Vice President of Safety ,

Vice President of Safety
Reports to: President
Location: Chicago, IL (with regular travel to Northwest Indiana, Westmont, and project sites across all regions)
Department: Safety & Risk Management
Position Summary
The Vice President of Safety is responsible for leading Berglund Construction's company-wide safety vision and cultivating a deep, organization-wide culture of safety ownership. This role is not just about compliance—it's about building a mindset where every employee, from the field to the front office, takes personal responsibility for safety. The Vice President will be a visible, trusted leader across all levels of the company, spending a majority of time in the field observing, coaching, and reinforcing best practices on active jobsites.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Culture & Leadership

• Champion a culture of safety ownership where every individual understands and embraces their role in protecting themselves and their teammates.
• Lead by example through consistent field presence—regularly visiting job sites to observe conditions, engage with crews, and reinforce Berglund's safety values.
• Inspire commitment to safety through communication, recognition, and hands-on mentorship.
• Serve as a respected advisor and partner to Division VPs, Project Executives, and Superintendents in maintaining and improving safe operations.
  

Strategic Direction & Program Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive safety strategy aligned with Berglund's mission, values, and growth objectives.
• Oversee all company safety programs, training, and compliance efforts to meet or exceed OSHA and client requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce incidents and enhance leading indicator performance.
• Coordinate with Human Resources and Risk Management to align training, claims management, and workers' compensation processes.
  

Field Engagement & Operational Partnership

• Work hand-in-hand with project teams to integrate safety into preconstruction planning, logistics, and daily execution.
• Support and empower field safety professionals with tools, training, and consistent guidance.
• Lead thorough investigations of incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions, ensuring lessons learned are widely shared and acted upon.
  

Measurement & Accountability

• Track and report safety performance metrics, trends, and KPIs to company leadership.
• Develop actionable insights to strengthen jobsite safety performance and reduce risk exposure.
• Benchmark Berglund's safety performance against industry peers to maintain best-in-class standards.
  

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive safety leadership experience in commercial construction, restoration, or industrial settings.
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or related discipline (Master's preferred).
• CSP, CHST, ASP, or similar safety certifications preferred.
• Proven ability to influence culture and lead teams across multiple locations and business units.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, construction safety practices, and risk management principles.
• Excellent communication and coaching skills—able to connect authentically with field staff and executives alike.
  

Performance Indicators

• Demonstrated reduction in TRIR, DART, and other key incident metrics.
• Increased employee engagement and ownership in safety programs.
• Consistent, visible field presence and proactive leadership.
• Positive recognition from clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams for safety excellence.