QEHS Manager Job

Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager

Location:

Columbus, OH, US

The QHES Manager reports administratively and functionally to the Columbus Plant Manager. This role provides strong and inclusive leadership, clear strategic direction, and operational oversight for all Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality (QHES) programs at the site. The position leads a multidisciplinary team of 3 employees, including Safety Specialist and QC lab staff.

The QHES Manager is accountable for maintaining high standards in Environmental Compliance, Occupational Safety and Health, Product Quality Systems, and Physical Security. Responsibilities include ensuring regulatory compliance, aligning with permit expectations, completing root cause investigations RCIs, and maintaining strong alignment with the Quality Lab to reinforce quality systems, technical rigor, and customer expectations. The position is located in a chemical manufacturing facility with all the inherent risks. Travel is minimal with <5%. The role may require occasional off-hours support to meet operational, emergency response, or shift-related needs. Activities may include:

Maintain HESQ Compliance and Lead Critical Risk Programs

• Ensure the Columbus site maintains full compliance with all Health, Environmental, Safety, and Quality requirements using proactive, prevention‑focused risk management principles.
• Ensure all incidents are promptly reported, investigated, and supported by effective corrective and preventive actions that reduce recurrence. Encourage open communication so employees feel comfortable raising concerns and contributing to safe operations.
• Lead GMP and AIMs related programs to ensure regulatory and corporate expectations are met consistently and on schedule.
• Oversee the Emergency Response Plan, and conduct drills that prepare employees and contractors to respond safely and confidently.
• Manage Industrial Hygiene and medical surveillance programs to support the health and well‑being of employees, ensuring transparent communication and engagement so team members understand program expectations and benefits.
• Manage plant security interfacing with contract security. Provide guidance and ensure policy adherence

Lead Environmental Compliance

• Ensure the site maintains full compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental permits, including accurate and timely submission of required regulatory reports. Provide clear communication to the team regarding compliance expectations, changes in regulatory requirements, and upcoming deadlines.
• Offer guidance on evolving environmental regulations and support programs that enhance long‑term site performance. Work collaboratively with internal and corporate partners to align on environmental priorities, strengthen operational practices, and support continuous improvement.
• Maintain constructive and professional relationships with regulatory agencies, proactively preparing the site for inspections, audits, and regulatory interactions. Communicate transparently with internal and external stakeholders to support compliance status, environmental reporting, and overall environmental stewardship efforts.
• Reinforce a team culture that values accountability, technical excellence, and respect for diverse perspectives, helping employees feel connected to the site's environmental mission and confident in their role in supporting it.

Drive Continuous HESQ Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Partner with leadership to establish strategic QHES goals, develop sitewide action plans, and drive continuous improvement aligned with regulatory expectations and corporate values.
• Promote a culture where employees feel encouraged to identify risks, raise concerns, and suggest improvements. Engage routinely with teams to reinforce participation in safety, environmental, and quality efforts.
• Conduct routine field audits across operations, maintenance, labs, and offices to promote accountability and reinforce an inclusive safety culture.
• Along with maintenance oversee the site's Contractor Safety Management program, ensuring all contractors receive clear expectations, equitable treatment, and safe working conditions.
• Engage in HES networks to share lessons learned and integrate global best practices

Oversee Laboratory Operations and Quality Systems

• Partner with the Quality Lab Staff to ensure laboratory operations comply with all procedures, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. Support equitable skills development for Laboratory Technicians. (Updated reporting structure)
• Review and approve quality‑related procedures and ensure product and customer specifications are current, accurate, and well‑communicated.
• Lead the handling of off‑spec products, ensuring proper documentation, segregation, communication, and root cause analysis.
• Maintain SAP Quality Module functionality and support qualification of new and alternate raw materials.
• Participate in ISO certification audits, ensuring transparency, integrity, and inclusive engagement across lab and operations teams.
• Support laboratory personnel by promoting a work environment that values teamwork, reliability, and continuous learning. Encourage open communication, recognition of strong performance, and engagement in problem‑solving to help employees feel connected to quality outcomes and confident in their contributions.

Lead and Develop a High‑Performing, Inclusive Team

• Provide inclusive leadership for direct reports across Safety, and Quality functions, ensuring equitable access to development, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Conduct performance reviews and goal‑setting sessions grounded in respect, transparency, and growth.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, psychological safety, and mutual respect that encourages all individuals to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives.
• Maintain close visibility in field, lab, and operations areas to build trust and support team engagement.

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience, 10 preferred, in a petrochemical or chemical manufacturing environment
• A minimum of 5 years of plant operations experience
• An engineering degree, chemistry degree or Occupational Safety degree
• Specialized training in HESQ related fields is beneficial
• Successful completion of OSHA course
• Demonstrated experience across Environmental, Health, Safety, Quality and functions,
• Proven experience leading diverse teams working across functions
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to build, engage, and develop high-performing teams
• Strong communications skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Comfortable influencing without authority and ability to foster a culture of accountability.