Safety Manager, North America

Role: Safety Manager, North America

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, Sun Gro.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the VP of Operations, the successful candidate will support manufacturing operations across North America by implementing, managing, and monitoring all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, promotes a positive safety culture, and drives continuous improvement in HSE performance.

Compensation:

$135,000+ annually with bonus potential 

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (includes telemedicine, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Health Spending Account

• Employee Support and Mental Wellness

• Short-term disability

• 401k Match

• Paid vacation

• Floating days

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee Engagement Events

• Awards and Recognition

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Service Awards

• Employee Perks & Discounts

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure local management, employees, and site committees adhere to corporate HSE standards

• Communicate HSE policies, programs, and corrective action plans to all plant personnel

• Maintain positive relationships with the public, government agencies, and external stakeholders

• Represent Sun Gro on HSE matters with regulatory agencies, insurance carriers, and consultants

• Develop and implement HSE policies, training programs, and initiatives to sustain a safety culture

• Manage HSE budgets, capital projects, and Regional HSE leaders

• Monitor changes in federal and provincial HSE legislation and ensure compliance

• Direct incident investigations, lost-time prevention programs, and implement measures to minimize injuries

• Oversee, track, and report HSE incident data; analyze trends to identify improvements

• Recommend and implement process modifications to reduce HSE incidents and improve performance

• Develop and deploy HSE communications to operational leaders and employees

• Coach, mentor, and support the HSE team and plant personnel on safety needs

• Collaborate with plant leaders and functional teams to resolve complex HSE issues

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and coaching skills, including mentoring and change management

• Fact-based decision-making and strategic thinking for HSE initiatives

• Ability to establish clear goals, KPIs, and monitor progress

• Strong execution skills with the ability to implement HSE programs effectively

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence employees at all levels

• Ability to foster teamwork, process improvement, and a strong safety culture

• Knowledge of North American occupational health and safety legislation (Canada & U.S.)

• Understanding of OSHA, workers compensation, Fire Code, CSA, and ANSI standards

• Proficient in computer skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet, and email

Education and Experience:

• 7–10 years of HSE experience in a continuous manufacturing environment

• Proven track record of measurable results in HSE performance

• Experience in compliance and process auditing

• Project management experience from planning to completion

• Experience in coaching, mentoring, and leading teams in safety initiatives

Work Environment:

• Remote position with up to 50% travel across North America

• Office and manufacturing plant environments

• Hands-on engagement with plant teams and operational leaders
  This is a safety sensitive position