Director of Health Safety & Environment

Position: Director of Health Safety & Environment

Department: Operations

Reports to: VP of Operations

Location: 566 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL (50% Travel across USA)

Employment Type: Full-time benefits eligible

At Richard, we're not just another construction company - we're the catalyst for change in the industry. As one of the fastest-growing general contractors in the nation, we offer the excitement and innovation of a startup with the stability and expertise of an established firm. We're seeking visionaries who are ready to break free from the constraints of traditional construction and make a real impact.

Why Choose Richard?

Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line

Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data centers

Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality

Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth

Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction

Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices

At Richard, you're not just a number - you're a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We're creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well-being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation.

Break free from corporate constraints. Join Richard, Purpose Builders, and be the architect of your career while shaping the future of construction. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact is visible.

The Director of Safety leads the organization's safety program with strategic oversight, ensuring comprehensive compliance with OSHA, federal regulations, and company policies across all construction sites. This position is crucial for cultivating a culture of safety, minimizing risk, and enhancing operational excellence, where regulatory compliance and environmental sensitivity are paramount.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's overall safety program and policies.
• Champion a culture of safety throughout all levels of the organization and subcontractor relationships.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments across job sites.
• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable OSHA, EM 385-1-1 (for federal projects), state, and local safety regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of unique safety considerations and infection control requirements (ICRA) in healthcare construction settings.
• Lead safety planning and documentation for federal projects including pre-task planning and Activity Hazard Analyses (AHA).
• Develop and deliver ongoing training programs for employees, subcontractors, and site visitors.
• Oversee the certification and continued education of field personnel in First Aid/CPR, OSHA 30, EM 385-1-1, etc.
• Lead all incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementations.
• Prepare detailed reports for leadership and federal agencies as required.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all safety-related issues on federal and healthcare construction sites.
• Liaise with project management teams, government inspectors, infection preventionists, and key stakeholders.
• Report key safety metrics to executive leadership regularly.

• Minimum 15 years of progressive safety experience in the construction industry, including at least 5 years in a leadership role at an organization with over $300M revenue.
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CHST (Construction Health & Safety Technician), or equivalent.
• OSHA 30 and EM 385-1-1 training certification.
• ICRA certification or documented experience in healthcare facility safety compliance (preferred).
• Proven experience in managing safety on federal construction projects (e.g., DOD, VA, GSA).
• Familiarity with healthcare construction, including infection control and working in active hospitals.
• Familiarity with other market sector safety standards.
• Willing to travel to job sites is required (estimated 50%+).

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of construction operations and hazards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead and influence across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with safety management software platforms.
• Must be comfortable conducting site visits in active hospital and government environments.
• Developed safety program manual and training program.

At Richard, we believe in showing the same gratitude and care to our team members that we do in our projects. This position comes with a competitive salary to match your level of experience and includes competitive benefits such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option
• 15 days of paid time off (PTO)
• 7 paid holidays
• All employees are immediately eligible for our bonus program where employees at all levels are engaged in the financial and operational performance of the business, enabling them to understand how their contributions directly impact the company's bottom line
• Company 401(k) matching contributions
• Parental leave policy
• We fully cover transportation costs, including parking and train fares, for employees
• Affordable and freshly made breakfast and lunch provided through our on-site meal program (Chicago home office employees only)
• Gym membership reimbursement program (Chicago home office employees only)
• Fully paid two-month sabbatical leave for employees who reach their 10-year anniversary with the company
• All employees immediately have access to mentorship, regular skills-based training, and leadership development programs

Pay Range

160,000-200,000

The base salary range for this position as of posting is Richard's good faith estimate of the possible compensation for this role. The range for this role takes into account the factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

Richard is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.