Safety Director

Description

• Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Executive Leadership to integrate proactive safety planning into project execution.
• Direct investigations of accidents, incidents, and near misses; lead root-cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Serve as primary liaison for OSHA and other regulatory agencies during audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
• Lead, mentor, and support Safety Team members.
• Develop, refine, and enforce company-wide safety policies, procedures, and standards aligned with OSHA and industry best practices.
• Track company safety performance metrics and present trends, risks, and improvements to leadership.
• Review and approve project-specific Safety Plans, JSAs, AHAs, and safety logistics plans.
• Lead emergency response planning and crisis management procedures.
• Support preconstruction teams in safety-related risk assessments and planning.
• Oversee DOT compliance programs, including CDL requirements, drug/alcohol programs, and driver qualification files.
• Oversee development and delivery of safety training, new hire orientations, subcontractor onboarding, and specialized programs.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations including NPDES permit requirements; CESSWI or equivalent preferred.
• Conduct routine and unannounced jobsite inspections, audits, and risk assessments to ensure compliance and identify hazards.
• Stay current on building code requirements, quality standards, emerging hazards, and evolving industry trends.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Novak’s national Safety Program across all projects and regions.

Requirements

• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence and build a culture of safety across large teams.
• Frequent national travel required (3–5 days per week).
• Professional certifications strongly preferred: CSP, CHST, OHST, STS, or equivalent.
• Onsite presence in the Chicago office required.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive safety experience in commercial construction, including senior or director-level leadership.
• OSHA 30 required; OSHA 500/510 “Train the Trainer” preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multi-state safety operations and improve organizational safety performance.
• Skilled in incident investigation, documentation, and root cause analysis.
• Highly organized with strong reporting, data tracking, and documentation abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital safety reporting tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Must be willing to travel to job sites nationwide.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA regulations, hazard prevention strategies, industrial hygiene concepts, and construction safety systems.

Benefits

• Travel home every other weekend covered or reimbursed.
• Per diem while traveling, in accordance with GSA rates.
• Weekly allowances for auto, fuel and mobile phone.
• Comprehensive benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Competitive salary based on experience.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance