Legal Services Wood Dale, Illinois
Description
EHS/ESG Manager - Americas
Wood Dale, IL
Wood Dale, IL
About Optimas
Optimas is a leading provider of integrated supply chain solutions and engineering support, serving a diverse array of customers across a wide geographic footprint. We deliver fasteners, components, industrial and safety supplies through a network of local teams who understand the operational realities of the markets we serve. This regional focus allows us to provide agile, tailored solutions and a high level of service aligned with our customers’ evolving needs.
Position Overview
The EHS/ESG Manager – Americas is responsible for building, implementing, and leading Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) programs across the Americas, and reports to the General Counsel.
This role requires a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leader who can both develop strategy and execute tactically in a lean environment. This individual will partner closely with Operations, Human Resources and Leadership and will be responsible for scaling both functions. The position will establish foundational programs, drive compliance, and embed a culture of safety and accountability, while also developing ESG reporting and sustainability initiatives aligned with customer and stakeholder expectations.
Core Responsibilities
Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) – Operational Leadership
- Build and implement EHS programs, policies, and procedures across distribution centers and manufacturing sites
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations (OSHA, EPA, state/local) and maintain audit readiness
- Establish and manage EHS management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001)
- Lead all incident investigations (injuries, near misses, environmental events), including root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Own OSHA recordkeeping (300/300A/301), regulatory reporting, and documentation
- Oversee environmental compliance programs (hazardous materials, waste, stormwater, SPCC, etc.)
- Conduct risk assessments, audits, and site evaluations to identify and mitigate hazards
- Develop and implement standardized EHS processes, metrics, and reporting across all sites
- Partner with our manufacturing plant, distribution centers and office locations to drive accountability for safety performance at the site level
- Lead workers’ compensation processes in coordination with HR, including claims and return-to-work programs
- Design and deliver EHS training programs and ensure compliance across all locations
- Build a scalable EHS infrastructure that supports future growth
ESG – Strategy, Reporting & Customer Interface
- Develop and implement an ESG framework appropriate for the business and customer base
- Establish ESG metrics, data collection processes, and reporting structures
- Lead ESG disclosures, including customer questionnaires, scorecards, and sustainability reporting requests
- Partner with commercial and customer teams to support ESG-related requirements and opportunities
- Identify and drive initiatives to improve environmental performance (e.g., waste reduction, energy efficiency, emissions awareness)
- Coordinate ESG data across functions (Operations, Finance, HR, Supply Chain)
- Monitor evolving ESG regulations and customer expectations and translate into actionable plans
- Support development of internal ESG policies and governance structures
- Serve as the internal subject matter expert for ESG inquiries
Program Build & Leadership
- Build both EHS and ESG programs from current state to structured, scalable functions
- Prioritize initiatives based on risk, regulatory exposure, and business impact
- Balance strategic program development with hands-on execution
- Establish clear ownership models between corporate and site-level responsibilities
- Develop dashboards and reporting for leadership visibility
Key Competencies
- Proven ability to build programs in a lean environment
- Strong operational EHS expertise with hands-on execution capability
- Ability to translate ESG concepts into practical business processes
- High level of ownership, accountability, and urgency
- Strong influencing skills across all levels of the organization
- Ability to balance compliance rigor with business practicality
- Data-driven mindset with strong analytical capabilities
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Health & Safety, Engineering, or related field preferred
- 7+ years of EHS experience in manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environments
- Demonstrated experience building or significantly enhancing EHS programs
- Working knowledge of:
- Safety regulations, including OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements
- Environmental compliance (EPA and state-level requirements)
- Workers’ compensation processes
- ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
- Experience with ESG reporting, sustainability initiatives, or customer ESG requirements preferred
- Experience managing incident investigations and driving corrective actions to closure
- OSHA 30 certification (or equivalent) preferred
- Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results across cross-functional teams, and operate effectively in a lean, fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EHS-related systems