Company: Client of The Griffin Groupe Executive Search
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Northern Illinois / Southern Wisconsin (Regional Travel)
Industry: Heavy Civil Construction – Earthmoving, Underground Utilities, Highway & Specialty Projects
Rate: $120 – 135k + Bonus (Commensurate with Experience)

Relocation provided for excellent candidates

JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR OF SAFETY

Titles this role may be searched under: Construction Safety Director, Heavy Civil Safety Manager, Safety Leader – Utilities & Highway, Regional Safety Director – Construction.

SUMMARY

A leading heavy civil construction firm (confidential client of The Griffin Groupe Executive Search) is seeking a Director of Safety to oversee safety programs across earthmoving, underground utility, highway, and specialty projects in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. This full-time role ($120K–$135K + bonus, with relocation for strong candidates) will lead compliance, training, and audits while driving a proactive safety culture. Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of construction safety leadership, strong knowledge of OSHA/DOT regulations, and certifications such as CSP, CHST, OHST, or OSHA 30. The position offers regional travel, influence at the executive and field level, and the chance to shape safety practices at a respected firm.


THE OPPORTUNITY

• Lead safety for a well-established heavy civil construction company known for earthmoving, underground utilities, and highway/specialty projects.
• Play a critical leadership role ensuring compliance, reducing incidents, and building a proactive safety culture.
• Influence operations at the regional level across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin job sites.
• Join a family-owned, second-generation firm with a strong reputation for innovation, employee development, and safe work practices.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Proven Construction Safety Director / Safety Manager with strong background in heavy civil, utilities, or highway construction.
• Experienced in OSHA compliance, incident prevention, and field training.
• Skilled communicator who can coach crews, superintendents, and executives.
• Motivated to lead change, implement systems, and maintain a world-class safety culture.
• Holds certifications such as CSP, CHST, OHST, OSHA 30 or equivalent.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Safety Director (Construction / Heavy Civil) will oversee all safety initiatives across earthmoving, underground utility, and highway projects. This role is responsible for compliance with OSHA and state regulations, training employees, auditing worksites, and ensuring safety excellence across all projects. The Director will act as the primary contact for inspections, audits, and insurance reviews.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead development and implementation of safety programs, policies, and site-specific procedures.
• Conduct frequent job site inspections across earthmoving, utility, and highway projects to identify risks and enforce compliance.
• Investigate incidents; provide root-cause analysis and corrective action plans.
• Deliver training programs (new hire orientation, equipment safety, PPE use, hazard awareness).
• Track and report safety performance metrics to senior leadership.
• Partner with project managers, superintendents, and foremen to integrate safety in project planning.
• Oversee PPE compliance, safety audits, and permit processes.
• Act as company representative for OSHA, IDOT, WisDOT, and insurance inspections.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Occupational Health, Construction Management, or Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years in a construction safety leadership role, preferably in heavy civil, highway, or underground utility environments.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and state regulations.
• Strong communication and training delivery skills.
• Analytical ability to track safety KPIs and reduce TRIR/LTIR.
• Willingness to travel frequently within Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

IDEAL SKILLS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Professional safety certifications: CSP, CHST, OHST, SMS, ASP, or equivalent.
• Experience with large-scale earthmoving, underground utility, or highway projects.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Ryan Schortmann
The Griffin Groupe
Director of Recruiting and Technology

Please contact me with any questions:

Email:
recruiter@thegriffingroupe.com

Phone:
(w) 774-773-9321