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Director of Safety & Operating Practices

GMB Powerline Services, Charleston, WV, United States


GMB Powerline Services is a family-owned and operated utility contractor based in West Virginia, proudly supporting our IBEW workforce. We deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality utility construction and storm restoration services nationwide. Our crews and corporate team work as a close-knit unit, grounded in our values of Safety, Reliability, Quality, and Community. With a growing fleet and dedicated staff, we are committed to going the extra mile for the communities we serve.

Position Summary The Director of Operating Safety Practices leads GMB’s safety culture and compliance programs with both vision and strategy. This individual oversees a team of Safety Representatives, making sure best practices are consistently used throughout storm restoration, transmission, and distribution projects. By launching initiatives that lower incident rates and advance operational excellence, the Director also ensures compliance with OSHA, DOT, utility-client, and IBEW requirements. Balancing strategic planning with hands‑on involvement, this role demands a strong presence in both field operations and executive discussions.

Key Duties & Responsibilities Safety Leadership & Oversight

Lead and develop a team of Safety Representatives supporting field operations.

Establish safety performance goals, KPIs, and accountability measures for field operations.

Serve as primary leader responsible for embedding “Safety First” culture across all projects.

Oversee Drug & Alcohol policy and testing enforcement

Manage safety reporting and training database electronic records

Program Development & Compliance

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety programs aligned with OSHA, FMCSA, DOT, and utility requirements.

Ensure consistent training, certifications, and safety orientations for all GMB and subcontractor personnel.

Maintain compliance with IBEW agreements, labor standards, and customer‑specific safety protocols.

Maintain safety manual and rules updated with regulatory and customer requirements.

Capture and publish safety data and reporting.

Field Engagement & Incident Management

Conduct site visits, audits, and field observations; provide real‑time coaching and corrective actions.

Lead root cause analysis and after‑action reviews for incidents, near‑misses, and safety events.

Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and closure of corrective actions.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

Represent GMB’s safety program with utility clients, regulators, and union partners.

Collaborate and support business development team with safety responses and development opportunities.

Participate in client kickoff meetings, audits, and after‑action debriefs as the subject‑matter expert (SME) safety authority.

Promote GMB’s reputation as an industry leader in safety and reliability.

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

Collaborate with executive leadership to set long‑term safety strategy and investment priorities.

Analyze trends and develop proactive measures to mitigate emerging risks.

Champion adoption of new safety technologies and reporting tools.

Preferred Education & Experience Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or related field

10+ years of progressive safety leadership experience within utility construction or storm restoration.

Demonstrated success leading multi‑state safety programs and managing distributed field teams.

Knowledge of OSHA, FMCSA, DOT, and utility industry safety regulations.

Professional certifications (CUSP, CSP, or similar) strongly preferred.

Technical & Leadership Skills

Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate safety professionals.

Strong knowledge of safety management systems, training programs, and root‑cause analysis methods.

Excellent communication and conflict‑resolution skills with crews, executives, and clients.

Ability to analyze complex data and make KPI‑driven decisions.

Field‑oriented leader who can balance compliance with practical operations.

Self‑motivated and independent, rational decision maker

Other duties as assigned.

Complexity Supervisory Responsibility:

Leads the Safety Representatives team with dotted‑line influence over field crews and project managers.

Scope / Financial Responsibility:

Direct impact on safety performance, risk reduction, insurance costs, and client contract renewals across GMB’s $100M+ annual operations portfolio

Job Type: Full‑Time, Exempt

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Health Insurance Options

Life Insurance Options

401(k) Plan

Physical Requirements:

Ability to visit job sites and clients nationwide

Up to 30% travel across multiple states.

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Ability to work extended hours, including nights/ weekends, during emergency mobilizations.

Schedule:

Monday‑Friday (with flexibility due to industry demands)

Weekend hours as needed during storm events

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