Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Shank's, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank's quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide.

Universal Ingredients

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions - including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems - for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer: Shank's Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

Overall responsibility is to develop, execute, and lead improvements to environmental, health, and safety programs to ensure that the Company provides a safe and secure workplace for employees and the products we produce.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
• Identify gaps within existing EHS systems and develop, implement, and maintain programs to close those gaps and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Maintain and manage employee safety training programs to ensure all training remains current with applicable regulations and legal requirements.
• Oversee the preparation, organization, and distribution of all regulatory and internal safety and environmental reports.
• Conduct routine facility audits to assess equipment, physical conditions, operational practices, and procedural compliance.
• Perform site inspections, document findings in detailed reports, and provide actionable recommendations to management.
• Evaluate and recommend new safety equipment to ensure effectiveness and suitability.
• Develop and implement training programs for new processes, procedures, and job tasks.
• Perform hazard risk assessments: prioritize and implement appropriate control measures.
• Lead and manage the safety committee, including ongoing training and development of its members.
• Oversee the development and authoring of product Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and review raw material SDS documentation.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Engineering teams to ensure safe change management
• Promote and strengthen a culture of safety awareness throughout the organization.
• Manage wastewater treatment compliance.
• Lead sustainability initiatives and environmental performance improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company and Department of Transportation (DOT) vehicle regulations, including driver qualification file (DQF) management and documentation.
• Oversee waste management programs, including recycling and reuse initiatives.
• Manage environmental permitting processes and ensure accurate and timely regulatory reporting.
• Ensure compliance with DOT hazardous materials (Hazmat) regulations.
• Administer workers' compensation programs, including return-to-work and light-duty assignments.
• Manage fire suppression and vapor detection systems to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with pressure vessel regulations and standards.
• Oversee EHS compliance across multiple facilities and support corporate-level EHS initiatives.
• Remain available to respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED:

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills with the ability to communicate well with a diverse group of people. Spanish skills are helpful but not required.
• Ability to interact well with a diverse group of employees.
• Knowledge of all OSHA and State compliance regulations, laws, etc.
• Strong decision-making capabilities, and able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Stays up to date on changes in Human Resource issues and keeps the company aware of changes in laws.
• Strong problem-solving skills are needed with the ability to generate problem solutions, serve as advisor/consultant, and develop operating procedures,
• English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in safety, or a related field.
• CSP or CHMM Certifications preferred
• 5+ years of experience in Environmental, Health, and Safety; food or chemical manufacturing and hazardous waste experience is a plus.
• Must be certified to train on all required OSHA topics.
• Other areas to train on include but are not limited to hazmat training, chemical safety training, forklift/pallet jack/aerial lift certifications, on-the-job safety training, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Light physical efforts with no lifting over 20 lbs., need use of eyes, arms and hands for using equipment, mixing and testing, average hearing to talk to customers and staff.
• Seldomly exposed to dirt, heat, wetness, dryness, vibration.
• Occasionally exposed to dust, cold, fumes and poor ventilation.
• Frequently exposed to odor and noise.
• Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture

Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.

Quality: Shank's is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity: Shank's and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture: Shank's respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement

ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation

ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs

• Competitive compensation and benefits package*

Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients - Shank's is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.