Health, Safety & Facilities Manager

The Health, Safety & Facilities Manager will lead all site-level health, safety, environmental (HSE), and facilities management initiatives at our large-scale book distribution center in Montgomery, Illinois. The role ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while also driving a proactive safety culture and managing the upkeep, maintenance, and functionality of the facility to support operational efficiency.
Reporting into the US Operations Director, key responsibilities are:
Health & Safety
• Own and implement the site’s Health & Safety Management System in line with OSHA and company standards
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations; implement corrective actions in collaboration with Site Management Team
• Work closely with 3rd party contractors working on site, ensuring appropriate method statements and risk assessments are in place to create a safe working environment for all
• Embed an engaging ‘Safety First’ culture across the site, leading site-wide safety training programs, communications, onboarding and refresher courses
• Identify training needs for site personnel and implement suitable training programmes to further develop our people’s knowledge and awareness of health & safety best practice
• Maintain safety records, reporting, and documentation as per regulatory and internal compliance
• Chair the site’s Safety Committee and lead monthly meetings on safety performance and improvements, providing reports and updates to the Group COO
• Liaise with insurance providers, auditors, and regulators as needed
Facilities Management
• Oversee all aspects of building maintenance, repairs, utilities, and equipment servicing (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety systems, etc.)
• Manage vendor relationships and service contracts for janitorial, waste disposal, pest control, and other facility services
• Play a lead role in managing our relationship with the property management company and other landlord representatives
• Plan and manage preventative maintenance schedules for critical infrastructure
• Lead minor construction, refurbishment, or fit-out projects with minimal disruption to operations
• Ensure the site remains compliant with building codes and fire safety regulations.
General Leadership & Compliance
• Develop and manage annual safety and facilities budgets.
• Provide leadership and role modelling to the Operations and Office teams
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices and legislative changes in occupational safety and facility management.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean principles where applicable.
To succeed in this role you will need:
Key Skills & Experience
• 5+ years’ experience in a similar role within distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or warehousing.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations and workplace safety practices.
• Proven experience managing large-scale facilities (150,000+ sq ft preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendors and contractors.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
Preferred:
• Degree or certification in Occupational Health & Safety, Facilities Management, or related field.
• OSHA 30 certification or equivalent.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Exposure to Lean, 5S, or Six Sigma environments.
• Spanish language skills of interest but not essential
Personal Attributes
• Hands-on, practical, and solutions-oriented.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Natural born collaborator and team player