HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER

Occupational Health Perry, Iowa


Description

Position at JBS USA

Job Title: Health and Safety Manager

Location: Perry, IA – Sow Harvest & Sausage Processing Facility

Reports To: Head of Safety (Corporate) / Plant Manager

Direct Reports: Occupational Health Specialist

FLSA Status: Exempt

 

Our Company, Your Opportunity:

 

JBS Prepared Foods is a company with an 80-year history of providing high quality, great tasting sausage, sliced meats, bacon, ham, and ribs. JBS Prepared Foods (formerly Plumrose and Swift Prepared Foods) was acquired by JBS, the world’s leading provider of beef, chicken, and pork, with a vision of building the company as a leader in Protein Centric Prepared Foods.

 

Our Mission:

 

To be THE BEST in all we do. We are completely focused on our business, ensuring the BEST products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers and profitability for our shareholders. All this, we do to provide an opportunity for a better future for all our TEAM MEMBERS.

 

Values:

 

 

Position Summary


The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing health and safety programs to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, JBS safety standards, and other applicable guidelines. This position partners with plant leadership to create a culture of employee safety, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement. The Health and Safety Manager oversees the plant’s occupational health function, including supervision of the on-site Plant Nurse, and leads employee safety education and risk-reduction initiatives across all plant departments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safety Program Leadership - Develop, maintain, and implement the plant’s Health and Safety Plan to ensure compliance with corporate policies and OSHA/EPA regulations.
  • Lead plant-wide safety programs, initiatives, and performance metrics to achieve corporate and site-level goals, including zero-injury strategies.
  • Supervise the Plant Nurse and health services program, ensuring occupational health requirements and injury/illness management practices align with risk management strategy.
  • Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance - Conduct hazard assessments and job safety analyses to identify and mitigate risks in manufacturing, maintenance, utility, and other areas.
  • Oversee the accident/incident investigation process; perform root cause analysis and ensure timely completion of corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, workers’ compensation protocols, and internal Health & Safety Audit requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records for OSHA logs, incident tracking, and regulatory reporting.
  • Employee Training & Safety Culture Development - Design and deliver comprehensive safety training programs for new hires, supervisors, and existing employees covering topics such as: Lockout Tagout (LOTO), Fall Protection, Ammonia and PSM safety awareness, PPE use and ergonomics.
  • Develop and reinforce proactive safety behaviors through coaching, daily observations, and consistent communication. Lead proactive engagement campaigns (Behavior-Based Safety, Safety Committees) to encourage involvement at all levels of the facility. Emergency Preparedness & Health Oversight
  • Maintain and test the facility’s emergency action plans for fires, ammonia leaks, severe weather, and chemical incidents. Oversee occupational health activities including first aid response, ergonomic assessments, and medical case management through the Plant Nurse. Monitor and ensure compliance with bloodborne pathogen programs, hearing conservation, and respiratory protection programs.
  • Continuous Improvement - Track and report KPIs (incident rates, near-miss reporting, safety training completion) to plant and corporate leadership. Partner with maintenance and operations to integrate safety considerations into capital projects and process changes. Identify innovative technologies and best practices to reduce injury risk and enhance compliance efficiency.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, or related field required (or equivalent experience).
  • Experience: Minimum 5+ years of safety leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably USDA-regulated or food industry settings.
  • Prior experience with OSHA compliance, incident investigations, and EHS program management.
  • Technical Skills & Knowledge: Expertise in OSHA regulations, risk assessment, ergonomics, and lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Familiarity with Ammonia Refrigeration Safety (PSM) and industrial hygiene monitoring preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with EHS management systems a plus.
  • Certifications: CSP, ASP, or equivalent safety certifications preferred.
  • First Aid/CPR certification required (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
  • Other Competencies: Strong leadership and ability to influence at all organizational levels.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and data-driven decision-making.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desirable due to workforce composition.

 Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Frequent presence on the production floor (cold, wet, noisy conditions).
  • Ability to climb ladders, navigate stairs, bend, and walk long distances as needed for inspections.
  • Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

 

Why Join JBS USA?

As the world’s largest protein company, JBS USA provides a dynamic, people-focused environment where you can make a real impact. We offer:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization

A collaborative and innovative culture committed to safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement

 

Interested candidates can apply at jbssa.com/careers. We offer a full range of benefits including health care, life insurance, and 401 (K) plan.

       JBS Prepared Foods USA is an equal opportunity employer.

EOE/Vet/Disabled