Vice President, Global Eh&S

Vice President, Global EH&S

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location:  Hybrid at Kohler, WI

Opportunity

As Vice President, Global Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) you will strengthen Kohler's global safety culture and minimize our risk profile by adding experienced, proactive, operationally savvy leadership. You will be a leader in fostering a culture of safety with an individual sense of responsibility to ensure a proactive approach to global safety.

Health & Safety

This position holds direct responsibility for compliance with international environmental regulations and with international safety regulations.  Safety compliance includes mitigation of physical hazards, as well as compliance with chemical exposure requirements, ergonomic standards and with company policies which are established to go beyond compliance.  You will foster a culture of safety with an individual sense of responsibility to ensure a proactive approach to global safety.

This position is responsible for driving beyond-compliance EHS initiatives and ensuring Kohler Co. policies and programs are being deployed.  Top quartile performance compared to industry standards is required.

You will own direct responsibility for international acquisitions, pertaining to environment and safety liabilities.  You will participate in acquisition teams and be responsible for research and investigation of all acquisitions, to identify and minimize corporate liability.  The same responsibilities hold for closures and divestitures.

Sustainability:

The VP, Global EHS is responsible for the company's global sustainability efforts as they relate to environmental footprint reduction, and for the creation of the Kohler Co. Sustainability Strategic Plan.  This position also owns the global data collection and management progress and provides routine reports to all stakeholders. You are responsible for the strategy to achieve the company's goal of Net Zero 2035.

This leader conducts independent research to establish a basis for program changes, and stays current with regulatory developments and legislative agenda through association with Kohler Co.'s lobbying administrators in Washington, DC.  The VP, Global EHS owns positions on the top corporate Sustainability core team, the top corporate stewardship committee, and the top corporate security and emergency event committee. 

This position is responsible for the construction, design, and compliant operation of Kohler Co.'s 5 high volume industrial waste landfills.  Kohler Co. landfill operations take place in 3 countries.  You will also lead regulatory compliance of these operations, including erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and establishing the fill sequence of landfill cells and sub-cells.  This leader is responsible for ensuring best practice waste management and beneficial reuse principles are utilized to ensure effective, long term landfill operations.

You are directly responsible for remediating environmental contamination from historic use, accidental spills, and contamination from neighboring operations or existing on newly acquired property.  This leader shall drive all negotiations, planning and implementation of environmental investigation and remediation projects for contaminated company sites worldwide.

This position has direct responsibility for international acquisitions, pertaining to environment and safety liabilities.  This leader participates on acquisition teams and is responsible for research and investigation of all acquisitions, to identify and minimize corporate liability.  The same responsibilities hold for closures and divestitures.

Talent Management:

This position has associates with direct reporting relationships, who are positioned outside of the US.  You are responsible for creating a challenging and rewarding work environment that attracts and retains top talent. 

Travel Requirements

Global responsibility of manufacturing locations located throughout the world is required.  Domestic travel can reach 15% and international travel will typically not exceed 10%, for a total expected maximum travel requirement of 25%.

Specific Responsibilities

• On a global basis, direct research into present and proposed pollution control or occupational health regulations, to determine their impact to Kohler Co. worldwide operations.
• Lead the development of environmental and safety audit tools for compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements.  This includes local, state and federal codes, and where they apply, rules established by the international regulatory and economic communities.  Drive regular audits to assess facility compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements, and report to various levels of management.
• Coordinate environmental, health and safety activities with Corporate Staff groups, production supervision and engineering, to promote and maintain effective communication and minimize duplication of resources.
• Direct the development of corporate safety and environmental management systems in an effort to ensure regulatory compliance, eliminate workplace injuries and reduce Kohler Co.'s environmental footprint.
• Develops the most feasible, cost effective, efficient and timely methodology for the design and construction of on-site high-volume industrial waste landfills.
• Directs and monitors the construction of on-site high-volume industrial waste landfills.
• Represent the company at public meetings, hearings and perform public relations duties.
• Direct the engineering activities required as a result of regulatory citations or pollution abatement orders issued by regulating agencies, and closure, construction or modification of manufacturing, waste handling or wastewater treatment facilities.
• Direct accident investigation and loss time and accident prevention programs on a corporate level, to minimize injuries and lost time costs to production.
• Develop and direct corporate level training and communication programs to build senior leadership's understanding and commitment to EHS issues and associated corporate compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain a positive image for Kohler Company with the public and with government regulatory agencies.  Maintain effective communication with government agencies and provide these agencies with reports and technical data as required by order or regulation.
• Select qualified individuals to fill departmental positions.  Develop career path objectives and guide the development of their technical and supervisory abilities.
• Develop and direct corporate level waste minimization, recycling, and beneficial reuse programs for Kohler Company facilities worldwide.  Assist with national/global recycling and disposal agreements.
• Manage capital and financial budgets for EHS projects and manage EHS manpower on a corporate level.  Develop strategic initiatives consistent with the Kohler Company global vision.
• On a corporate level, manage and audit environmental, health and safety programs worldwide and maintain a close working relationship with all facilities through specifically assigned Corporate EHS Program Managers.

Skills/Requirements

• Requires B.S. degree in EHS, Engineering or Science. 
• At least 10 years of managerial experience and 8 years of broad related experience in global environmental, health and safety project management.
• Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Experience in a heavy and complex manufacturing setting highly preferred.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $227,200 - $301,650. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location.  In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Work at Kohler Co.?

Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates' development to make that happen.  So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual's personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.  

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

*Important update for candidates applying to roles within Kohler Energy, including Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.
On November 6, Kohler Co. announced the strategic decision to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting the acceleration of long-term growth strategies for both organizations. Talent and operational transition plans are underway, and Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity expect the agreement to close in the first half of 2024.Thank you for your interest in joining our growing team as we embark on the next phase of growth!

About Us

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.  We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com.

It is Kohler's policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.  If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  

We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the Federal EEO is the Law and the EEO is the Law Supplement .