Regional Safety Director - Western Europe and Israel

WHY IS THIS ROLE INTERESTING?

Join Knauf, one of the world's leading manufacturers of materials, products, and tools for the construction industry

Founded in 1932, they are now present in >90 countries, with ~41,500 employees, and global sales of €15.4 billion in 2022

Knauf is a family-owned, very stable, and successful company - they think long-term about their employees and sustainability

This role is part of Knauf's largest division, Gypsum, and is focused on the “Western Europe and Israel region” (WEI) – which includes in our company UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Israel.

Work alongside the People community of Western Europe and Israel Region (KWEI) and collaborate with Global People Functions in a strong & positive team spirit

About the Role:

The Regional Safety Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety programs across all business functions within the region, including production, supply chain, sales, office population, etc. This role ensures compliance with local, national, and international safety regulations while fostering a culture of safety excellence. The Regional Safety Director will lead initiatives to minimize risks, prevent workplace incidents, and promote the well-being of all employees, contractors, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Safety Strategy and Leadership

Develop and execute a regional safety strategy aligned with corporate goals and local regulations.

Act as the primary safety advisor to regional leadership, providing guidance on safety-related matters across all functions.

Promote a culture of safety awareness and accountability at all organizational levels.

Develop & steer a community of Country Safety Managers to top tiers safety standards

Structure & develop policies & processes applicable across the region

2. Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all applicable safety laws, regulations, and company policies.

Conduct regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Oversee the development and implementation of corrective action plans to address safety concerns.

3. Training and Development

Design and deliver safety training programs tailored to the needs of diverse departments (e.g., production, sales, supply chain, etc.).

Ensure all employees and contractors are adequately trained in safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging safety trends to enhance training content.

4. Incident Management

Lead investigations into workplace incidents, near-misses, and injuries to determine root causes and implement preventive measures.

Maintain accurate records of incidents and safety performance metrics.

Communicate lessons learned and best practices across the region to prevent recurrence.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with department heads (e.g., production managers, sales directors, supply chain leaders, etc.) to integrate safety into daily operations.

Collaborate with HR to address employee well-being and mental health as part of the safety program.

Work with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure vendor and contractor compliance with safety standards.

6. Reporting and Metrics

Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure safety performance across the region.

Prepare and present regular safety reports to regional and corporate leadership.

Use data-driven insights to continuously improve safety programs and initiatives.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in safety management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Experience in a multi-functional environment (e.g., production, sales, supply chain, etc.).

Skills and Competencies

Strong knowledge of safety regulations, standards, and best practices (e.g., ISO 45001, OSHA, local regulations).

Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.

Excellent communication, training, and presentation skills.

Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive decision-making.

Proficiency in safety management software and tools.

English fluent

Certifications

Professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), or equivalent are highly desirable.

Work Environment

Frequent travel within the region to visit sites, conduct audits, and provide on-site support.

Collaboration with diverse teams across production facilities, sales offices, and corporate functions.

This role is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees while driving operational excellence and compliance across the region.

KNAUF is an equal opportunity employer: we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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This job description provides a summary of key responsibilities and qualifications associated with this specific role role. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change as the needs of the organization evolve.