Location: Albert Lea, MN

Exemption: Exempt

Shift:

OUR COMPANY:

Ventura Foods is a leading global manufacturer of branded and custom food products that proudly helps food providers in the U.S., Canada and more than 60 other countries earn a special place on consumers’ tables. We do this by continually crafting custom dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, and other food solutions that exceed peoples’ expectations for great-tasting flavors and high-quality ingredients.

Headquartered in Brea, California, Ventura Foods operates 14 manufacturing facilities, 3 culinary centers, and numerous distribution centers across North America. When you work in our manufacturing and distribution facilities, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth, because you invest in ours.

Position Summary:

Responsible for the overall support, strategy and development of the EHS functions of Ventura Foods operations. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Requires familiarity with standard chemical industry concepts, practices, procedures, and processes. Must manage, communicate and facilitate Company safety & health goals to be included in Ventura Foods sites, and to coordinate and manage overall safety and health management systems and programs within Ventura Foods.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure compliance with, and improvement of EHS programs that meet federal, state and local regulatory requirements including, but not limited to: chemical safety, confined space entry, electrical safety, contractor EHS management, industrial hygiene, LOTO, PPE, PSM, industrial and office ergonomics, storm water pollution prevention, hazardous waste management, air emissions management and wastewater treatment.
Provide guidance and technical expertise on requirements of EHS regulations, keeping local management informed of legislative updates and the necessary actions. Develop and implement plans, programs, processes and documented procedures for incident-free operations and reduction of risk. Identify trends in incidents and near miss reports, ensure actions are completed to address root causes.
Oversee and enhance application of incident investigation process and lessons learned. Maintain the site EHS management system to be current and accurate. Integration of OHSA's 18001 & ISO 14001 principles into site management system. Active member of the plant management team including active participation in committee meetings. Work with site leadership team to develop and maintain waste minimization efforts and spill prevention practices. Identify and/or conduct EHS-related training. Responsible for coaching/developing/managing/appraising EHS team members.
Oversee and enhance behavior-based safety processes including promotion of concepts and teaching. Develops and assists in the implementation of security guidelines for VF and implements improvement plans that include customer and supplier interface. Provides technical and regulatory input to proposed capital projects and facilities expansions including property protection recommendations. Must be able to function across multiple business units upholding business alignment and maximizing integration as well as global strategies in the EHS goals, objectives, planning and execution.
Responsible for assuring compliance with all Food Safety policies, procedures and regulatory criterion including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated Preventive Controls.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree required; Engineering or Safety emphasis is highly preferred.
5+ years' experience in the EHS field, including knowledge in OSHA, EPA, DOT and other regulatory requirements in a manufacturing setting.
EHS program and culture improvements, behavioral-based safety, training, waste minimization, EHS regulations and compliance knowledge and experiences are required.
Knowledge and experience with EH&S Management systems and processes, including environmental, safety, workers' compensation along with pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Need excellent verbal and written and presentation skills.
Process Safety Management (PSM) experience preferred.
Exceptional interpersonal skills a plus

Knowledge and Skills:

Maintains strong leadership skills.
Prepares and carefully reviews instructions, reports, etc., and ensures they have internal consistency; ensures that information can be understood by all who need to read it.
Verbally conveys ideas, instructions and information so they are clearly understood by others in formal or informal face-to-face situations.
Writes well-composed memos, reports and instructions, which clearly state the intended message in a manner that is professional, yet easy for others to understand.
Understands PC operations such as operating systems, common spreadsheets, and word processing software.
Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of others; includes tactfulness and a helping orientation. Must be a team player.
Demonstrates a level of listening skill such that problems at sites are brought forward to be heard and possibly resolved.
Analyzes and understands why problems occur; generates creative, yet practical solutions.
Efficiently prepares various statistical and/or other reports in a way that is clear and legible.
The ideal candidate will thrive on challenge, foster an environment of collaboration and learning, and possess an exceptional ability influence all level of audiences, both internal and external to VF.
Must be a total self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, be able to multi-task and independently develop and drive solutions to complex problems.

Physical Demands:

Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.

Work Environment:

In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards. May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ventura Foods

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