Area EHS Manager

Position Summary

Location: Houston or Dallas TX

The Area Safety & Health Manager is responsible for leading the implementation, execution, and continuous improvement of Forgen's Safety & Health Program across a defined geographic area. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure effective utilization of safety resources across multiple projects while driving a culture of safety excellence.

The Area Safety & Health Manager partners with project teams and leadership to proactively identify risks, implement best practices, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and company standards. This role plays a critical part in developing safety talent, mentoring field teams, and reinforcing Forgen's Incident & Injury Free (IIF) commitment.

This position requires a strong leader who can influence at all levels of the organization, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively in dynamic environments.

Forgen Overview

Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating across North America. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex civil, geotechnical, and environmental challenges, guided by our core values: We Do What We Say, We Are Passionate About Our Work, We Are One Team, We Work Smart, and We Do The Right Thing.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and model Forgen's Core Values and Incident & Injury Free (IIF) commitment.
• Lead, manage, and hold accountable (LMA) direct reports and regional safety teams.
• Mentor, coach, and develop Safety & Health Managers, Specialists, Coordinators, and project leadership, demonstrating strong leadership presence and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Foster a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Lead implementation and consistent execution of Forgen's Safety & Health Program across all assigned projects.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations and alignment with industry best practices.
• Evaluate field operations and emergency response procedures to identify risks and drive improvements in safety performance.
• Develop, enhance, and standardize safety policies and procedures across the organization.
• Partner with project teams from preconstruction through completion to ensure safety integration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Attend project kickoffs and provide ongoing safety leadership and support to project teams.
• Conduct and coordinate project audits, inspections, and performance evaluations with strong attention to detail and organizational effectiveness.
• Assist in the development of project-specific Health & Safety Plans and risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify training needs and program gaps; develop and deliver effective safety training to field crews and supervision.
• Provide hands-on coaching and support to field personnel, ensuring understanding and application of safety requirements.
• Lead or support incident investigations, perform root cause analysis, and develop corrective action plans using sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Prepare and present incident reports, trends, and monthly performance metrics with clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, lessons learned, and implementation of best practices.
• Partner with Business Development and Proposal teams to provide safety narratives, statistics, budgets, and project-specific safety plans.
• Support client relationships by demonstrating safety performance, responsiveness, and professionalism.
• Provide coverage for Corporate Safety & Health Director or project-level safety roles as needed.
• Maintain flexibility to travel, respond to emergent issues, and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Review and interpret Industrial Hygiene assessments and provide guidance as required.
• Utilize strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, to manage reporting, communication, and documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in construction safety, industrial hygiene, or occupational safety.
• Bachelor's degree in Safety, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Professional certification preferred: CSP, CIH, or CHST (in good standing).
• Valid Driver's License with ability to travel to project sites.
• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic and demonstrated commitment to excellence, ethics, and integrity.
• Passion for safety and a commitment to ensuring a zero-incident work environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and advise project leadership on complex safety matters.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word).

Preferred Qualifications

• The following safety training is preferred, but not mandatory. Company will provide additional training, as necessary.
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training
• Competent Person Safety Training
• 8-Hour Supervisory Training
• OSHA 500 Certification
• First Aid and CPR
• MSHA related courses

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, extended standing or walking on project sites, climbing in and out of equipment, and working in confined spaces or at heights.
• Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible exposure to heavy machinery, chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and extreme weather.
• Proper PPE, including protective eyewear, gloves, a hard hat, and steel-toed boots, is required.
• Effective communication, tool use, and adherence to safety protocols are essential.

• This job description outlines the general scope of work and is not exhaustive.
• Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed.
• Requirements may be adjusted to accommodate disabilities, except where they pose a direct safety risk.

Perks and Benefits

Forgen offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, bonuses, paid time off, and more. We support a flexible work model for most non-craft positions and provide additional perks like education assistance, wellness programs, and employee awards