Our organization is actively seeking a Director of EH&S and Facilities who will be instrumental in leading our company's efforts to ensure a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace. This role requires a strong leader with a background in EH&S management systems within the manufacturing sector, and experience with real estate administration, transactions and negotiations. This pivotal role will lead EH&S and manage our enterprise real estate portfolio, which includes 20 leased and owned manufacturing and shared services sites across a multistate footprint.

• Comprehensive EH&S strategy
  • Develop and implement EH&S strategy that aligns with organizational goals and comply with local, state, and federal environmental, health, and safety laws.
• EH&S Compliance
  • Manage all aspects of environmental monitoring, waste management, and sustainability initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing operations. Establish ISO14001 and ISO18001 at key manufacturing sites.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies on all EH&S matters, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Continuous Improvement in EH&S
  • Review and develop EH&S policies, procedures, and regulations to foster an informed and compliant workplace.
  • Lead the EH&S team to conduct risk assessments, enforce safety protocols, and drive CIP practices.
  • Lead the EH&S team to investigate and analyze accidents and near-miss incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Collaborate with other department heads to integrate EH&S priorities across all levels of the organization.
• Facilities Compliance Management
  • Ensure (in consultation with necessary experts) that all facilities and real estate activities comply with legal, regulatory, and environmental standards. Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with real estate and leasing matters.
  • Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
  • Identify opportunities for energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. Implement and monitor programs to reduce the environmental impact of facilities operations.
• Real Estate Portfolio Management
  • Oversee and administer (on an ongoing and continuous basis) the company’s real estate portfolio for manufacturing and corporate locations, ensuring optimal utilization and compliance with all lease/contractual and legal/regulatory obligations and requirements. This will include routinely
  • Interfacing and negotiating with landlords, vendors and other third parties.
• Real Estate Strategy
  • Support the development and lead the implementation of a comprehensive real estate (leasing and/or ownership) strategy that supports the Company’s strategic, operational and financial goals. Will lead or take central coordinating role in all aspects of leasing and real estate transactions,
  • including acquisitions, dispositions, and lease renewals.
• Lease/Real Estate Contract Negotiation & Management
  • Lead or take central coordinating role in lease or real estate contractual negotiations, interfacing with all key stakeholders, including brokers, attorneys, consultants and landlord representatives to ensure optimal terms for the Company.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Relations
  • Build and maintain positive ongoing relationships and open lines of communication with landlords, real estate agents/brokers, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders. Ensure alignment of real estate activities with organizational needs.
• Facilities Support & Advisory
  • Provide expert advice and support to manufacturing sites (and lead initiatives, as needed) on day-to-day facilities-related issues, including those involving leasehold improvements, space planning, facilities optimization and management.
• Budgeting & Financial Oversight
  • Prepare and manage the departmental budget; ensure cost-effective allocation of resources.
  • Develop and manage the enterprise facilities budget, including lease costs, maintenance expenses, and capital projects related to real estate transactions and improvements.
• Emergency Preparedness
  • Develop and maintain emergency response plans. Coordinate drills and training sessions to ensure preparedness for emergencies.
• Capital Planning and Project Management
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute long-term capital plans. Manage facilities-related projects, including expansions, renovations, and equipment installations.
• Other Duties Assigned By Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in EH&S roles within a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of EPA, OSHA, and other relevant environmental and safety regulations.
• Proven ability to develop and implement EH&S policies and programs that reduce risks and enhance company compliance.
• Proven track record of successfully managing leased and owned properties, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial context.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage teams and interact with all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to addressing challenges and leading change.
• Superior negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong business and commercial acumen, with the ability to gather, understand and synthesize information to propose and drive optimal outcomes and/or resolutions.

Work Environment

• This role is based out of our Corporate office in Hickory, NC. Estimated travel for this role is 25%.