Director of Safety

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you'll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Director of Safety is responsible for leading Rumpke's commitment to safety and compliance. This leadership role is critical to continuing Rumpke's culture of safety excellence and ensuring adherence to regulations across our operations.

The Director of Safety leads company-wide safety strategy, ensuring effective programs, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. This role partners with Operations, Maintenance, HR, and leadership to reduce risk, drive performance, and build a strong safety culture aligned with business objectives.

While Area Safety Managers report directly to the Presidents for day-to-day execution, the Director of Safety maintains authority over safety policies, procedures, audit protocols, training standards, and compliance requirements. The Director of Safety has the authority to standardize practices, mandate corrective actions, and escalate or intervene when safety performance or regulatory compliance is at risk.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Safety strategy that positions Rumpke as an industry leader in health and safety
• Create an organizational structure that incorporates best practices in the Safety team
• Establish multi-year goals and initiatives that will drive safety improvements throughout the organization.
• Foster a proactive Safety culture that emphasizes risk reduction, employee engagement, and accountability
• Direct Safety Data Analysts in the collection and evaluation of data, performance measurements, and program implementations and report on Safety performance, trends, initiatives, and incidents to senior leadership
• Oversee the design, development, communication, implementation, and enforcement of Safety policies, procedures, and training programs through partnerships with Operations and Maintenance
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve corporate safety programs aligned with OSHA, DOT, FMCSA, and other regulatory requirements
• Works with Legal Department and Area/Region Safety to investigate significant incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions or policy revisions to prevent recurrence
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, DOT standards, and FMCSA
• Manage Corporate Safety Team and related departmental budgets
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will manage 1-5 employees
• This position may oversee and direct other managers

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong planning, organizational, and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize own tasks, and tasks of others
• Able to multi-task in fast-paced environment and manage time effectively
• Passion for safety, customer service, efficiency, effectiveness, precision, and quality
• Good team player, and willing to assist others, and share expertise
• Exposure to safety standards, hazardous materials, industrial hygiene, ergonomics and environmental compliance
• Able to train and deliver key messages to large diverse groups
• Proven track record of working in and/or influencing relationships where there is exposure to sensitive issues

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• The candidate should possess strong knowledge of Safety regulations (OSHA, DOT, and FMCSA) and industry best practices
• Professional certifications such as CSP, CUSP, CIH, or CHMM are highly desirable

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Continuously sitting
• Frequently standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must be available for 24-hour emergency calls
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver's license (if applicable)
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke's policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.