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# VP of Safety & Compliance – Automotive Manufacturer – Dearborn, MI


 
VP of Safety & Compliance – Automotive Manufacturer – Dearborn, MI
Are you a strategic safety leader with a strong track record in driving compliance, risk mitigation, and operational integrity within manufacturing? We are seeking a VP of Safety & Compliance to guide a leading automotive manufacturer based in Dearborn, MI. This is a critical, high-impact leadership opportunity where you will shape safety culture, enhance regulatory compliance, and ensure best-in-class operational standards across multiple facilities. If you excel in building proactive safety frameworks and leading cross-functional teams, this role offers the platform to make a transformative impact.
Drive Safety, Quality, and Compliance for a Major Automotive Manufacturer
A major automotive manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, MI, is looking for a seasoned VP of Safety & Compliance to oversee its enterprise-wide safety programs, environmental standards, and regulatory adherence. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in automotive or heavy manufacturing environments, with the ability to implement robust safety systems, lead compliance audits, and elevate operational performance. If you are passionate about advancing workplace safety, reducing operational risks, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to shape the future of a globally respected automotive brand.
Key Responsibilities of the VP of Safety & Compliance – Automotive Manufacturer
Enterprise Safety Leadership:
Develop and execute a comprehensive safety and compliance strategy that aligns with organizational goals and federal, state, and industry regulations. Establish clear safety performance objectives and foster a culture of accountability, hazard prevention, and continuous improvement across all manufacturing sites.
Regulatory Compliance & Governance:
Ensure full adherence to OSHA, EPA, DOT, NHTSA, and automotive industry-specific safety standards. Oversee all audits, certifications, and compliance programs while maintaining robust documentation and corrective action plans to mitigate regulatory risks.
Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Program Management:
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of EHS policies, procedures, and training initiatives. Drive proactive risk assessments, incident investigations, ergonomic evaluations, and environmental management systems to enhance workplace safety and reduce operational liabilities.
Operational Risk Mitigation:
Identify, assess, and address safety risks across production lines, facilities, and supply chain operations. Implement best-in-class safety protocols, crisis response procedures, emergency preparedness plans, and risk-reduction initiatives that safeguard employees and operational integrity.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with manufacturing, engineering, HR, legal, and quality teams to integrate safety and compliance into day-to-day operations. Guide leadership teams on safety practices, regulatory interpretations, and risk-prevention strategies while influencing organization-wide decision-making.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting:
Establish KPIs, conduct safety audits, and lead data-driven evaluations to track incident trends, environmental performance, and compliance effectiveness. Present safety performance reports and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders.
Employee Training & Culture Building:
Drive a company-wide safety culture through training programs, leadership workshops, and employee engagement initiatives. Ensure consistent communication of safety expectations and cultivate a proactive mindset focused on preventing accidents and enhancing overall well-being.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
Leverage emerging technologies, automation opportunities, and safety innovations to enhance compliance and reduce risk. Implement continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to improve safety performance and operational efficiency.
Contractor & Supplier Compliance:
Oversee contractor management programs and ensure third-party vendors meet the company’s strict safety and regulatory standards. Review and approve safety plans, audits, and performance metrics for all external partners involved in manufacturing operations.
Incident Response & Root Cause Analysis:
Lead investigations of safety incidents, near misses, and environmental events. Implement corrective and preventive actions, ensuring the organization adopts long-term solutions supported by strong root-cause analysis.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the VP of Safety & Compliance – Automotive Manufacturer, the client seeks a strategic and experienced leader who can elevate safety performance, strengthen regulatory compliance, and drive operational integrity across multiple manufacturing facilities. You should be a proactive, analytical professional with a passion for creating safe, efficient, and compliant work environments.
Proven Leadership in Automotive Safety & Compliance
The ideal candidate brings deep experience in automotive or heavy manufacturing environments. You should have a strong track record of building and overseeing large-scale EHS programs, implementing safety management systems, and successfully navigating automotive regulations. Experience reducing incident rates, achieving compliance milestones, and optimizing safety performance is essential.
Strategic Thinker with a Strong Compliance Mindset
You must be able to develop long-term safety strategies that align with evolving regulatory requirements and organizational goals. The client values leaders who can anticipate risks, influence operational decisions, and embed compliance into every level of the manufacturing process.
Expert Knowledge of Federal & State Regulations
The role requires strong expertise in OSHA, EPA, NHTSA, and other relevant regulatory frameworks. You should be skilled at managing audits, mitigating compliance gaps, and developing programs that meet or exceed industry standards. Demonstrated success in regulatory reporting, documentation, and governance is highly valued.
Ability to Build a High-Performance Safety Culture
The client seeks a leader who can inspire teams and foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. You should excel at coaching managers, leading training initiatives, and engaging employees at all levels to reinforce safe behaviors and practices.
Data-Driven Decision-Maker
Strong analytical skills are critical. You should be comfortable interpreting safety metrics, conducting trend analysis, and leveraging data to drive strategic decisions. Experience implementing KPIs, digital safety tools, and performance dashboards is a strong advantage.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence
The client values a VP who excels at working with engineering, production, HR, and senior leadership. You should be an effective communicator capable of influencing operational teams, aligning departments with safety goals, and championing safety initiatives across the organization.
Experience in Crisis Management & Incident Response
You must have demonstrated expertise in handling emergency situations, conducting investigations, and implementing corrective actions. The client seeks someone who can respond swiftly and effectively to incidents, ensuring the well-being of employees and compliance with reporting requirements.
