Construction Safety Director

Director of Safety

Buffalo, NY | Confidential Executive Search

Salary Range: $160k-$200k

Company Vehicle and Gas Card

About the Opportunity

A well-established construction organization in the Buffalo area is seeking an experienced Director of Safety to lead its company-wide health, safety, and risk management programs.

With a long-standing reputation for delivering quality electrical construction, repair, and service solutions to commercial and industrial clients, this organization has built a strong presence in the regional market.

The Director of Safety will play a critical leadership role in shaping the company's safety culture, overseeing risk management, and ensuring the safe execution of projects and daily operations. Reporting directly to executive leadership, this individual will work closely with project management, field operations, employees, subcontractors, and customers to maintain the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage all company-wide safety policies, procedures, and programs.
• Lead and continuously improve the organization's safety management system.
• Establish and communicate safety goals, objectives, and key performance indicators.
• Oversee safety records, documentation, safety manuals, and customer compliance portals.
• Manage company-wide PPE programs and requirements.
• Develop project-specific and bid-specific safety plans and documentation.
• Provide oversight and ensure consistent safety implementation across active jobsites.
• Lead, develop, and manage the corporate safety team.
• Partner with project managers and operational leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, county, and local safety regulations.
• Conduct field inspections, safety audits, incident investigations, and employee training.
• Build strong relationships with customers, employees, subcontractors, and leadership to promote a proactive safety culture.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Professional Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Engineering, Environmental Health, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of occupational health and safety experience.
• Background in electrical contracting, commercial construction, or industrial construction strongly preferred.
• At least two years of demonstrated safety leadership or management experience.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Safety certification highly desirable.

Technical Knowledge:

• Strong working knowledge of OSHA standards and construction safety practices.
• Experience developing and managing comprehensive safety programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with safety management software, systems, and reporting platforms.
• Experience with asset management, work order systems, or GIS applications is an asset.

Leadership & Personal Attributes:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent organizational and time management capabilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, proactive approach to safety leadership.
• Willingness to travel to various project sites throughout the region.

The Opportunity:

This is an excellent opportunity for an established safety professional to step into a highly visible leadership role with an established electrical construction organization.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Drive the company's overall safety strategy and culture.
• Lead and develop an established safety function.
• Work directly with executive leadership and operational teams.
• Influence safety performance across a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial projects.
• Make a meaningful impact on employee well-being, operational excellence, and organizational risk management.

Interested in learning more?

Qualified candidates are invited to connect for a confidential discussion about this leadership opportunity.