SAFETY DIRECTOR

KIRCO is seeking a dynamic and experienced Safety Director to lead our company-wide safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance initiatives across our diverse portfolio of operations.

This highly visible leadership role is responsible for developing and advancing a proactive safety culture across construction projects, managed properties, engineering operations, and corporate facilities. The Safety Director will serve as a strategic partner to company leadership, ensuring compliance with OSHA and MIOSHA regulations while implementing programs that protect our people, clients, contractors, and assets. 

If you are passionate about creating safe work environments, influencing organizational culture, and driving continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply.

The Safety Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of all safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance programs throughout the organization. This role works closely with executive leadership, construction operations, property management teams, and Talent & Culture to identify risks, implement preventative measures, and cultivate a culture of accountability and safety excellence. 

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership & Culture

• Lead and continuously improve KIRCO's company-wide safety and risk management programs.
• Develop and implement strategies that strengthen safety awareness, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify operational risks and implement scalable safety initiatives.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on workplace safety, OSHA, MIOSHA, and environmental health regulations.
• Foster a proactive culture focused on prevention, communication, and continuous improvement.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Develop, maintain, and enforce safety policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
• Conduct safety audits, jobsite inspections, property inspections, and risk assessments.
• Monitor compliance with OSHA, MIOSHA, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage agency inspections, reporting requirements, citations, corrective actions, and related documentation.
• Analyze injury trends, workers' compensation claims, vehicle incidents, and operational risks to identify improvement opportunities.

Training & Employee Development

• Design and facilitate safety training programs for employees, supervisors, construction teams, engineering staff, contractors, and vendors.
• Coordinate new hire and contractor safety orientation programs.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety meetings, emergency response drills, and ongoing educational initiatives.
• Promote hazard reporting, near-miss reporting, and employee participation in safety programs.

Incident Investigation & Emergency Response

• Lead investigations involving workplace injuries, property damage, vehicle incidents, and near misses.
• Prepare detailed incident reports and corrective action plans.
• Coordinate emergency response planning, crisis management initiatives, and business continuity efforts.
• Partner with Talent & Culture regarding workers' compensation administration and return-to-work programs.

Contractor & Vendor Safety Oversight

• Monitor contractor and subcontractor safety compliance across construction projects and managed properties.
• Review contractor safety programs, training records, and insurance documentation.
• Collaborate with project teams and property leadership to ensure compliance with KIRCO safety standards and expectations.

Cross-Functional Operational Support

• Partner with Construction, Property Management, Asset Management, Engineering, and Talent & Culture teams to support safe and efficient operations.
• Assist with safety budgeting, forecasting, equipment recommendations, and operational planning initiatives.
• Maintain accurate safety records, training documentation, inspection reports, and compliance files.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 5+ years of progressive safety leadership experience within construction, commercial real estate, property management, engineering, manufacturing, or related operational environments.
• Experience conducting safety audits, compliance inspections, incident investigations, and risk assessments.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA and MIOSHA regulations.
• Proven ability to influence organizational culture and drive accountability across multiple teams and locations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Environmental Health & Safety, Risk Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CHST (Construction Health & Safety Technician), ASP (Associate Safety Professional), or similar certifications.
• Experience within commercial construction and commercial real estate environments.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• A proactive leader who can build and sustain a culture of safety.
• A trusted advisor capable of partnering effectively with executives and operational leaders.
• A strong communicator who can engage employees at every level of the organization.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and solutions-focused.
• Passionate about protecting people while supporting business objectives.
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.