Safety Director
Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000 annually
Bonus Eligible: This position is eligible for Curran Contracting's incentive bonus program.
About Curran Contracting
Established in 1936, Curran Contracting has grown into one of the region's premier heavy civil contractors, specializing in site development, excavation, mass grading, paving, underground utilities, soil modification, and asphalt production. Serving commercial, industrial, and government clients, Curran operates from strategic locations throughout Illinois and Indiana, including Crystal Lake, DeKalb, Island Lake, Sycamore, Oswego, and Merrillville.
For nearly 90 years, Curran has built a reputation for excellence through a commitment to delivering high-quality work, fostering strong partnerships, and investing in its people. Our success is rooted in five core values-Family, Improvement, Integrity, Partnership, and Respect-which guide every decision we make and every relationship we build.
Position Summary
The Safety Director is responsible for leading and advancing Curran's company-wide safety strategy, culture, and performance. As a senior leader within the organization, this role ensures safety remains a core business priority and an integral part of every operational and strategic decision.
The Safety Director provides vision, leadership, and oversight for all safety initiatives, programs, compliance efforts, and team development activities. Working closely with executive leadership, operations, and field teams, this individual drives continuous improvement while fostering a proactive, people-first safety culture that protects employees, strengthens operational performance, and supports long-term business success.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Culture
- Develop and lead Curran's overall safety vision, strategy, and long-term objectives in partnership with executive leadership.
- Champion a culture where safety is a shared responsibility and a fundamental component of operational excellence.
- Promote engagement, accountability, and ownership of safety performance at every level of the organization.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on safety-related risks, opportunities, and organizational initiatives.
Department Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop all Safety Department personnel to ensure high performance, professional growth, and succession readiness.
- Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability measures for safety team members.
- Foster collaboration and alignment between safety professionals, operations teams, and support departments.
Program Management & Compliance
- Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of company-wide safety programs, policies, and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, industry standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
- Direct internal audits, site inspections, risk assessments, and corrective action processes to drive consistent safety performance.
- Serve as the primary company representative for regulatory agencies, compliance reviews, and safety-related inspections.
Risk Management & Incident Oversight
- Provide leadership and oversight for Workers' Compensation, General Liability, and Auto Liability claims in coordination with Risk Management and executive leadership.
- Ensure thorough investigations of incidents, near misses, and claims while identifying opportunities for prevention and improvement.
- Monitor organizational risk trends and implement proactive strategies to reduce incidents and exposures.
Business Partnership & Performance
- Partner with Operations, Human Resources, and other departments to align safety initiatives with workforce development, training, and organizational goals.
- Develop and monitor safety performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Deliver executive-level reporting, trend analysis, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
- Manage departmental budgets and resources to ensure efficient and effective program execution.
Industry Representation & Continuous Improvement
- Represent Curran within industry associations, regulatory organizations, and professional networks.
- Stay informed on emerging regulations, technologies, and best practices to strengthen organizational performance.
- Lead innovation and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety outcomes and operational effectiveness.
QualificationsRequired Skills & Abilities
- Proven ability to lead safety strategy and culture across complex, multi-site operations.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Extensive knowledge of OSHA regulations, construction safety standards, and industry best practices.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate data into actionable business decisions.
- Demonstrated success building, developing, and leading high-performing safety teams.
- Strong business acumen and experience integrating safety initiatives into broader organizational goals.
- Effective presenter and facilitator capable of delivering executive-level communications, leadership training, and employee engagement programs.
- Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, safety management systems, and data analytics tools.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and living Curran's core values.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety & Health, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combinations of education and relevant construction safety experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 10–12 years of progressive safety leadership experience, preferably within the construction industry.
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification required within six months of hire if not currently held.
- Advanced certifications such as CHST, ASP, CSP, or CSHO required within six months of hire if not currently held.
- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level safety initiatives that drive measurable cultural and operational improvements.
Working Conditions
- Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a desk or traveling between locations.
- Frequent visits to active construction sites requiring adherence to all safety requirements and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety vests, eye protection, hearing protection, and safety-toe footwear.
- Regular exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, dust, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment, materials, or presentation supplies.
- Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate personal or company vehicles for business-related travel.
- Expected to represent Curran professionally and consistently demonstrate the company's core values in all interactions and activities.
Benefits & Additional Compensation
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Profit Sharing Program
- 401(k) with up to 5% Company Match
- Leadership Development Coaching
- Ongoing Professional Training & Development
- Company Events & Team Engagement Opportunities
- 13+ Days of Paid Time Off
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Incentive Bonus Program
Guided by our values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Improvement, this job description provides a general overview of responsibilities. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Curran Contracting reserves the right to adjust duties, titles, and roles as necessary to support business needs.
Curran Contracting Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, citizen status, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, martial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited be applicable federal, state, or local employment laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.
Pay: $145,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Crystal Lake, IL 60014
