Job Title: Vice President of Environment, Health and Safety
Location: Moncton, NB
TP - IRM - 8054

Meridia Recruitment Solutions is thrilled to partner with J.D. Irving, Ltd. (JDI), in the search for a Vice President of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS). This position will be based in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Role Description

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Environment, Health & Safety will be responsible for leading and overseeing the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive EHS programs across the organization. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, coaching, and technical expertise to business leaders and facilities on EHS and sustainability initiatives, supporting top-quartile safety performance, zero critical injuries, and robust ESG reporting and governance.

This is an opportunity to build your own legacy. You'll have high exposure, working closely with the Owner, the executive leadership team, divisional EHS leaders, site operations and other key stakeholders throughout Canada and the United States.

Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership and Compliance

• Lead the development and execution of JDI's EHS vision, strategy, and policies to foster a safe, compliant, and sustainable work environment. Collaborate across teams to align and drive the Integrated Governance Model (IGM) strategy, ensuring division-level safety systems reach and maintain maturity.
• Oversee compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and all applicable regulatory bodies, as well as internal EHS standards. Manage audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify non-compliance and implement effective corrective actions.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with regulatory agencies and key industry organizations in the areas of environmental health, safety, and disability management.

Safety and Risk Management

• Champion a culture of safety excellence by promoting accountability, proactive risk mitigation, and continuous improvement at every level of the organization.
• Lead effective incident investigations and root cause analyses, with an emphasis on addressing critical and high-risk exposures through targeted corrective actions.
• Design, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate and enhance EHS performance, supporting both internal strategic planning and external reporting requirements.
• Develop and deliver training initiatives that equip employees and leaders with the knowledge and tools to fulfill their responsibilities in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Environmental Sustainability and Compliance

• Guide and counsel strategy & direction of corporate sustainability initiatives including but not limited to waste reduction, packaging sustainability, water & energy efficiency, and lowering the company's carbon footprint.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations governing air emissions, water use, hazardous materials, and waste management. Provide internal and external EHS reporting, including oversight of all annual ESG report generation activities.
• Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to embed sustainability principles into core business processes and decision-making.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Build and lead a high-performing EHS team by fostering a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and career growth.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, such as HR, Operations, and Legal, to align EHS strategies with broader organizational objectives and operational priorities.
• Act as the primary EHS advisor to executive leadership, delivering regular insights, progress updates, and strategic recommendations on key initiatives and performance metrics.
• Lead and oversee the company's disability management program, ensuring effective case coordination, compliance with legislation, and support for employee health and return-to-work initiatives.

Qualifications

As the ideal candidate, you have Executive-level EHS leadership experience in the manufacturing, food products, consumer goods, personnel services, or transportation industry. You have a strong understanding of EHS regulations, compliance structures, and have the ability to develop and implement industry-leading EHS practices.

Your qualifications should include:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or a related field is required (Master's preferred).
• Post-degree certification in Environmental, Health and Safety or related certification or national accreditation as a safety professional preferred, but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), ideally within manufacturing, construction, energy, or related sectors, is required.
• Hands-on experience managing environmental and safety systems aligned with ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or similar standards, including performance improvement and system integration.
• Proficiency with EHS management platforms (e.g., Intelex, Cority) and learning management systems related to EHS and general compliance training.
• Lean Six-Sigma certification is expected, and other professional certifications (CSP, CIH, CHMM, or equivalent) are highly desirable.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking "Apply Now" below.

For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and [email protected] or Rick Neima, Consultant at 902-488-2534 and [email protected], or please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.

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