Environmental Health and Safety Manager

ILLES Foods Job Description

Job Title: Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Reports To: Director of Manufacturing

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Exempt, On-Site

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

About Us:
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development. As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external.

Job Summary:
The EHS Manager is responsible for leading environmental, health, and safety initiatives to ensure a safe, compliant, and sustainable workplace. This role partners closely with operations, quality, and leadership teams to define and achieve key safety goals. The EHS Manager designs and improves digital systems for training, documentation, and reporting, making safety resources accessible and actionable across the organization.

Acting as a trusted guide rather than an enforcer, this position fosters a positive safety culture while ensuring regulatory compliance with OSHA, Tier II, wastewater, hazardous waste, and related programs. The EHS Manager oversees commissioning, training, and performance of water and waste systems, conducts safety audits, and leads investigations using root cause analysis. They develop and improve SOPs, programs, and training while monitoring industrial hygiene, PPE, and sustainability practices in waste, water, and energy use. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, technologically savvy leader who earns respect by working side-by-side with teams, driving continuous improvement, and influencing without authority. They will manage reporting, permits, and licenses; lead inspections and corrective actions; track and analyze performance metrics; and stay current on evolving EHS regulations and best practices to safeguard both people and the environment.

This role oversees the environment, health and safety of partners in two plants located within a few miles of each other. Partners conduct themselves in a manner that is aligned with Illes Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with management to define and support EHS goals- e.g., Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR), Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART), and Near Misses.

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve digital systems for safety training, documentation, and reporting to enhance accessibility across teams.

• Work side-by-side with operations, quality, and leadership teams to solve problems and advance shared goals.

• Be seen as a guide and resource rather than an enforcer, fostering a positive and respectful safety culture. Manage compliance and reporting for all EHS programs and permits (OSHA, Tier II, wastewater, hazardous waste, etc.).

• Responsible for managing the water and waste System commissioning and training, mentoring, development, and reviewing performance to ensure that the efficient, cost-effective utilization of the wastewater system is achieved and maintained.

• Create and/or improve Standard Operating Procedures, Safety training, EHS programs and initiatives.

• Conduct Safety Audits and oversee Safety Audits performed by partners.

• Investigate incidents using Root Cause Analysis and the 5 Whys methodology.

• Lead EHS training, inspections, and corrective action planning for safety and environmental compliance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve sustainability in waste, energy, and water use.

• Conduct industrial hygiene monitoring and report findings with recommended actions.

• Oversee safety protocols, incentive programs, and incident investigations.

• Prepare and maintain EHS reports, documentation, permits, and licenses for internal use and regulatory agencies.

• Stay current on EHS regulations and best practices; Track, analyze, and report EHS performance metrics.

• Lead investigations of accidents, near misses, and environmental release; identify root causes and implement corrective action.

• Oversee selection, distribution, and maintenance of personal protective equipment and safety systems.

• Occasional travel between facilities, urgent care, etc. in support of partner needs.

• Own annual OSHA required workplace testing organization wide.

• Perform additional duties as assigned; regular attendance is required.

Required Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Strategic Problem Solving – Ability to identify EHS issues and develop effective, compliant solutions working cross functionally.

• Analytical & Critical Thinking – Use logic and reasoning to evaluate best approaches to health, safety, and environmental challenges.

• Risk-Based Decision Making: Assess risks and benefits to make sound, compliant decisions. Minimize liability and enhance workplace safety.

• Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement – Track and assess safety performance to drive improvements and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Leadership Communication (Speaking & Active Listening) – Effectively convey safety policies and respond to concerns across departments.

• Influence Without Authority – Earn trust and respect by modeling safe practices, listening actively, and partnering across all levels of the organization.

• Technologically savvy with advanced mastery of Microsoft 365 (Excel, SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.) and able to design user-friendly systems that improve team access to safety documentation, dashboards, training, and reporting.

• Collaborative and approachable, acting as a guide, supporter, and facilitator on safety matters—earning respect by partnering with employees at all levels.

• Detail-oriented and analytical, able to assess risk, investigate issues, and implement effective solutions that enhance both safety culture and compliance.

Experience, Education and Certifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred (EHS, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Food Science, or related field).

• Experience:

• 3–5 years in a manufacturing environment; food industry experience (HACCP, FSMA) strongly preferred.

• 5+ years of experience facilitating and leading EHS programs and processes.

• Preferred experience interfacing with regulatory agencies.

• Certifications & Training:

• Required: OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR/AED.

• Preferred: Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), Certified Health and Safety Official (CSHO), ASP, CSP, CIT.

• Professional Development: Sponsorship available for advanced certifications. Associate Safety Professional (ASP) → Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT). Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Ability to crouch and bend.

• Ability to stand continuously

• Bend, stoop, climb, reach above shoulders, crouch, push and pull frequently

• Use feet, hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders constantly.

• Work while standing on a 7-step ladder with rails.

• Temperature variation of 55 to 110 degrees
  

What We Offer:
We are a core-value driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!

Disclaimer:
The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated at any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (M/F/D/V)

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