The Safety Manager will be responsible for developing, communicating, and enforcing safety policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and GCFD policies. The manager will continue to develop a strong safety culture across the organization by identifying and monitoring training needs in the organization. The manager will design, plan and implement training programs, policies and procedures to fulfill those needs.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
- Lead and guide all health and safety initiatives across the facility to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
- Collaborate with all staff to promote a proactive safety culture and consistent adherence to safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records related to incidents, near misses, safety performance metrics, and environmental data.
- Oversee safety audits, incident investigations, and hazard assessments; evaluate trends and implement corrective actions to reduce risk and prevent recurrence.
- Design, implement, and sustain site-wide safety and environmental programs, including compliance frameworks, risk management processes, and emergency response plans.
- Lead and direct the work and standards for the site’s Public Safety Officers.
- Partner with site leaders to support consistent safety and security standards.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation and submission of compliance reports to regulatory agencies.
- Review existing training programs; suggest enhancements and modifications to improve engagement, learning and retention and/or to meet the changing needs of the organization.
- Sets the tone for the location as the expert in EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), DOT (Department of Transportation) policies and procedures.
- Maintain OSHA logs and required safety documentation, including incident reports, corrective actions, and annual postings.
- Manages and approves all certificates involving OSHA, DOT and all Material Handling Equipment for individuals receiving training from GCFD.
- Develop and conduct comprehensive safety training programs, ensuring all employees maintain current certifications and proper documentation.
- Partner with department leaders to support safety meetings and embed safe work practices into daily operations.
- Assess the effectiveness of safety initiatives and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Partner with People & Culture and department leaders on workplace injury follow-up, and workers’ compensation documentation as needed.
- Lead or support safety committee meetings, follow up on action items, and promote employee participation in safety initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Minimum of five years of experience supporting or managing safety programs in a warehouse, distribution center, transportation, manufacturing, or similar operational environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in safety, Environmental Science, Business Management, or related field preferred.
- Familiarity with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards regarding OSHA, EPA, and DOT
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of DOT (Department of Transportation), FTA (Federal Transit Administration), FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules and regulations.
- Proven ability to lead change and influence safety culture across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, that include ability to explain and present regulations to others.
- Must be proficient in MS Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Exposure:
- This is a full-time, on-site role on First Shift, Monday through Friday. Occasional flexibility is required to support alternate shifts and weekends. Evening and weekend hours as required.
- General office environment; extended exposure to warehouse environment, with some exposure to refrigerator and freezer environments.
- Interacts with GCFD staff, Senior Leadership Team, Board members, member agencies, donors, vendors and volunteers.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
- Employer-Paid life and disability insurance
- Employee assisntance program
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer Contribution
- Generous paid time off
- parental leave
- on-site gym
- $3,000 annual employer-paid thrivepass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
- $250 employee referral bonus
Skills Required
- Minimum of five years experience supporting or managing safety programs in warehouse, distribution, transportation, manufacturing, or similar operational environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Safety, Environmental Science, Business Management, or related field.
- Familiarity with applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards regarding OSHA, EPA, and DOT.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of DOT, FTA, FMCSA rules and regulations.
- Proven ability to lead change and influence safety culture across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to explain and present regulations to others.
- Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
- Ability to work full-time on-site (First Shift) with occasional flexibility for alternate shifts, evenings, and weekends.
What We Do
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is Chicago's food bank, dedicated to ending hunger in Chicago and Cook County. Its mission is to connect neighbors with healthy food and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger, including poverty, systemic inequity, and structural racism, through a partnership network of over 800 community-based organizations.



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