Job Description Summary: The Vice President, Environmental, Health, Safety and Security will provide expert leadership to ensure that the company operates in a safe and environmentally sound manner. This position is responsible for leading the EHSS Department while working in a collaborative manner with ethanol plant staff and other corporate personnel to drive continuous improvements in safety performance and the reinforcement of a positive and sustainable safety culture. In addition, this position is responsible for overseeing the execution of environmental programs and regulatory compliance across the organization
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Working collaboratively to develop environmental, health & safety strategies to support overall company objectives
- Leading EHSS team and operations personnel to ensure strategy execution
- Educating management team and functional business owners on the importance of risk prevention to garner support for and drive key EHSS initiatives
- Developing/improving existing compliance management systems, policies and procedures that align with current business needs and adhere to federal, state and local regulations:⯠â¯DHS, DHHS, DOT, EPA, FCC, FDA, FRA, IUB, OSHA, PHSMA, PSM, TTB, as well as state guidelines
- Providing expert advice and guidance to EHSS team and operational personnel on changes in local, state and federal regulations and manages safety training, reporting and budgeting
- Working with EHSS teams and business leaders to establish processes to identify and analyze factors that are creating workplace injuries and implement effective control measures
- Developing and monitoring the training and development of employees to increase proficiency and compliance with established company safety and environmental processes and regulatory requirements
- Utilizing and monitoring key safety and environmental metrics to monitor processes for corrective action as needed and ensuring the Company’s EHSS data collection systems are in place
- Providing written reports on EHSS results and EHS updates to senior management periodically to apprise leaders of progress and any critical issues
- Managing and conducting the EHSS review and risk assessments of our facilities and equipment to develop mitigation plans and practices; recommend courses of action for identified high-risk operations; and implement guidelines for rotation/replacement of key facility and equipment components
- Providing environmental assessment and regulatory compliance services, including federal, state, and local regulations dealing with EPA Title V regulations, NPDES, process safety management, OSHA general industry and construction standards, air and water quality, hazardous waste, emergency response and mitigation, water use and discharge, storm water, leak detection and repair, spill prevention controls and countermeasures, risk management and facility response plan and other plans and evaluations as needed
- Enhancing and maintaining emergency response support; planning, training, and acting as incident commander in times of crisis and environmental emergencies
- Leading and managing internal EHSS management process and supporting system
- Managing EHSS due diligence of potential business acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses
- Participating in and providing leadership within industry trade organizations
- Ensure the Company’s EHSS data collection systems are in place
- Leading and developing a “risk control” mentality; bringing prevention strategy to other key areas of risk inside the organization i.e., agronomy risk, supply chain risk etc.
- Developing and maintaining the annual expense budget and forecasts for all areas of responsibility
- Coaching and guiding local EHSS and site personnel during interactions with OSHA and provide guidance in developing written correspondence
- Partnering with and involving legal department on regulatory matters
- Acting as key liaison with Green Plains’ insurance providers on reporting and loss prevention activities
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to set and drive long-term goals and objectives in part through EHSS investments
- An active leader who earns trust, inspires his/her team, builds collaborative relationships, and leads by example
- Serve as an advocate for a positive safety culture, fostering an engagement and feedback-rich environment
- Committed to training campaigns promoting EHSS initiatives and learning opportunities
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to advocate for, coach, and mentor EHSS staff
- Strong ability to influence all levels of management and employees to educate, garner buy-in, and ultimately gain approval to move EHSS initiatives forward
- Superior communicator, including interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills; proficient with risk communications and media relations
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Engineering, Safety, or Environmental Sciences or related fields; Master’s degree preferred
- 15+ years’ experience in EHSS department or related field, including 5+ years in a senior leadership position managing a multi-faceted EHSS program
- Prior experience in the chemical industry is required
- Ethanol experience a plus, strong environmental background required
- Travel will be expected monthly – up to 50% of the time
- Proven skills and experience in all aspects of project and change management
- Ability to directly impact the well-being of our employees, the perception of our customers and communities in which we operate
- Solid understanding of EHSS impact on the financial performance of the business and ability to influence this
- In-depth knowledge of EHSS regulations and management methods
- Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and influence action
- Experience working closely with internal management groups globally and ability to provide direction and support as well as monitoring for results
- Valid driver’s license required.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Combination of office and industrial plant settings, including ethanol/refinery environments.
- Exposure to noise, moving equipment, chemical processes, and varying weather conditions during site visits.
- Requires regular use of PPE such as safety glasses, hard hat, and hearing protection.
- Must support emergency response activities, including occasional after-hours or extended hours.
- Travel up to 50% to company sites, regulatory meetings, and industry events.
- Frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs/ladders, and navigating uneven surfaces during facility inspections.
- Occasional lifting up to 25–30 lbs.
- Frequent computer work, presentations, and verbal communication across all levels of the organization.
Green Plains Inc. offers competitive pay: a generous benefit package including business casual work environment, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and a 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting and company safe harbor matching. All potential employees of Green Plains Inc. will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check prior to employment.
Green Plains does not provide immigration-related employment sponsorship for new hires (for example, H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN, or other work visas). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and be able to maintain ongoing work authorization without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Company Description
Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a leading biorefining company driving the transition to a low-carbon economy through the production of renewable fuels and sustainable, high-impact ingredients. Leveraging agricultural, biological, and fermentation expertise, the company transforms renewable crops into low-carbon energy and feedstocks. Green Plains is a leader in low-carbon intensity (CI) biofuels production and continues to explore opportunities to expand its output. With a strong commitment to innovation and operational excellence, Green Plains is delivering long-term value to stakeholders. For more information, visit www.gpreinc.com.
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