EHS Manager - Buffalo

GTI Fabrication is seeking a Safety Manager to lead Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs at our Buffalo manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for building, implementing, and sustaining safety systems in a new plant environment while supporting rapid production ramp and workforce growth.

The Safety Manager will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, HR, and leadership teams to ensure safe work practices, regulatory compliance, incident prevention, and continuous improvement. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong floor presence who can influence behavior, enforce standards, and build a culture of accountability.

Responsibilities

EHS Program Development & Ownership

• Build and implement site-level Environmental Health & Safety programs aligned with OSHA and company standards

• Develop policies, procedures, work instructions, and safety protocols for all manufacturing operations

• Establish scalable safety systems to support plant growth and workforce expansion

• Ensure consistent application of safety standards across fabrication, welding, paint, electrical, and assembly operations

Safety Culture & Leadership

• Drive a strong safety culture through leadership engagement, training, and daily reinforcement

• Partner with Supervisors and Managers to embed safety into daily operations and decision-making

• Lead safety meetings, toolbox talks, and site-wide communication initiatives

• Influence employee behavior and reinforce accountability at all levels of the organization

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental standards, and applicable local/state requirements

• Maintain required documentation, reporting, permits, and compliance records

• Prepare for and manage internal audits, regulatory inspections, and compliance reviews

• Stay current on regulatory changes and industry best practices

Hazard Identification & Risk Mitigation

• Conduct regular safety audits, hazard assessments, and job hazard analyses (JHAs)

• Identify risks across manufacturing processes including welding, fabrication, material handling, electrical work, and chemical usage

• Implement corrective actions to eliminate hazards and reduce risk exposure

• Develop and maintain safety controls for high-risk activities

Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis

• Lead investigations for injuries, near misses, and safety incidents

• Conduct Root Cause Analysis using 5 Whys, Fishbone, and structured problem-solving methods

• Implement corrective and preventive actions and track closure

• Report safety metrics and incident trends to leadership

Training & Workforce Development

• Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees, supervisors, and leadership

• Ensure compliance with required training including lockout/tagout, PPE, hazard communication, confined space, and equipment safety

• Support onboarding and new hire safety orientation processes

• Build safety awareness across all levels of the workforce

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations to ensure safety is integrated into production planning and execution

• Work with Engineering on safe equipment design, layout, and process improvements

• Support HR with workers’ compensation, return-to-work programs, and incident management

• Coordinate with Maintenance and Facilities on safe operation of plant systems and infrastructure

Metrics & Performance Management

• Track and report KPIs including TRIR, incident rates, near misses, audit findings, and corrective action closure

• Build dashboards and reporting tools for leadership visibility

• Drive continuous improvement in safety performance and compliance outcomes

Emergency Response & Preparedness

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for fire, medical incidents, chemical exposure, and facility emergencies

• Coordinate drills and training exercises

• Ensure readiness of safety equipment including fire suppression, eyewash stations, and first aid resources

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or related field preferred

• 5–10+ years of experience in EHS, Safety, or Environmental Health roles

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or fabrication environments

• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and industrial safety practices

• Proven experience building or scaling safety programs in fast-paced environments

• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills

• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on on the production floor

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting new plant launches or facility expansions

• Experience in fabrication, welding, paint, electrical, or heavy industrial manufacturing

• OSHA 30, CSP, CIH, or related certifications preferred

• Experience with ISO9001 or integrated management systems

• Experience in hyper-growth manufacturing environments

Perks & Benefits

GTI Energy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees and their families while providing long-term career growth opportunities within a fast-growing manufacturing organization. Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sick time in accordance with state and local requirements
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, modular infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong operational and engineering leadership
• Employee-focused culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on position, location, and employment classification.