Senior EHS Manager

Job Description

The Senior EHS Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of safety and sustainability at Kraft Heinz's flagship facility in Champaign, Illinois – a 3-million-square-foot, multi-site, state-of-the-art complex that sets the standard for innovation and excellence in the industry. As the largest and most advanced plant in North America, this site demands a forward-thinking EHS leader who can develop and implement a transformational strategy that drives a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

The Senior EHS Manager will have direct exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to influence the broader EHS Kraft Heinz network. This role offers a unique platform to shape strategy, build enterprise-wide impact, and offers a pathway into broader leadership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Transformational EHS Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive EHS transformation strategy that not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also fosters a long-term culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization aligning with ESG and other company strategies.
• Data-Driven Performance Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance EHS performance through rigorous data analysis, identifying key risk factors and trends, and utilizing this information to drive targeted interventions and proactive safety measures to prevent workplace injuries and environmental incidents achieving KPIS and other metrics.
• Best Practice Implementation: Model and enforce best practices in safe working techniques, hold partners accountable to EHS standards, and drive continuous improvement toward global best practice while ensuring compliance with OSHA, EHS, and ESG standards, overseeing wastewater treatment programs and plant emissions along with development and execution of the security plan for the site, including the oversight of the security team and programs.
• Crisis and Change Management Leadership: Proactively lead change management efforts to address safety challenges and engage employees in the transition towards improved EHS practices, while also developing and executing crisis management plans to prepare for and respond to safety incidents effectively.
• Annual Improvement Plans: Develop and implement robust annual improvement plans for safety, environmental performance, business continuity management, asset conservation, and facility security and that safety initiatives align with the overall operational goals and CAPEX planning and execution.
• Support Lead for EHS Strategy With POD/BU: Serve as the support lead to the EHS Business Unit Leader in implementing safety protocols and best practices ensuring that EHS standards are consistently applied and that safety initiatives align with the overall operational goals and EHS strategy.
• Compliance and Regulatory Management: Implement, execute, and ensure compliance with Kraft Heinz EHS policies and procedures and with all federal, state, and local OSHA/EPA regulations.
• Oversee the on-site 24/7 Medical Program: Including a newly established full-service nurses’ station and medical office. Provide leadership and direction to physical therapists and nurses (dotted-line reporting) and play a key role in shaping and evolving the facilities medical and occupational health programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in safety and environmental management, Industrial Hygiene, or equivalent experience, with advanced leadership roles and responsibilities demonstrating expertise in EHS leadership transformation.
• Minimum 5-7 years of managerial experience in EHS, with a proven track record of driving transformational change and achieving operational excellence.
• Safety leadership experience in a related industry, including consumer packaged goods, distribution/transportation, manufacturing, or grocery industry, with experience working in a factory of the future or similar environment.
• Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive EHS strategies that align with organizational goals and drive business outcomes.
• Advanced proficiency in monitoring and analyzing safety performance data to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement, with experience using data analytics tools and software.
• Strong understanding of environmental, health, and safety regulations, including OSHA standards, ESG principles, and waste management practices, with ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution of EHS programs and initiatives, with experience using project management tools and software.
• Proven ability to develop and implement business continuity plans and manage security protocols to ensure site safety and security, with experience responding to crisis situations.
• Knowledge and experience with EHS Management systems and their deployment, including experience with EHS software and technology.
• Transformational Leadership: Proven ability to drive transformational change, achieve operational excellence, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and empower team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, with experience managing conflict and promoting teamwork and engagement.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to lead change, collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership, and effectively convey information to employees at all levels.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to assess performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop effective strategies that enhance operational efficiency and productivity, with familiarity with digital tools that enhance continuous improvement.
• Organizational & Digital Literacy: Excellent organizational skills, with proficiency in using digital tools and software (e.g. Microsoft Office, project management tools, data analytics platforms), and ability to independently handle multiple priorities, manage competing demands, and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional designations and certifications such as ASP (Associate Safety Professional), CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist), and/or CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager) are preferred.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and methodologies, including Six Sigma and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Must be able to work flexible hours and weekend work.

#INDMFGS

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.