Role Overview for Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, multi-billion dollar global manufacturing organization in their search for a visionary Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS). Based at their key operational hub in Cleveland, Ohio, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to shape and advance the EHS culture, strategy, and performance across the company’s extensive global footprint. Our client is an undisputed leader in their industry, renowned for innovation, quality, and a deep-seated commitment to operational excellence. They believe that a world-class safety and environmental program is not just a regulatory requirement, but a fundamental pillar of their success, directly impacting their people, products, and the planet.
As the Director of EHS, you will be the principal architect and champion of the company’s global EHS vision. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Global Operations, you will have the autonomy and resources to build upon a solid foundation, transforming the function from a state of compliance to one of proactive, behavior-based, and predictive safety excellence. This is not a maintenance role; it is a transformative one. You will be tasked with inspiring change, fostering a zero-incident mindset, and integrating EHS principles into the very fabric of the business’s daily operations. You will lead a dedicated team of EHS professionals across multiple continents, providing them with the mentorship, strategic direction, and technical expertise needed to excel.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, influential, and results-oriented leader with a proven track record of developing and implementing successful EHS programs within a complex, multi-site manufacturing environment. You must be as comfortable in the boardroom presenting strategy to executives as you are on the plant floor engaging with frontline employees. Your leadership will ensure the well-being of thousands of employees, protect the environment in the communities where the company operates, and ultimately enhance the company’s brand reputation and bottom-line performance. This is a career-defining role for an EHS professional ready to make a lasting global impact.
Key Responsibilities of Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Global EHS Strategy Development & Execution
Design, articulate, and implement a long-term global EHS strategy that aligns with corporate business objectives. Establish clear goals, policies, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement and mitigate risk across all facilities.
Leadership & Team Development
Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and professional development to a global team of EHS managers and specialists. Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture, ensuring functional excellence and career growth for your direct and indirect reports.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
Guarantee company-wide compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and international environmental, health, and safety regulations. Proactively monitor regulatory changes and ensure policies and procedures are updated accordingly. This includes mastery of standards from agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EHS Management Systems (EHSMS)
Lead the implementation, maintenance, and certification of robust EHS management systems, such as ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety). Drive a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, and control.
Culture Transformation & Employee Engagement
Champion a generative, behavior-based safety (BBS) culture. Develop and deploy innovative programs that empower employees at all levels to take ownership of safety, moving the organization towards an interdependent safety mindset where everyone is a safety leader.
Incident Investigation & Prevention
Oversee the incident investigation process for all serious accidents, injuries, and environmental releases. Ensure thorough root cause analysis (RCA) is conducted and that effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) are implemented globally to prevent recurrence.
Performance Analytics & Reporting
Develop and manage a comprehensive EHS data analytics program. Track, analyze, and report on key metrics (e.g., TRIR, LTIR, DART, environmental emissions) to senior leadership and the Board of Directors, providing insights and strategic recommendations.
Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
Direct environmental programs focused on pollution prevention, waste minimization, water conservation, and energy efficiency. Partner with corporate sustainability teams to contribute to broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and reporting.
Capital Project & M&A Due Diligence
Provide EHS expertise and oversight for capital expenditure projects, new process introductions, and facility modifications to ensure risks are managed from the design phase. Lead EHS due diligence for potential mergers and acquisitions.
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Develop, implement, and test comprehensive emergency response and crisis management plans for all manufacturing sites to ensure business continuity and minimize impact during critical events.
Budgetary Oversight
Prepare and manage the annual EHS departmental budget, ensuring strategic allocation of capital and operational resources to address key risks and support strategic initiatives effectively.
Requirements for the Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Education
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required. A Master of Science (M.S.) degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive EHS experience, with at least 7 years in a strategic, multi-site leadership role within a global manufacturing or industrial environment. Experience in industries such as chemicals, automotive, heavy machinery, or aerospace is highly advantageous.
Professional Certifications
A recognized professional certification is highly desirable. This includes Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
Technical Expertise
In-depth, expert-level knowledge of U.S. EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT) and familiarity with international EHS legal frameworks. Proven experience with the implementation and management of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
Leadership & Influence
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams across different cultures and geographies. Must possess exceptional influencing skills and the ability to drive change and gain consensus from senior executives, site managers, and frontline employees without direct authority.
Strategic & Analytical Mindset
Proven capability to think strategically, analyze complex data, and translate insights into actionable EHS initiatives. Experience developing multi-year strategic plans and associated budgets.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills. Must be able to communicate complex technical and regulatory information clearly and concisely to a wide range of audiences, from the shop floor to the executive suite.
Change Management
A proven change agent with a track record of successfully leading cultural transformation initiatives that result in measurable improvements in EHS performance and employee engagement.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time to engage with site leadership and EHS teams.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive six-figure base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTI) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. A robust Health Savings Account (HSA) with a substantial employer contribution, plus access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
Retirement & Financial Security
A best-in-class 401(k) retirement savings plan featuring a generous company match to help you build a secure future. Access to professional financial planning services.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, numerous paid company holidays, and comprehensive parental leave programs to support you and your family.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to your continuous learning and development, including tuition reimbursement for further education, funding for professional certifications and conferences, and access to executive leadership development programs.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
How to Apply
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the EHS function for a respected global leader and drive a legacy of safety and environmental excellence. If you are a visionary EHS executive with the experience and passion to meet this challenge, we invite you to apply. JRG Partners is managing this exclusive search. To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your unique qualifications for this strategic role.
To learn more about JRG Partners’ expertise in placing top-tier leaders in this sector, please visit our Manufacturing & Industrial Practice page.
