Director, Health & Safety

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Position Summary/Objective:

 

The Director of Health & Safety will foster a positive safety culture by engaging all staff, developing, and implementing all aspects of health, and safety (H&S) managed systems and programs, and delivery of technical and consultive support and services in the areas of environment, health and safety related to facilities, projects, and all operations at Riverside Natural Foods Ltd.  The Director of Health & Safety is accountable to represent the interests and objectives of the organization and the Riverside Senior Leadership Team in all matters pertaining to the development, maintenance, continuous improvement, occupational health and safety programs and initiatives across the organization. 

The Director of Health & Safety will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive compliance with safety standards and maintain a safe work environment.

 

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight, expertise, leadership, direction, and specialized support in achieving the company’s H&S objectives.
• Take the lead on building a safety culture by training, coaching, and holding team members accountable on workplace safety policies and programs.
• Develop and implement safety initiatives, controls, and procedures to address safety risks in the workplace.

• Keeping abreast of developments in H&S regulations and best practices to ensure the organization remains compliant and proactive in its approach to safety.

• Identify H&S risks and adverse conditions and assist where required in developing corrective actions.
• Provide regular updates to the Riverside Senior Leadership team as needed to assist in operational decision making.
• Prepare and present as required, H&S reports and updates to the Riverside senior management to ensure full diligence and compliance with all H&S strategic initiatives.  
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (JHSC, Site Leadership) to develop, audit, and achieve the highest level of safety standards.
• Monitor, assess and report on the H&S performance at all operating locations and identify the need for improved programs, standards and/or procedures.
• Analyze risk areas and emerging trends and recommend actions to ensure programs are in place to address these risks.
• Work with plant management teams to establish site specific annual performance targets aimed at continual improvement. 
• Maintain liaison with regulatory bodies such as Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health, WSIB, ESA and other related associations. 
• Manage, coordinate, and oversee environment and safety incidents, injury claims, investigations, and JHSC recommendations.
• Act as primary contact with regulatory agencies for all matters pertaining to H&S.
• Define H&S training and awareness requirements throughout the organization.  Work in collaboration with the Learning & Development team and plant leadership to ensure training is delivered as required.
• Prepare business cases and annual operating plans and ensure resources to accomplish objectives for H&S programs and strategic initiatives, and for the operations support of the H&S function. 
• Manage performance and day-to-day responsibilities of multiple direct reports.
• Provide direct reports with short and long-term goals and deliverables. Provide support, career development and coaching as needed.   
• Other Duties as Required. 

 

Education & Qualifications

• 10+ years of work experience required in H&S focused management role.
• Completed post-secondary in (H&S) Health and Safety, or related field or equivalent