Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager - Brownsville, TX

Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager

SMS Shipbreaking is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager to join our dynamic team in our Brownsville, TX location. Under the direction of the Senior EHS Manager, this position will lead and manage all Safety, Environmental Compliance, and Risk Functions within the SMS Shipbreaking facility. This role will be a catalyst to evolve change by implementing initiatives that will enhance the company's EHS performance. SMS Shipbreaking is prideful in the fact that we are one of the few licensed & approved dismantlers and recyclers in the United States. The process of ship breaking, and ship recycling is a complex process that requires precision and technical prowess.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement of site EHS performance and promote a strong safety culture
• Serve as the site EHS subject matter expert, Shipbreaking Competent Person and advisor to leadership
• Spend approximately 60% of time in the field observing, coaching, and mentoring employees
• Supervise the day-to-day activities of two Safety Coordinator/Techs that directly report to this position
• Drive understanding and adherence to the SMS Core Values and Life Saving Rules

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (OSHA, EPA, USCG, and other applicable agencies)
• Interpret regulatory requirements and advises management on necessary actions
• Manage asbestos, lead, PCB, etc. safety programs to include collection of samples to drive proper safety and environmental related protection and oversee completion of waste log manifests.
• Ensure environmental permits and programs are in compliance and up to date (Air, SWPPP, SPCC, TIERII, etc.).
• Coordinate inspections, audits, agency interactions, and required reporting
• Primary contact for all state and federal agencies regarding safety and environmental matters.
• Coordinate the completion of industrial hygiene related activities by qualified external parties (e.g., noise, chemical and particulate exposure, etc.).
• Coordinate emergency response drills and lead after action reviews

Hazard Identification & Incident Management

• Facilitate, working with Operations, the completion of risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses, and SOP's for all site activities
• Conduct inspections, audits, and hazard assessments
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and environmental releases; perform root cause analysis
• Track corrective actions and verify completion
• Manage incident reporting in the EHS management system

Training & Workforce Engagement

• Develop and maintain the site training matrix and annual training plan
• Ensures applicable employees are properly trained in asbestos, lead base paint, confined space entry, leading edge fall protection, mobile equipment and crane operator certifications, etc.
• Deliver or facilitate EHS training programs and weekly safety meetings
• Support onboarding and contractor orientation processes
• Co-chair the site safety committee with the site GM

Environmental Programs

• Maintain compliance with environmental programs including SPCC, SWPPP, air permits, and waste management
• Coordinate environmental reporting (e.g., Tier II, emissions reporting)
• Support spill response, documentation, and corrective actions
• Manage sampling activities to ensure compliance with SWPPP, asbestos, lead and PCB requirements

Program Management & Documentation

• Develop, implement, and update EHS policies, procedures, and work instructions
• Maintain accurate records (OSHA logs, training records, compliance calendar)
• Track safety metrics and communicate performance and key learnings

Medical & Case Management

• Participate in injury and illness management, co-leads incident investigations with site GM
• Support case management to reduce recordable injuries while ensuring appropriate care
• Coordinate medical response, be available to transport or coordinate transportation of non-emergency injuries or illnesses to the local clinic.
• Assist HR with workers' compensation coordination and return-to-work processes

Operations Support

• Ensure adequate PPE selection, inventory, and compliance with assessments
• Support "fit-for-duty" evaluations for employees being qualified for work and for returning to work
• Participate in site operations meetings and business planning
• Lead in the communication of safety performance metrics and key incident learnings using SMS standardized processes and templates.
• Support operations through the completion of safety audits, Job Safety Observations (JSO's), monthly housekeeping audits and weekly joint Ops/EHS safety walks.
• Facilitate weekly meetings with the GM and select operational staff to review action items identified through JSO's, audits, incidents, near-misses, etc.
• Coordinate the inspections of critical safety equipment (e.g., rigging materials, cranes, personnel baskets, etc.) through competent external vendors or qualified internal experts.

Qualifications Required

• 4+ years of EHS experience in industrial, construction, or similar environments
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations; working knowledge of EPA programs
• Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Bilingual English/Spanish (required)
• Ability to work in outdoor, heavy industrial environments
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain security clearance

Preferred

• Experience in shipbreaking, demolition, or scrap operations
• Degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Industrial hygiene experience (lead, asbestos, noise)
• Radiation safety experience
• Experience with EHS management systems (e.g., KPA or similar)

Work Environment & Expectations

• Combination of office and field work in a heavy industrial setting
• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, noise, and active operations
• Occasional travel to support activities as approved by EHS Supervisor.
• Weekend/overtime work as required (not expected to be more than once per month)

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, vision, and company-paid life insurance (Day 1 eligibility)
• 401(k) with 4% company match (immediate vesting)
• Paid holidays and 4 weeks of vacation
• Collaborative, high-performance work environment with growth opportunities

SMS Shipbreaking, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMS Shipbreaking, LLC makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.