Vice President, Safety

Are you the type of Safety Professional who leads from the front? Are you focused on driving behavioral safety changes instead of safety mandates? Have you been successful in helping your leadership teams and associates to live out safety as a “Core Value” instead simply one of many priorities? If you just answered yes to these questions, we may have the opportunity you have been dreaming of

Airgas’ Process Gases Division is searching for a VP of Safety and Compliance to serve as the champion for safety throughout our organization. We are looking for a dynamic and creative leader to define and drive the long-term strategies which align with Airgas business goals, functional needs, and current best practices. This role will own all safety related activities to improve the safety performance and ensure regulatory compliance. The functional areas encompassed by the role include occupational safety, process safety, transportation safety, environmental compliance, security, product quality and audits. The VP will lead, directly and indirectly, a team of over 30 who provide front-line, field support. You will coordinate activities with the Corporate Safety and Compliance organization, as well as our other Airgas Divisions.

It is critical for the VP to be a strong partner and coach to all levels of the organization. You will be responsible for development and execution of policies and initiatives to drive the overall safety culture, while supporting Airgas’ safety, quality and compliance goals. DOT compliance, associate training and IMS Audits are also critical aspects of these activities. The VP will represent Airgas with regulatory agencies, customers, suppliers and other Airgas stakeholders. In order to accomplish all this, the expectation is that you will spend a fair amount of your time in the field.

What will I be doing?

• Provide all day-to-day leadership for the safety function supporting the various Process Gases businesses.
• Manage the Safety and Compliance department personnel and budget including hiring, performance management and employee development.
• Establish and maintain training for Division associates on a wide range of safety topics including product hazards and handling, safe work practices, first aid, emergency response, regulatory compliance and other topics.
• Lead an audit program aimed at ensuring all facilities maintain compliance with corporate and regulatory authority policy.
• Ensure all safety incidents (personal injuries, vehicle accidents, environmental releases and property damage) and serious near misses are reported and investigated including root cause determination and establishment of appropriate corrective actions.
• Champion activities designed to empower associates to take ownership of and lead safety efforts in their role (i.e. Safety Contact, Good Catch).
• Develop and maintain policies relating to the security of our associates, facilities and property.
• Lead loss control and prevention initiatives that specifically include: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), plant safety equipment and trailer safety equipment.
• Ensure compliance with Airgas corporate safety policy including the Airgas Safety Manual, SAFECOR Policy Manual, PSM/RMP Manual, Crisis Management Manual, Transportation Manual and Driver Training Manual.
• Represent the Airgas and ensure compliance with a broad range of federal, state and local government regulations (as well as international regulations if applicable). Including:
• Compliance with US federal regulations specifically includes those of the following agencies: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Compliance with DOT regulations include specifically: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
• Compliance with OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) and EPA Risk Management Plan (RMP) rules are critical to employee and community safety and subject to significant scrutiny by regulators.

Who is Airgas?

Airgas, Inc., an Air Liquide company, is the nation's leading single-source supplier of gases, welding and safety products. Known locally nationwide, our distribution network serves more than one million customers of all sizes with a broad offering of top-quality products and unmatched expertise.

Airgas Process Gases Division comprises 5 different operation companies: Airgas Dry Ice, Airgas Specialty Products (ammonia), Airgas National Carbonation (beverage carbonation), Nitrous Oxide Corporation, and Red-D-Arc (welding equipment rental business). These businesses operate across the continental United States and Canada. We have a collective headcount of just under 2,000 associates.

What’s in it for me?

Aside from very competitive compensation package, we offer a wide array of benefits including: up to 6 different Medical plans, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) with a generous match and much more...

What requirements must I meet?

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in safety, engineering or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in Safety and/or Compliance preferably relating to the storage, processing and transportation of hazardous materials.
• Supervisory experience including associate development and performance management.
• Professional certification in Safety and Compliance (i.e., Certified Safety Professional) is a plus.
• Certification in the DuPont© Stop Program and Smith System Defensive Driving Program are a plus.
• You must be able to interact and positively connect with associates at all levels of the organization. This includes excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills including relationship building and influencing.
• A strong ability to drive continuous improvement both within your team and the overall business.
• Strong computer abilities including standard business applications (i.e., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be open to travel on a national basis (~40% expectation) including valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle.