Director, Health & Safety

Nelson, BC

Our company:

For over 80 years and four generations, our family has been inspired by forests and the endless possibilities for designing and building with wood. We began as a horse-logging operation in 1939 and have grown to become an industry-leading mass timber provider with a high-tech sawmill. From seedlings to solutions, we see our products through the entire process -- from forest management to manufacturing, design, prefabrication, and delivery.

As an independent, family-owned, and operated company, we recognize that people are our most valuable resource. As we continue to grow, we’re searching for individuals who enjoy a hands-on approach to work tasks and thrive in a team-based environment.

Role and Objectives:

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director, Health & Safety, Kalesnikoff, is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of health and safety (H&S) programs for Kalesnikoff. This role plays a critical part in establishing and maintaining a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, promoting a safety-first culture, and driving proactive risk mitigation initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement a three-year H&S functional plan for manufacturing operations and construction projects, including customer sites where supply-install scopes are undertaken, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation across diverse environments.
Champion a safety culture at all organizational levels through initiatives, effective communication, and ongoing training.
Collaborate in developing and managing the H&S budget and performance goals aligned with strategic objectives.
Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to senior leadership on H&S strategies, risks, legislation, and best practices for continuous improvement.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies (WCB, OHS), and ensure appropriate representation of the organization in audits and safety reviews.
Commit to continuous self-education and professional development to stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
Represent or ensure appropriate representation of the company in H&S associations as needed

Operations:

Oversee the implementation of safety programs and audits ensuring alignment with operational efficiency, safety regulations, and company objectives.
Establish and maintain H&S policies and procedures adapting to regulatory changes and industry standards.
Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of H&S initiatives.
Enhance safety technologies and tools by introducing new systems, processes, and risk mitigation initiatives.
Lead the continuous improvement of H&S systems and crisis management protocols.
Ensure accurate dissemination of safety reports and statistical analyses to stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, when required.
Provide oversight for the procurement and approval of H&S supplies, ensuring regulatory standards and budgets are met while supporting the site safety manager in maintaining optimal inventory levels.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management:

Oversee compliance with safety protocols and emergency response plans through monitoring and assessment.
Audit accident investigations and root cause analyses ensuring their findings and actions are effective for future prevention.
Monitor regulatory changes and risks, ensuring timely responses to meet legal requirements.
Lead the annual H&S program audit, ensuring program effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals while identifying areas for improvement.
Continuously monitor and improve safety orientation and training programs for staff and contractors to ensure readiness and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Lead cross-functional teams to integrate H&S practices into operations, fostering a holistic approach to safety management.
Ensure effective, aligned safety committees at each site, with meetings led by the site safety manager to drive unified safety objectives.
Work with the Site Safety Managers to build strong relationship with the workers' compensation office to develop effective return-to-work plans, ensuring accommodations are monitored for a sustainable transition back to work.
Collaborate with Human Resources to develop and manage Return-to-Work programs and WCB claims

Team Development.

Recommend to the COO an effective organization structure that supports the delivery of the strategic plan.
Develop and maintain a strong team and ensure the teams’ activities are consistent with the company’s mission, values and goals.
Mentor and coach team members by establishing clear goals and objectives, providing regular feedback, and coaching to support professional growth and development.
Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives are valued and teamwork is encouraged.
Foster cross-functional collaboration with other departments encouraging team members to work closely with colleagues from different areas.
Promote a culture of innovation and problem-solving within the team encouraging members to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to business challenges.
Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the company, encouraging employees to think creatively and embrace new approaches to solving business challenges.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field.
Professional certification in health and safety, such as CRSP (Canadian Registered Safety Professional) and CSP (Certified Safety Professional, or equivalent.
In-depth knowledge of OHS’s regulatory requirements (federal, provincial, municipal), and best practices for safety in complex operational environments.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage and mitigate risks.
Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to manage and lead cross-functional teams across a matrixed organization.
Highly analytical and able to bring data and evidence to support ideas.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Health & Safety management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, ideally in sectors like manufacturing, mining, or construction.
Experience with construction site safety is considered an asset.
Demonstrated experience in leading safety initiatives and improving safety performance in growing operational environments
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in the development and implementation of safety programs and management systems.
Proven experience in working with regulatory bodies, including OHS, Ministry of Labour, and WSBC.
Experience with incident investigation, root cause analysis, and developing corrective and preventive actions.
Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, and continuous improvement in safety management systems.
Ability to travel as required.

Compensation Package:

Salary: 120,000.00 – 160,000.00
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Extended health benefits including health, dental, vision, travel, Health Spending Account and RRSP program.
Team building and social events.
Training, development, and mentorship opportunities
Opportunity to advance in your career.
Work-life balance.
A great culture where we truly value our employees.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

At Kalesnikoff, working safely is an expectation. In your role you will have the time and resources needed to meet that expectation.

About our Kootenay home:

Are the mountains calling you? From beautiful parks and forests, pristine lakes, breathtaking valleys and stunning mountain ranges, the West Kootenay region is a highly desired and special place to call home. With an abundance of recreation including ski areas, golf courses, hot springs, and endless hiking, biking and other outdoor activities, the Kootenays isn’t just a region, it’s a lifestyle. Our vibrant mountain towns are full of arts, culture, food, history and caring communities. What are you doing after work today?

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