Area Safety Manager

About the Role

The manager works closely with corporate and market‑area senior leadership to align safety strategies, goals, and objectives. Key responsibilities include overseeing the Drive Cam system, implementing the Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) Prevention Program, and delivering targeted safety communications in collaboration with the EH&S team. Incident management, root‑cause analysis, and development of district‑specific safety plans are also central to the role. Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations such as DOT and OSHA is monitored through regular audits and partnerships with internal and external experts. The role oversees hazardous energy control, facility safety systems—including fire protection, equipment reviews, and disaster preparedness—and the procurement and policy enforcement for personal protective equipment. Additionally, employee health programs and industrial hygiene standards are administered to protect the workforce. People development is a critical component; the manager coaches Safety Coordinators, market‑area leaders, and drivers using data from incidents, DriveCam events, and SIF observations. Leadership competencies emphasized include execution, planning, influencing, results‑driving, coaching, change facilitation, and building strong customer relationships. These competencies ensure consistent safety performance and continuous improvement across the market. • Partner with corporate and market area senior leaders to align safety strategies and objectives. • Lead Drive Cam System Management—analyze data, report findings, coach drivers, and conduct ride‑alongs. • Implement the Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) Prevention Program, identifying high‑risk tasks and conducting protection validation studies. • Coordinate safety communications with the EH&S team and deploy targeted awareness messaging based on risk assessments. • Manage incident investigations, capture data in the WM EH&S portal, and produce qualitative and quantitative reports. • Collaborate with the Third‑Party Risk Administrator and People Team to ensure proper documentation and root‑cause analysis. • Develop and maintain District Specific Safety Plans by analyzing incident trends with site leadership. • Oversee the Hazardous Energy Control Program, providing training and coaching to ensure compliance. • Ensure adherence to Federal, State, and local DOT/OSHA regulations through internal and external expert collaboration. • Supervise compliance of WM and customer facilities, including fire protection, equipment reviews, and disaster preparedness. • Administer the Safety Recognition Program by establishing performance criteria and feedback mechanisms. • Support employee health by enforcing the Medical Monitoring Program and Industrial Hygiene standards. • Serve as the subject‑matter expert for PPE policies and coordinate procurement with corporate supply chain. • Coach and develop Safety Specialists and market area leaders using incident data, DriveCam events, and SIF observations. • Conduct employee observations and training to improve safety culture. • Directly supervise two full‑time Safety Coordinators. • Provide leadership in execution, planning, influencing, results‑driving, coaching, change facilitation, and customer relationship building. • Travel throughout the Market Area (San Diego to Fresno Counties) to support multiple sites. • Ensure compliance with REAL ID requirements for travel and federal property access. • Achieve and maintain a safe work environment across office, shop, landfill, MRF, and transfer station settings.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸drivecam
• ▸sif program
• ▸incident investigation
• ▸energy control
• ▸regulatory compliance
• ▸ppe management

What You Bring

The position supervises two full‑time Safety Coordinators and requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) plus five to seven years of safety or operations management experience. Preferred certifications include Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Professional Engineer, and other environmental qualifications. Strong knowledge of safety regulations, communication, and public speaking skills are essential. The role demands regular travel throughout the assigned market area and exposure to varied work environments such as offices, shops, landfills, recycling facilities, and transfer stations. Physical requirements include occasional handling of objects under 30 lb and exposure to typical occupational hazards like cuts, burns, and chemical exposure. A REAL ID or approved alternative is required for air travel and access to federal property.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor's
• ▸5+ years
• ▸csp
• ▸cih
• ▸pe
• ▸public speaking

Benefits

Compensation for this hybrid position ranges from $111,205 to $144,440, with eligibility for incentive pay. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, a 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Waste Management is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Work Environment

Field