Job Description

The Director of Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) is accountable for the design, execution, and continuous improvement of enterprise‑wide HSSE programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and the protection of our people, assets, and the communities in which we operate.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, balance strategic oversight with hands‑on leadership, and drive measurable safety, security, and environmental outcomes.

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Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide leadership for Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental strategies, policies, and standards aligned with corporate values and operational priorities.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Senior Leadership Team on HSSE risks, trends, and performance.
• Establish multi‑year HSSE roadmaps with clear KPIs, targets, and accountability.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with federal and provincial legislation, including occupational health & safety, environmental, and transportation regulations.
• Lead regulatory interactions, audits, and inspections; proactively manage enforcement actions and corrective plans.
• Oversee enterprise risk assessment frameworks, incident escalation protocols, and emergency response preparedness.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the development and execution of annual HSSE action plans, integrating safety into daily operations.
• Drive reductions in recordable incidents, lost‑time injuries, environmental events, and equipment or insurance claims through data‑driven initiatives.
• Champion behavioral‑based safety, hazard identification, near‑miss reporting, and corrective action closure.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in Health, Safety, Environment, or HSSE within transportation, logistics, industrial, or multi‑site operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading HSSE strategy at a Director or Senior Manager level.
• In‑depth knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial OHS and environmental legislation.
• Bachelor’s degree, with additional post‑secondary education in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional designation (e.g., CRSP, CSP, NCSO, Environmental designation) considered a strong asset.
• Proven leader with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical, communication, and change‑management capabilities.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.