AIP & Company Vehicle Key Performance Measures: The Director, EHS will be expected to maintain a strong field presence and drive measurable improvements in safety culture, compliance, and operational performance across the business unit. Success in the role will be evaluated through the following key performance measures: Conduct a minimum of 6 documented field safety observations per week (approximately 24 per month / 288 annually) to coach employees, identify risks, and strengthen field engagement. This role requires regular travel and a highly visible presence across branch and jobsite locations. Drive a proactive reporting culture through approximately 5 near-miss ("Good Catch") investigations per month within the business unit. Lead and facilitate monthly Business Unit Safety Management Meetings to review performance, address risks, and align on safety priorities. Develop and execute individual performance goals, Business Unit EHS action plans, and regional EHS staff development plans. Maintain greater than 95% compliance in required safety, health, and regulatory training programs. Maintain greater than 95% compliance in driver qualification and related regulatory requirements. Ensure timely closure of incidents, investigations, root cause analyses, corrective actions, and Intelex case management activities. Improve driver safety performance through effective coaching, leading indicators, and Samsara scorecard management. Partner with operations leaders to identify risks, implement practical solutions, and drive sustainable safety improvements. Reduce workplace incidents and claims through proactive risk management, with a target of 10% year-over-year improvement in key lagging indicators. Build a strong safety culture through leadership visibility, relationship building, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives. AWP Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. AWP Safety is North America’s leading traffic control and work zone safety partner, protecting the crews who build our infrastructure and the communities that rely on it. With more than 6,000 Protectors across the U.S. and Canada, we support construction, utility, municipal, and infrastructure projects with dependable traffic control services that keep people safe and keep projects moving. Safety is Life at AWP Safety. Our people are the core of our business, and every role directly supports our mission to protect workers, drivers, and communities. Many team members start in entry-level traffic control or flagger positions, where we provide paid training, industry-leading safety practices, and opportunities to advance into leadership and operations roles. We are a fast-growing, purpose-driven organization committed to operational excellence, customer service, and continuous improvement. If you want a career where your work truly matters—and where safety, teamwork, and development are top priorities—you belong at AWP Safety.