Director of Environmental Health & Safety

CREO GROUP Inc.
Leominster, MA

Position Overview

The Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is a leadership role responsible for building, leading, and executing a best-in-class, enterprise-wide safety and environmental program across CREO Group’s multi-site plastics manufacturing and warehousing operations.


This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while driving a proactive, performance-based safety culture aligned with CREO’s operational and value creation objectives.


Reporting to the CHRO, the Director will lead a field-based safety team and partner closely with Operations, Manufacturing, HR, and Executive Leadership to reduce risk, improve safety performance, and standardize EHS practices across all locations.


This leader will play a critical role in operational excellence, cost control (workers’ compensation, claims, downtime), and ESG readiness in preparation for future growth and potential exit.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

  • Design and implement a comprehensive, enterprise-wide EHS strategy aligned with CREO’s operational and financial goals
  • Build a standardized safety management system across all manufacturing sites
  • Establish and lead safety governance structures, including safety committees and incident review boards
  • Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement in safety performance


Field Execution & Team Leadership

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 field-based Safety Specialists supporting multiple plant locations
  • Ensure consistent execution of safety programs, audits, and training across all sites
  • Provide hands-on support in high-risk environments and during critical incidents
  • Establish clear expectations, KPIs, and accountability for field safety performance


Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
  • Lead all EHS audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions
  • Oversee environmental compliance including waste management, emissions, and sustainability initiatives
  • Maintain readiness for customer, internal, and third-party audits (including social responsibility audits)


Incident Management & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation
  • Establish standardized protocols for reporting, escalation, and resolution of safety incidents
  • Analyze trends to proactively reduce recordable injuries, near misses, and high-risk exposures
  • Drive measurable improvements in key safety metrics (TRIR, LTIR, severity rates)


Training & Culture Development

  • Develop and implement enterprise-wide EHS training programs for all levels of the organization
  • Ensure plant-level engagement through safety committees, toolbox talks, and leadership training
  • Promote a behavior-based safety culture rooted in accountability and prevention


Operational Integration

  • Partner with Operations and Manufacturing leaders to integrate safety into daily production processes
  • Support capital projects, process changes, and new equipment implementation with EHS risk assessments
  • Ensure safety considerations are embedded in continuous improvement and Lean initiatives


Metrics, Reporting & PE Visibility

  • Develop and track EHS KPIs and dashboards for executive leadership and Board reporting
  • Provide regular updates on risk exposure, incident trends, and mitigation strategies
  • Align safety performance with financial impact (workers’ comp costs, downtime, insurance exposure)


Emergency Preparedness & Environmental Stewardship

  • Develop and maintain emergency response and business continuity plans
  • Oversee ergonomics, industrial hygiene, and environmental impact programs
  • Lead sustainability and environmental initiatives aligned with ESG expectations


Budget & Resource Management

  • With the support of CHRO, manage EHS budget, including training, equipment, and compliance investments
  • Optimize resource allocation to maximize safety impact and cost efficiency


Qualification

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or related field required
  • Master’s degree preferred
  • 10+ years of progressive EHS experience, with 5+ years in a leadership role
  • Proven experience leading multi-site manufacturing safety programs (plastics or similar industrial environment preferred)
  • Demonstrated success managing and developing field-based safety teams


Certifications (Preferred)

  • CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
  • CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)
  • CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)


Core Competencies

  • Deep knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance standards
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence plant leadership and frontline teams
  • Expertise in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and risk mitigation
  • Experience building scalable, standardized safety programs across multiple sites
  • Strong analytical skills with ability to translate data into actionable insights
  • Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills
  • Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution


Who We Are

CREO Group is a leading consumer product, nursery, and greenhouse supply company. While others make plastic, we build relationships. As both a full-service designer and manufacturer, we offer a wide range of national and private-label products while delivering the flexibility, quality, and innovation our partners expect.


At CREO, work is more than a job — it’s a journey. Guided by our mission is to be the market-leading provider of innovative container solutions that enhance everyday living by partnering with our customers to deliver best-in-class, high-quality, and environmentally responsible products through disciplined operational execution. Powered by an engaged, high-performing team, we create enduring value for our employees, partners, and the communities we serve.


Being part of CREO means joining a community that celebrates collaboration and thrives on the diverse strengths of our people. You’ll work alongside colleagues who bring unique experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, and together, we’ll achieve more than we could alone.


Check us out at: www.creogroup.com


CREO offers eligible full-time employees a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, paid time off and holidays. Many health and welfare benefits are available after 30 days of continuous employment. Our 401K has a generous match, with eligibility beginning after 90 days of continuous employment.


Work Environment - Manufacturing Plant:

The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of a position in our manufacturing plants. Note that office positions located within our Manufacturing Plants often require some plant-floor presence throughout the day so these work environment details may not always apply, they should still be noted.

  • Exposure to moving mechanical parts.
  • Indoor manufacturing setting with potential for extreme heat and limited air conditioning.
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Loud noise levels
  • Required PPE: hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety shoes where applicable.


CREO Group reserves the right to revise or update this job description as needed to better comply with the actual essential function of the job requirements as business needs dictate.

CREO is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity and strengths of our employees, customers, and community.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic.

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