Safety Team Leader

Reports to: CEO, Samyang Logistics USA

Location: La Palma HQ + Multi-Site Operations (CA, NJ. GA, TN)

FLSA: Exempt

I. Position Summary

The Safety Team Leader is responsible for building, implementing, and continuously improving Samyang Logistics safety and regulatory compliance program across all U.S. logistics and warehouse operations. This role is essential for driving OSHA compliance, reducing workplace risk, establishing uniform safety standards, and ensuring food-safe handling and storage practices when applicable.

This leader will develop new safety processes from the ground up, standardize procedures across multiple distribution centers, and create a sustainable, auditable system that supports SYL's rapid growth into a national logistics provider.

II. Key Responsibilities

1. Safety Program Development & Implementation

• Design and implement SYL's comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS).

including all policies, SOPs, forms, checklists, manuals, and emergency response procedures.

• Build standardized safety workflows for warehouse operations, forklift operations, sanitation, material handling, visitor management, contractor safety, etc.
• Develop risk assessment tools (JHAs/JSAs, hazard maps, near-miss reporting, etc.).
• Establish annual safety improvement plans with measurable goals.

2. OSHA & Cal-OSHA Compliance Enhancement

• Create and maintain a multi-state OSHA compliance matrix covering CA, NJ, GA, and TN requirements.
• Ensure SYL meets all regulatory obligations including training requirements, signage, recordkeeping, equipment certifications, PPE standards, and emergency planning.
• Lead the preparation, filing, and internal review of OSHA logs (300, 300A, 301).
• Conduct gap assessments between current practices and OSHA standards, then implement corrective actions.
• Prepare the company to successfully pass OSHA inspections or audits.

3. Training & Certification Program Leadership

• Develop and deliver all safety training programs including forklift, HazCom, PPE, ergonomics, WVPP, emergency procedures, food-handling safety where applicable, and new-hire safety orientation.
• Create sustainable systems for tracking training completion and certification renewals (LMS, spreadsheets, or other internal tools).
• Ensure consistency of safety training across all centers and all staffing agency workers.

4. Safety Audits, Inspections & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct regular site audits for all SYL warehouse locations and develop scorecards for leadership review.
• Identify hazards, document findings, and create structured corrective action plans (CAPA) with deadlines.
• Monitor follow-up activities and ensure resolution within target timelines.
• Introduce best-practice warehouse safety standards (traffic flow design, forklift routes, pedestrian zones, racking safety, lock-out/tag-out, spill control, etc.).
• Establish KPIs and dashboards for leading indicators (near misses, audit scores, training rates).

5. Incident Management & Root-Cause Investigations

• Lead investigations for injuries, near misses, equipment failure, or unsafe behavior.
• Perform detailed root-cause analyses and create long-term corrective and preventive actions.
• Work with Workers' Comp carriers, SIU investigators, and legal counsel to ensure proper reporting and risk mitigation.
• Track incident trends and implement prevention strategies.

6. Food Safety & Food Logistics Compliance (Where Applicable)

• Maintain compliance with food-grade warehouse safety and sanitation standards (FDA/FSMA, HACCP principles, allergen control, contamination prevention).
• Partner with Operations and SYA QC teams to ensure food products are stored and handled according to regulator and customer requirements.

7. Leadership, Coaching & Safety Culture Development

• Coach warehouse leaders and employees to reinforce daily safe practices.
• Lead safety meetings, toolbox talks, and continuous improvement sessions.
• Build a proactive, accountability-based safety culture across all sites.
• Deliver quarterly safety updates and reports directly to the CEO.

8. Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with Operations, Warehouse Leaders, HR, Business Support, and Staffing Agencies.
• Ensure all contractors meet SYL's safety standards before beginning work.
• Support customer audits or safety requirements related to 3PL service.

III. Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 12-15 years experience in logistics, warehouse, distribution, trucking, or supply-chain safety.
• Proven success designing and implementing safety programs and OSHA compliance systems.
• Experience conducting OSHA/Cal-OSHA audits, risk assessments, and investigations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-site safety initiatives.
• Ability to travel to all SYL facilities (25-40%).

Preferred

• Experience in food warehousing, food logistics, or food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, sanitation standards, and food-safety warehouse operations.
• Professional certifications (OSHA 30, OSHA 511 Trainer, ASP, CSP, HACCP certification).

IV. Compensation Range

$110,000- $145,000 depending on logistics experience, food-safety knowledge, and multi-site leadership capability.