Commitment to Operational Excellence & Ethical Standards
The ideal candidate is dedicated to maintaining high ethical and compliance standards. You should have experience with quality systems, environmental programs, and risk management frameworks that support safe, sustainable, and compliant manufacturing operations.
FAQs About the Role – VP of Safety & Compliance – Automotive Manufacturer
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Safety & Compliance?
As the VP of Safety & Compliance, you will lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance programs. Your responsibilities include ensuring adherence to OSHA, EPA, and automotive industry regulations, conducting risk assessments, reducing incident rates, and fostering a strong safety culture across all manufacturing facilities. You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead investigations, oversee audits, and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance operational integrity.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in automotive manufacturing, heavy industry, or related sectors, with a strong background in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) leadership. A deep understanding of regulatory requirements, safety management systems, and compliance frameworks is essential. Experience reducing workplace incidents, managing safety programs at scale, and leading cross-functional teams is highly valued. Professional certifications such as CSP, CHMM, CIH, or equivalent are preferred, along with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in safety management, engineering, or a related field.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is seeking a strategic leader with strong decision-making abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to cultivate a proactive safety culture. You should demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, influence across all levels of the organization, and the ability to drive compliance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role requires someone who can inspire teams, promote accountability, and implement long-term safety initiatives that align with company goals.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
The VP of Safety & Compliance will face challenges such as managing evolving regulatory requirements, addressing operational risks, and ensuring consistent compliance across multiple manufacturing locations. You may also navigate issues related to workforce training, environmental impact reduction, supplier safety oversight, and emergency preparedness. Balancing production demands with strict safety protocols and mitigating risk in a high-volume automotive environment will be key challenges.
5. How does this role impact the company’s overall operations?
This role plays a critical part in protecting employees, reducing liabilities, and maintaining regulatory compliance—all of which directly influence productivity, operational continuity, and brand reputation. Your ability to implement effective safety systems, reduce accidents, and maintain compliance will contribute to operational efficiency, cost savings, and the company’s long-term success in a competitive automotive market.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The organization fosters a collaborative, innovative, and performance-driven culture. They value leaders who prioritize employee well-being, continuous improvement, and transparent communication. As VP of Safety & Compliance, you will help shape and strengthen this culture by promoting safety awareness, driving engagement initiatives, and reinforcing best practices throughout the company’s operations.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the VP of Safety & Compliance for a major automotive manufacturer in Dearborn, MI, you can expect a competitive executive compensation package designed to attract top-tier safety and compliance leaders. Typical remuneration for this role includes:
1. Base Salary
The annual base salary for a VP of Safety & Compliance in the automotive manufacturing sector generally ranges between $180,000 and $260,000, depending on company size, operational complexity, and candidate experience. Larger or high-volume automotive manufacturers may offer salaries at the top end of this range or higher.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Most compensation packages include annual performance bonuses tied to safety KPIs, compliance metrics, injury rate reductions, audit results, and overall operational performance. These bonuses often range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on individual and company success.
3. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Automotive manufacturers frequently offer long-term incentives such as stock options, RSUs, or performance shares. These rewards align leadership performance with long-term organizational goals. LTIPs can constitute a significant portion of total compensation, especially in publicly traded organizations.
4. Executive Benefits & Perks
VP-level roles usually include a robust benefits package, which may include:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with company match
Executive retirement or deferred compensation plans
Company-provided vehicle or car allowance
Professional development allowances
Executive wellness perks and specialized support services

5. Profit-Sharing or Safety-Incentive Programs
Some automotive companies offer performance-based profit-sharing tied to operational efficiency, safety milestones, or plant performance metrics. These incentives reward executives for reducing incident rates, improving compliance, and achieving strategic safety targets.
6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Support
High-demand executive candidates may receive signing bonuses ranging from $15,000 to $75,000. If relocation to Dearborn, MI is required, companies may also offer a full relocation package, including temporary housing, moving expenses, or travel allowances.
Total Compensation Potential
When combining base salary, bonuses, LTIPs, and executive perks, total annual compensation for a VP of Safety & Compliance typically ranges from $250,000 to over $400,000, depending on company scale and performance. Senior-level VP roles within large automotive manufacturers may exceed this range.
How to Apply
If you are a seasoned safety leader with a proven track record in automotive or heavy manufacturing environments, we invite you to apply for the VP of Safety & Compliance role based in Dearborn, MI. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead enterprise-wide safety programs, strengthen regulatory compliance, and drive a culture of operational excellence across a major automotive organization.
To apply, please submit your resume along with a detailed cover letter outlining your experience in safety leadership, regulatory compliance, environmental health and safety (EHS) management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team collaboration. Highlight specific achievements such as reducing incident rates, leading successful audits, implementing safety management systems, and improving compliance across multi-site operations.
This role offers a high-impact career path where you will shape organizational safety standards, safeguard workforce well-being, and influence long-term operational performance. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as the VP of Safety & Compliance – Automotive Manufacturer – Dearborn, MI.
For more information or to explore similar leadership opportunities, visit our Automotive Regulatory Compliance Executive Search Firm Page.
Tags:
VP of Safety & Compliance | Automotive Safety Leadership | EHS Executive Jobs | Manufacturing Compliance Executive | OSHA & EPA Compliance | Automotive Risk Management | Safety Culture Development | Environmental Health & Safety Leadership | Automotive Manufacturing Jobs