Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
Des Moines, IA, US, 50309
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
Summary
The EHS Manager – Live Operations is responsible for implementing and leading environmental, health, safety and security efforts across feed mill and hatchery operations. Reporting to the Director of EHS – Live Operations, this role serves as a key partner and technical expert partnering with operations leadership to deliver operational results through impactful environmental, safety, health, and security solutions.
This position is highly visible and hands-on, driving risk reduction, supporting regulatory compliance, by maintaining a world-class culture through continuously improving safety & environmental processes across industrial and biologically sensitive environments.
Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Execute company-wide EHS&S policies, programs, and initiatives across assigned feed mills and hatcheries.
- Partner with plant managers, hatchery managers, and maintenance teams to integrate safety and environmental compliance into daily operations.
- Provide technical expertise on NFPA 660, combustible dust hazards, and hazard mitigation strategies.
- Support cross-functional teams to ensure safe operational processes and capital and engineering projects.
- Collaborate with functional experts in vehicle safety, corporate security, environmental, process safety management, and related areas to align facility objectives.
- Interpret OSHA, NFPA, DHS, DOT, and other applicable regulations to ensure compliance with laws and standards.
- Support and enforce safety programs.
- Address combustible dust hazards and housekeeping requirements in alignment with NFPA standards.
- Support confined space entry programs including bins, silos, tunnels, and pits.
- Support lockout and tagout programs.
- Ensure machine guarding and automation safety controls are maintained.
- Promote work at heights safety and fall protection measures.
- Conduct risk assessments and job hazard analyses for mill operations.
- Implement safety programs for hatchery operations.
- Support safe chemical handling practices including formaldehyde, sanitizers, and disinfectants.
- Address ergonomic risks and repetitive motion hazards.
- Support machine safety and automation safeguards.
- Identify and mitigate wet environment and slip or trip hazards.
- Ensure alignment of EHS&S practices with biosecurity and animal welfare requirements.
- Monitor compliance with personal protective equipment and hygiene protocols.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and applicable state and local regulations.
- Maintain required documentation, permits, and reporting for environmental and safety programs.
- Support regulatory inspections and internal and external audits.
- Assist with environmental compliance efforts.
- Support air quality and dust control initiatives.
- Support wastewater and stormwater management programs.
- Support solid waste and by-product handling.
- Support chemical storage and spill prevention programs.
- Participate in environmental monitoring and reporting activities.
- Lead or support investigations of injuries and near-misses.
- Lead or support investigations of environmental incidents and notices of violation.
- Lead or support investigations of property damage, security incidents, and process safety events.
- Perform root cause analyses and implement corrective actions.
- Track and trend incident data to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Deliver EHS training programs for operators, maintenance teams, and supervisors.
- Deliver EHS training programs for hatchery personnel.
- Deliver EHS training programs for contractors and temporary labor.
- Reinforce safety expectations through daily interactions, audits, and coaching.
- Support multilingual training efforts.
- Conduct routine site inspections, audits, and safety and environmental observations.
- Coordinate and support third-party assessments, audits, and inspections including insurance carriers, fire departments, and regulatory agencies.
- Evaluate compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provide feedback and follow-up on corrective actions.
- Support contractor safety programs.
- Ensure proper onboarding and training.
- Ensure compliance with site safety rules and biosecurity standards.
- Monitor contractor activities during high-risk work.
- Maintain accurate records of incidents and corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate records of training completion.
- Maintain accurate records of inspection and audit results.
- Provide updates to EHS leadership and site leadership.
- Escalate significant risks or compliance concerns.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in safety, science, technical, business, agriculture, or related field.
- 5+ years of EHS experience.
- Experience in feed mills, grain handling, industrial manufacturing, food processing, or hatchery or agricultural operations.
- Knowledge of OSHA general industry standards.
- Knowledge of combustible dust hazards and NFPA 660.
- Knowledge of confined space programs and control of hazardous energy programs.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience supporting multi-site or field-based operations.
- CSP, ASP, or progress toward certification.
- OSHA 30-hour certification or equivalent.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- Environmental compliance training or credentials.
- Bilingual ability including Spanish fluency.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors
- Travel between feed mills and hatcheries within the assigned region.
- Work in industrial environments with exposure to dust, noise, and moving machinery.
- Work in environments with exposure to chemicals and wet conditions.
- Work in environments with exposure to temperature extremes.
- Provide occasional after-hours or weekend support.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Nearest Major Market: Des Moines