Position Title: Director, North America Health and Safety
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Requisition ID: 41550
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.
About the role.
This role is responsible for advancing Health & Safety (H&S) across North America by developing and executing strategic initiatives that strengthen culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and align with McCain’s global vision for H&S. The successful candidate will lead the implementation and sustainment of ISO management systems, drive continuous improvement, and build strong cross-functional partnerships to embed safety into all aspects of the business. This role will be based out of our NA Headquarters located in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
What you’ll be doing.
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Lead the development, implementation, and sustainment of ISO management systems (e.g., ISO 45001) for North America H&S.
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Drive continuous improvement through MDI (Managing Daily Improvement) and capability-building initiatives across the region.
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Develop and execute H&S strategies, programs, and policies to improve performance and ensure regulatory compliance.
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Build an audit-ready culture and lead internal and external audit programs, including corrective action follow-up.
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Conduct hazard and risk assessments and develop actionable plans to mitigate risks and improve safety outcomes.
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Analyze leading and lagging indicators (e.g., TRIR, SIF potential) to identify trends and eliminate high-severity incidents.
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Deliver regional training programs and maintain compliance-driven training matrices in partnership with Learning & Development.
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Collaborate with operations, supply chain, HR, and other stakeholders to integrate H&S into business processes.
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Lead incident investigations and root cause analysis to prevent recurrence and strengthen safety practices.
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Manage regulatory requirements across North America and maintain relationships with agencies and industry bodies.
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Prepare and present H&S performance reports, strategies, and insights to senior leadership.
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Drive cultural transformation initiatives that foster engagement, accountability, and a world-class safety culture.
What you’ll need to be successful.
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Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or a related field.
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10+ years of leadership experience in Health & Safety, including driving culture change in large organizations.
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Deep expertise in occupational safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001, OSHA VPP).
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Experience implementing and assessing ISO-based systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
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Strong knowledge of US and Canadian safety regulations (OSHA, CSA, DOT, NFPA, ANSI, etc.).
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Proven ability to lead change management initiatives and implement organizational structures.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using data to drive decisions.
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Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including executive-level presentations.
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Experience managing remote, multi-site teams in complex operational environments.
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Proficiency in project and budget management.
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Ability to thrive in dynamic environments while managing competing priorities.
Ideal qualifications.
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Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Safety & Health Manager (CSHM), or equivalent certification.
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Master’s degree in Health & Safety, Engineering, or Industrial Hygiene.
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Six Sigma certification and experience applying continuous improvement methodologies.
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ISO Management System Internal Auditor certification.
About the team.
You will be part of the North America Health & Safety leadership team, collaborating with cross-functional partners across operations, supply chain, HR, and corporate functions. The team is focused on driving consistent safety standards and performance across multiple sites, with a strong emphasis on capability building, compliance, and continuous improvement. This role will lead and develop direct reports while influencing a broader network of regional and site-based H&S professionals.
About McCain.
Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide opportunities to make an impact that matters.
Leadership principles.
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Understanding customer needs
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Driving innovation
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Empowering people
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Taking ownership to deliver results
The McCain experience.
We are McCain. This statement reflects our collective strength and the value of every individual. At McCain, we foster a culture of authenticity, trust, and collaboration—empowering teams to do their best work together. You’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact, supported by a workplace that encourages innovation, flexibility, and connection. Join us and experience why we’re better together.
Compensation Package: $146,200.00 - $195,000.00 . USD annually + Bonus eligibility + Long-term incentive eligibility
The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Benefits: At McCain, we’re on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well-being at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support including medical, family and bereavement. Well-being programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned with applicable law and can vary by work level, location, and nature of the role. Additional benefit detail available during the application process.
Your well-being matters to us, and we’re here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work — and at home.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.
Job Family: Quality & Food Safety
Location(s): US - United States of America : Illinois : Oakbrook Terrace || US - United States of America : Illinois : Chicago
Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.
