Role Overview for Head of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a world-renowned global manufacturer in their search for a visionary and strategic Head of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS). This pivotal executive leadership role, based at their key operational hub in Cleveland, Ohio, is responsible for architecting and executing a world-class EHS strategy across the company’s international footprint. We are seeking a transformative leader who can not only ensure regulatory compliance but also inspire a deeply embedded, proactive safety-first culture that permeates every level of the organization.
The successful candidate will be the ultimate authority on all EHS matters, serving as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors. You will be tasked with protecting the company’s most valuable assets: its people and its reputation. This role demands a unique blend of technical EHS expertise, strategic business acumen, and exceptional leadership capabilities. You will lead a dedicated team of EHS professionals, providing mentorship, direction, and a clear vision for the future. Your influence will extend beyond traditional safety metrics; you will be instrumental in driving sustainability initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency, and positioning the company as an industry leader in corporate responsibility. If you are a passionate EHS executive with a proven track record of transforming safety performance within a complex, global manufacturing environment, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Strategic Leadership and Global Program Development
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global EHS vision, strategy, and roadmap that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives and long-term growth plans.
- Establish robust EHS policies, standards, and management systems (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 45001) that are scalable and applicable across diverse international sites and operations.
- Provide expert counsel to senior leadership on EHS trends, risks, and opportunities, translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable business strategies.
- Chair the Global EHS Steering Committee, fostering collaboration and ensuring strategic alignment across all business units and geographic regions.
- Champion significant capital projects and investments in EHS technology, equipment, and infrastructure to mitigate risks and enhance performance.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
- Serve as the primary expert on all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations, ensuring the organization maintains full compliance with international, federal, state, and local laws. This includes deep familiarity with agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Oversee a comprehensive EHS auditing program, including facility inspections, risk assessments, and compliance reviews, to proactively identify and remediate potential hazards.
- Develop and manage a sophisticated risk management framework to assess EHS risks associated with new products, processes, and acquisitions.
- Lead all interactions with regulatory agencies, including inspections, reporting, and permit negotiations, ensuring professional and transparent communication.
- Stay abreast of emerging EHS legislation and industry best practices, ensuring the company’s programs and policies are forward-looking and prepared for future challenges.
Cultural Transformation and Employee Engagement
- Act as the primary champion for a world-class, behavior-based safety culture where every employee feels empowered and accountable for their own safety and the safety of their colleagues.
- Design and deploy innovative training and communication programs that effectively engage employees at all levels, from the shop floor to the executive suite.
- Establish and sponsor employee-led safety committees and engagement initiatives to drive grassroots ownership of EHS performance.
- Develop and implement recognition programs to celebrate EHS achievements and reinforce positive safety behaviors.
Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
- Define and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track EHS performance across the globe, including leading and lagging indicators.
- Establish a robust data analytics framework to analyze trends, identify root causes of incidents, and drive data-informed decision-making.
- Lead thorough investigations for all serious incidents and near-misses, utilizing methodologies like Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify systemic failures and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Prepare and present detailed EHS performance reports and dashboards to the executive team and Board of Directors, highlighting successes, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
Requirements for the Head of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Educational and Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
- A Master’s degree (MS, MPH, or MBA) is strongly preferred.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) are highly desirable.
Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Environmental, Health, and Safety roles, with a clear trajectory of increasing responsibility.
- At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior EHS leadership position (Director, VP, or Head) with multi-site and global responsibilities.
- Direct experience within a complex, large-scale manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, aerospace, chemicals, heavy industry) is essential.
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing global EHS strategies that have resulted in measurable improvements in safety performance and a reduction in incident rates.
- Proven experience managing and developing a geographically dispersed team of EHS professionals.
Skills and Competencies
Strategic Vision
Ability to think beyond immediate compliance needs and create a long-term, sustainable EHS vision for a global organization.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional ability to lead, influence, and build consensus across a matrixed organization without direct authority. Proven ability to engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels.
Technical Expertise
In-depth knowledge of global EHS regulations, standards, and best practices. Expertise in risk assessment, incident investigation, industrial hygiene, and environmental management systems.
Business Acumen
Strong understanding of business and financial principles; ability to articulate the business case for EHS initiatives and investments.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Change Management
Proven ability to drive significant cultural and procedural change within a large, established organization.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (estimated 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and long-term incentive plan.
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and paid sick leave policy to support work-life balance.
Professional Growth
Significant opportunities for professional development, including support for certifications, conferences, and executive education.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate.
Additional Perks
Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, life insurance, and disability coverage.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and strategic EHS accomplishments. We encourage you to apply promptly as we are actively reviewing candidates.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for high-impact roles within the industrial sector. To learn more about our expertise and other opportunities, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
