Safety Manager Islandia, NY, USA Requisition Number 15679 Location Corporate Human Resources-00103 Job Description SUMMARY: The Safety Manager is one of the designated safety authorities responsible for day-to-day administration overseeing and coordinating Whitsons’ workplace safety programs across two Culinary Centers, two Distribution locations, Corporate Offices and over 1300 kitchens and/or cafeterias where we provide food services on-site at client locations (On-Site Locations). This role serves as an operational safety authority for assigned locations, ensuring compliance with OSHA and company standards while driving a proactive, prevention-focused safety culture. This position also plays a critical employee-facing role, providing outreach and support to injured team members, ensuring appropriate care, clear communication, and timely return-to-work whenever possible. The Safety Manager functions as a highly autonomous, field-facing leader who conducts inspections, investigates incidents, and manages safety initiatives. While this role has no direct reports, it exercises significant influence and leadership across all On-site services, Culinary services and Corporate operations. This role will also serve as a back-up to the Workers Compensation Specialist, whose role serves as the primary liaison between the company and our Third-Party Administrator (TPA) in overseeing workers’ compensation claims and administration. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Safety Program Oversight + Oversee the implementation, execution, and continuous improvement of Whitsons’ safety programs across Culinary Centers, Distribution Depots, On-Site Locations, and Corporate Offices. + Drive consistent adoption of safety policies, procedures, and best practices across all supported sites. + Monitor safety performance metrics and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. + Manage and support all Safety Programs across the organization. + Provide guidance, communication, training support, and accountability to safety representatives. + Serve as the escalation point for safety issues, compliance gaps, and high-risk incidents. + Serve as the primary liaison for the Nurse Triage Program and ReEmployability Program. Inspections, Audits & Compliance + Conduct routine and ad-hoc safety inspections and compliance audits at Culinary Centers, Distribution Depots, On-Site Locations, and other company locations. + Identify hazards, document deficiencies, write site-visit report with safety-improvement recommendations, and work with site leadership to implement timely corrective actions. + Partner with Fleet Management to review driver logs, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and fleet safety compliance. Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis + Respond to workplace injuries, accidents, and near-miss events in a timely and professional manner. + Lead incident investigations to determine root causes and contributing factors. + Prepare formal written investigation reports and submit them to the Director of Safety and relevant leadership. + Partner with site leadership to develop, implement, and track corrective and preventive actions. Training & Safety Engagement + Manage and coordinate safety training, and toolbox talks across facilities and On-Site Locations. + Facilitate Safety Committee meetings and safety engagement activities. + Ensure all required safety postings, emergency information, and regulatory notices are current and properly displayed. Reporting, Documentation & Data Management + Maintain accurate OSHA logs, injury records, training documentation, and audit reports. + Track incident trends, corrective action status, and training completion. + Prepare safety summaries, metrics, and reports for leadership and regulatory needs. Continuous Improvement & Risk Reduction + Proactively identify opportunities to reduce injuries, fleet incidents, and operational risk. + Stay current on OSHA regulations, foodservice and logistics safety standards, and industry best practices. + Support special projects, audits, and company-wide safety initiatives as assigned. Claims Management & Administration + Serve as back-up to the Workers Compensation Specialist who is the primary point of contact with the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) for workers’ compensation claims and administration. Special Projects + Adapt to evolving organizational priorities by taking on special assignments and interim responsibilities as requested. + Participate in system upgrades or reporting enhancements related to safety, workers’ compensation, and risk management. + Perform other related duties as assigned. This role offers a salary range of $90,000– $110,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays. Requirements REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education + Associate degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or a related field required, bachelor’s degree preferred. + OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry certification required (or ability to obtain within 6 months). EXPERIENCE, OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES Experience + Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in workplace safety, risk management, or EHS. + Experience supporting multiple locations or field-based operations required. + Demonstrated experience conducting inspections, investigations, and safety training. + Familiarity with OSHA, fleet safety, workers’ compensation, and food production/distribution environments. Other Qualifications + Strong communication and influencing skills across operational and field environments. + Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and operate in a fast-paced, geographically dispersed organization. + Strong analytical, documentation, and follow-up discipline. + Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate compassionately with injured employees. + Ability to manage sensitive, confidential information with professionalism and discretion. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and safety reporting systems. + Ability to travel regularly between facilities and On-Site Locations (approximately 30%). REQUIRED COMPETENCIES + Safety & Risk Management + Regulatory Compliance + Root Cause Analysis + Operational Partnership + Training & Coaching + Data-Driven Decision Making + Continuous Improvement + Accountability & Follow-Through + Communication & Influence Computer Skills + Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook). + Experience with claims management systems and reporting platforms preferred. Work Schedule Monday through Friday Supervisor Janet L Dateno Salary Target $90,000-$110,000