Safety Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

The Safety Manager provides occupational safety and health (OSH) leadership and technical expertise to the site operations team. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, strengthens safety systems, and drives risk-reduction strategies aligned with business needs and performance objectives. The Safety Manager partners across all levels of the organization to influence behaviors, solve problems, and deliver sustainable improvements in safety and health performance.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Standardize and manage initiatives to create a strong OSH program consistent with RC14001/ISO9001 Standards, OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) elements, Process Safety Management (PSM), Industrial Hygiene (IH) standards, Federal/State/Local regulations, and Ascend policy requirements.
• Collaborate with the Senior Environmental, Safety, Security and Health (ESSH) Manager and ESSH Supervisor (Fire Chief) to strengthen safety programs and champion the hazard recognition process.
• Partner with stakeholders and contractors to achieve consistent, high-level safety performance across a multi-employer worksite.
• Continue to improve safety systems performance and influence all levels of the organization to reinforce Ascend’s Commitment to Zero incidents and injuries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Engagement

• Lead safety performance through visible leadership, field presence, and active engagement with operations and maintenance teams.
• Drive a collaborative, problem-solving culture that supports open reporting and sustainable achievement of business results.

Program Management and Compliance

• Administer and improve safety, industrial hygiene, and medical policies and procedures in alignment with company and regulatory standards.
• Conduct safety and compliance audits, including behavioral audits, and provide technical expertise on audit program design and execution.
• Simplify and improve site safety procedures for greater efficiency and clarity.
• Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies as needed.

Industrial Hygiene and Risk Control

• Oversee the exposure assessment process, including qualitative/quantitative industrial hygiene evaluations, and implement appropriate control solutions.
• Lead short- and long-term industrial hygiene initiatives consistent with corporate directives.
• Support safe work planning for contractors, including lock-out tag-out and new equipment reviews.

Training and Development

• Champion the hazard recognition process, serve as a Certified Training Specialist (CTS), and deliver training for employees and contractors.
• Provide technical expertise on pre-job planning, accident prevention, hazard assessments, safety permitting, and auditing programs.
• Network across functional groups to translate technical safety requirements into practical solutions.

TEAM

• Reports to: Sr. ESSH Manager
• Team Members: Safety Specialist, Industrial Hygiene Specialist, Contractor Safety Specialist, and Contractor Medical Staff.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in safety, engineering, or related technical discipline
• 7+ years of relevant experience in chemical, petrochemical or oil & gas Industry, with at least 3 years of management experience in ESSH or operations

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, and safety management practices
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) and incident analysis tools (Why-Tree, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
• Demonstrated change management experience with proven ability to drive cultural and process improvements
• Demonstrated leadership, team building, and influence skills
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels
• Commitment to customer success and continuous improvement
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Experience with OSHA VPP program
• Working knowledge of American Chemistry Council Responsible Care or Quality Management Systems

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Willing to adjust work schedule as needed to support safety initiatives and objectives on alternate shifts
• Ability to meet all physical requirements of working in an industrial environment including ability to work in extreme temperatures, sitting, standing, walking, use of hands, climbing and use of ladders, etc.
• Lift up to 50 pounds

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Skills Summary:

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities ​​for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.