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Director of Safety

Tacoma, WA

Posted: 04/15/2025 Industry: Leadership Job Number: 3157427 Pay Rate: 150000/year - 200000/year

Job Description


A Senior Leadership position has opened in Tacoma. Rainier Recruiting has partnered with a a large marine and shipping terminal to find their next Director of Safety. This position serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of safety programs, policies, and procedures. This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and contractual safety regulations, while promoting a strong, proactive safety culture throughout the organization and industry. The Director will act as the primary safety leader for the facility, partnering closely with unionized staff to support and enforce safety standards.Passive candidates who are employed and curious to hear are more than welcome to have a “no-commitment” conversation with our Recruiting team about why this could be an exciting career opportunity. 




Compensation: $150,000 to $200,000 base salary plus bonus (offers are negotiable)




Location: 100% onsite in downtown Tacoma, WA with occasional opportunities to work-from-home and travel to safety conferences.




What this company offer you:
  • Competitive compensation package with high bonus potential
  • 100% company paid health insurance for all employees
  • Paid Holidays
  • Flexible PTO options
  • 401(k) investment retirement account access
  • The ability to shape the future of a large regional operation
  • Opportunity to grow into more senior level roles with the company as we grow




Key Responsibilities
  • Design and execute effective safety strategies, training, and procedures to prevent workplace injuries, incidents, and financial losses.
  • Ensure organizational compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulatory bodies.
  • Perform safety audits and risk assessments to promptly identify and address hazards.
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts related to health and safety practices.
  • Partner with operations leadership to establish safety goals and track performance.
  • Develop and manage the safety department budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
  • Communicate and enforce safety policies in alignment with legal standards and internal workplace health and safety policies.
  • Provide training and guidance to supervisors and staff on safety inspections and regulatory compliance.
  • Monitor workplace conditions through regular safety inspections and ensure violations are corrected in a timely manner.
  • Maintain collaborative relationships with emergency services, mutual aid groups, and relevant authorities to facilitate coordinated safety efforts.
  • Investigate serious incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Analyze trends and safety data, reporting key findings to leadership.
  • Administer the workers’ compensation program in partnership with HR, including accommodation development under applicable compensation laws.
  • Oversee third-party liability claims related to operations, including coordination with stakeholders and insurance providers.
  • Represent the organization at industry safety meetings and compliance-related events.
  • Identify safety equipment needs and coordinate procurement with internal teams.
  • Deliver CPR and emergency preparedness training to employees.
  • Facilitate monthly safety meetings across the organization.




Liability Claims Management
  • Investigate general liability claims by collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing documentation.
  • Assess coverage, determine exposure, and recommend appropriate reserves.
  • Negotiate settlements with claimants, attorneys, and insurers to resolve claims effectively.
  • Prepare thorough documentation and reports to support claim decisions and settlements.
  • Collaborate with internal departments (finance, maintenance, operations) to manage claims holistically.
  • Ensure full regulatory compliance in all aspects of claim handling.
  • Maintain detailed records and ensure timely communication throughout the claim process.
  • Analyze claim trends and provide feedback on risk reduction strategies.
  • Support legal counsel in managing liability-related litigation when necessary.
  • Stay current on industry developments and best practices in claims management.




Additional Responsibilities
  • Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and work effectively with labor unions and management.
  • Adhere to internal safety policies and attend required training.
  • Participate in emergency preparedness planning and exercises.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.




Position Requirements

Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety or a related field.

Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years in a safety leadership role, preferably in a marine or industrial environment.
  • At least 3 years managing general liability claims in a similar operational setting.

Certifications:
  • CPR Instructor Certification (within 90 days of hire)
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
  • Competent Person – Fall Protection
  • OSHA 5410 Certified

Key Competencies:
  • Understanding of port, terminal, or industrial operations and equipment.
  • Familiarity with M&R procedures in a heavy equipment setting.
  • Ability to interpret labor contracts and apply them in safety-related contexts.
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA, USCG, and other safety regulations.
  • Expertise in liability insurance and claims management.

Technical Skills:
  • Strong analytical and investigative skills.
  • Budget planning and financial oversight.
  • Proficient with data analysis, trend visualization, and risk identification tools.
  • Risk assessment and mitigation expertise.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to physically access vessels, equipment, yards, and office facilities.
  • Must be able to safely navigate environments with moving heavy machinery.
  • Must be capable of climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs, and using computer equipment.

Work Environment
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions and potentially hazardous environments (including chemical, electrical, noise, and vibration).
  • Requires work in both indoor and outdoor settings near moving mechanical components.




Who is Rainier Recruiting? 

Rainier Recruiting is a boutique, award winning national staffing agency and executive search firm. Using an approach that “treats every candidate like an executive search”, we offer positions in contract-to-hire, Full-Time, and executive search. Named the #1 Best Workplace in Washington State in 2022, recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm, and identified as a top recruitment firm by multiple business journals, Rainier Recruiting is fast becoming a respected company. We are no longer the “best recruiters you have never heard of”. Rainier Recruiting is also proud to share our clients have a 93% repeat business rate. Rainier Recruiting is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation or belief, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and for the candidates we represent. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of every organization that we partner with. 

Meet Your Recruiter

Gina Sanders
Senior Recruiter

Gina brings over seven years of recruiting experience to Rainier Recruiting. Gina is passionate about helping candidates advance in their careers and clients hire the best talent for their teams. She loves working in the collaborative environment Rainier Recruiting fosters and thrives in the competitive nature of the recruiting industry. Gina is a Washington state local and Central Washington University graduate with a human resources degree.

When not recruiting, you’ll find Gina in Eastern Washington snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, riding dirt bikes, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.

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About Tacoma, WA

Explore exciting job opportunities around Tacoma, Washington! Known for its stunning waterfront views, vibrant arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings, Tacoma is a city brimming with growth potential. With attractions like the Museum of Glass, Point Defiance Park, and the Tacoma Dome, there's something for everyone to enjoy outside of work. Consider starting or advancing your career in this enchanting region that blends urban charm with natural beauty. Discover the perfect job match in Tacoma today!
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