Site Safety Officer Commercial/Industrial Construction in Chicago,IL,US

Safety Director Location: Chicagoland Area Travel: Regular national travel to project sites Position Summary The Safety Director will lead and oversee a nationwide safety program for a major general contracting and construction management organization. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance, driving proactive risk management, and maintaining a strong culture of safety across all project sites. The position provides strategic leadership, manages regional safety staff, develops company-wide safety policies, and partners closely with operations teams to identify hazards and implement corrective actions. Key responsibilities include directing incident investigations, performing jobsite safety audits, overseeing training programs, ensuring OSHA and DOT compliance, and managing safety performance metrics. This position requires a minimum of 15 years of commercial construction safety experience, strong leadership capabilities, and national travel, along with regular onsite presence in the Chicago office. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the company's national Safety Program across all regions and projects. Develop, refine, and enforce safety policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with OSHA and industry best practices. Lead, mentor, and support Safety Team members across multiple locations. Conduct routine and unannounced jobsite inspections, audits, and risk assessments to ensure compliance and identify hazards. Oversee development and delivery of safety training, new hire orientations, subcontractor onboarding, and specialized safety programs. Direct investigations of accidents, incidents, and near misses; lead root-cause analysis and corrective action planning. Collaborate with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Leadership to integrate proactive safety planning into project operations. Review and approve project-specific Safety Plans, JSAs, AHAs, and on-site safety logistics plans. Serve as the main point of contact for OSHA and other regulatory entities during inspections or compliance reviews. Track and analyze company safety performance metrics; report trends, risks, and improvement opportunities to leadership. Oversee DOT compliance requirements, including CDL oversight, driver qualification files, and drug/alcohol programs. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, such as NPDES permit requirements (CESSWI or similar preferred). Stay current on building codes, safety standards, emerging hazards, and evolving construction industry trends. Lead emergency response planning and crisis management procedures. Support preconstruction teams with risk assessments and safety planning. Qualifications Minimum 15 years of progressive safety experience in commercial construction, including senior or director-level leadership roles. Frequent national travel required (3-5 days per week). Regular onsite presence in the Chicago office required. Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience). OSHA 30 required; OSHA 500/510 "Train the Trainer" preferred. Professional safety certifications strongly preferred (CSP, CHST, OHST, STS, or equivalent). Deep knowledge of OSHA regulations, hazard prevention strategies, industrial hygiene, and construction safety programs. Strong leadership and communication abilities with the skill to influence teams and drive a culture of safety. Proven experience managing multi-state safety operations and improving organizational safety performance. Skilled in incident investigation, documentation, and root-cause analysis. Strong organizational, reporting, and data-tracking skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital safety management tools. Willingness and ability to travel nationwide as needed. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience. Comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Weekly allowances for auto, fuel, and mobile phone. Per diem for travel following GSA rates. Company-covered or reimbursed travel home every other weekend. Safety Director - Candidate Questionnaire This role requires frequent national travel to project sites, along with regular onsite presence in the Chicago office. Are you fully comfortable with both of these requirements? Do you have at least 15 years of progressive safety experience in commercial construction, including senior or director-level leadership? Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States? Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws and regulations?