Safety Manager
The Manager of Safety provides strategic leadership for the utility's enterprise safety management system (ESMS), focusing on programs that protect employees, customers, and the public while maintaining the integrity of company infrastructure. Integrates human and organizational performance (HOP) principles with risk management strategies to prevent Serious Incidents and Fatalities (SIF). Promotes a high-performance safety culture by aligning policies with corporate strategies and regulatory requirements, leveraging ESMS and HOP to drive measurable improvements. Ensures compliance with all regulations while building strong relationships with industry and oversight agencies. Collaborates across the organization to strengthen safety practices and remove barriers to achieving safe outcomes.
Principal Accountabilities :
- Facilitates development of the team's vision, mission, and plans to align with corporate strategies, Enterprise Safety Management System (ESMS), and Human Organizational Performance (HOP) principles.
- Collaborates with leadership to set goals for operational risk management, occupational safety, and employee engagement.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations and ESMS requirements. Oversees reporting, record-keeping, and tracking of safety goals and recognitions to meet regulatory and organizational standards.
- Leads development and continuous improvement of the ESMS, integrating HOP principles and risk management strategies across all programs.
- Drives identification, prevention, and mitigation of Serious Incidents and Fatalities (SIF) through proactive assessments and HOP learning teams.
- Develops and implements awareness strategies to educate employees, customers, and the public on risk, safe practices, and the company's safety expectations.
- Partners with Occupational Health to integrate and align clinic, worker compensation, ergonomic, and industrial hygiene programs with ESMS and company objectives.
- Works closely with operational departments to develop, maintain, and practice safe work habits, recognition, visibility, and awareness. Participates in field activities including work observations, safety audits, Job Safety Analysis (JSAs), and activities that promote and help maintain a safe work environment.
- Develops and implements Public Safety Awareness strategies to protect the public and safeguard company assets, facilities, and equipment, while minimizing financial risk. Coordinates cross-functional collaboration among Operations, Claims, Marketing, Hydro, Safety, Risk Management, Compliance, Environmental, Human Resources, Facilities, and external partners to ensure alignment and effectiveness of public safety initiatives.
- Represents the company on committees and boards influencing safety, operational / occupational risk management, and performance, advocating ESMS, HOP, and SIF prevention best practices.
- Manages personnel including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee engagement, continuous education, training, and development.
- Develops and implements work plans, standard operating procedures, program improvements, and best practices; responsible for instituting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
- Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes inclusion and belonging in the workplace; and contributes to an environment of mutual respect.
Requirements :
Bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in business, communications, safety, industrial health, public health, or related field.7+ years of relevant experience with safety regulations, policies, programs, and administration and public safety knowledge or experience.2+ years' leadership experience preferred.Possess a clear understanding of utility operations, OSHA, WISHA, DOT and other regulatory requirements.Working knowledge of electric and gas utility operations preferred.Skills and ability to align utility leadership with safety performance strategies and tactics.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence a variety of stakeholders.Skilled in using computers and related software applications.Ability to appropriate technology to organize, synthesize, and communicate data.Knowledge of and ability to apply technical understanding of regulations, rules, and requirements.Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Hiring Range : $109,815 to $144,406 Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane Mission campus at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.
To Apply : Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".
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Avista's Commitment to Equal Opportunity : Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.