The posting
This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more.
Job Description
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) is seeking a Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) to lead site safety, environmental compliance, and facilities and maintenance operations in Simsbury, Connecticut. EBAD develops mission-critical products supporting space, missile, and defense applications, where protecting people and maintaining safe, reliable operations are essential to the mission.
This is an opportunity to own the site’s safety agenda and build a proactive culture where employees speak up, leaders take responsibility, and improvements last. We are looking for a hands-on leader who combines technical expertise and sound risk judgment with the ability to influence Operations, develop capable teams, and turn priorities into measurable results.
Key Responsibilities
Site Safety Leadership and Compliance
- Set site EHS priorities and lead safety and environmental programs, regulatory inspections, audits, training, and reporting in alignment with applicable requirements and company standards.
- Lead hazard assessments and incident and near-miss investigations; apply effective controls and sound judgment to prevent serious incidents and recurring risks.
- Partner with technical experts to address hazards associated with energetic materials and manufacturing processes, incorporating safety into equipment, facility, and process changes.
Safety Culture and Operational Accountability
- Maintain a visible floor presence, build employee trust, and ensure reported concerns receive timely action and feedback.
- Partner with Operations and functional leaders to establish ownership of safety performance, corrective actions, and training compliance within their areas.
Execution and Measurable Improvement
- Drive safety programs and audit actions through implementation with clear owners, milestones, and escalation; verify adoption and effectiveness.
- Use leading and lagging indicators to identify trends, prioritize risks, and demonstrate sustained improvement. Apply daily management and structured problem solving through the Ensign-Bickford Operating System (EBOS).
People Leadership and Team Capability
- Lead, coach, and develop EHS, Facilities, and Maintenance employees; set clear expectations, address performance gaps, and strengthen engagement and accountability.
- Build cross-training, backup coverage, and independent program ownership so teams can solve problems and sustain results beyond the manager’s direct involvement.
Facilities and Operational Readiness
- Oversee building systems, preventive maintenance, repairs, custodial services, and contractors to support safe, reliable manufacturing and office operations.
- Prioritize work, budgets, and facility improvements based on risk and operating needs. Coordinate emergency preparedness and facility security procedures with appropriate partners and verify contractor safety and work quality.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Eight or more years of progressive EHS experience in manufacturing, including at least three years leading a site-level EHS function or comparable scope, with demonstrated people leadership.
- Strong working knowledge of applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state and local requirements, including hazardous waste, air permitting, stormwater, and other environmental obligations relevant to site operations.
- Demonstrated ownership of compliance programs, regulatory inspections, audits, training, and corrective actions, with the ability to translate requirements into practical operating controls.
- Experience assessing significant manufacturing risks, investigating incidents, and implementing effective preventive and corrective actions.
- Track record of completing program implementation, strengthening operational ownership of safety, and delivering measurable, sustained improvement.
- Proven ability to coach and develop teams, address performance gaps, and build accountability and independent program ownership.
- Experience leading or closely partnering with Facilities and Maintenance on preventive maintenance, contractor safety, emergency preparedness, and operational readiness.
- Strong communication, analytical, and prioritization skills; ability to influence leaders and employees across functions, supported by effective use of performance data and reporting tools.
Preferred
- Experience in aerospace and defense, energetics, chemical processing, or another high-hazard manufacturing environment; familiarity with explosives safety and process hazard assessment.
- Direct leadership of facilities and maintenance operations, including building systems, service contracts, operating budgets, and capital improvements.
- Experience applying Lean, daily management, and structured problem solving to improve safety and operational performance.
Why This Opportunity
- Own safety for the site: Set direction and shape the programs, behaviors, and infrastructure that protect employees and support safe operations.
- Build the culture: Create an environment where employees raise concerns, leaders act, and safety ownership is part of everyday work.
- Develop people and capability: Build strong teams and help employees grow into greater responsibility and independent ownership.
- Make a lasting impact: Partner directly with Operations and functional leaders to strengthen prevention and reliability at a business supporting critical space and defense missions.
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated wage range for this position is $130,000 - $170,000 per year. The salary range represents the range EBAD has established in good faith for this position and may vary based on qualifications, experience, education, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
EBAD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement benefits; paid time off and holidays; life and disability insurance; employee assistance and wellness resources; and incentive compensation eligibility, subject to applicable plan terms and conditions. Benefit eligibility may vary based on position, work location, employment status, and applicable plan provisions.
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.
