Head of Corporate EHS
Re:Car · Warsaw
ABOUT SLATE
At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.
| WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
The Head of Corporate EHS is a director-level leader responsible for the strategic vision, enterprise-wide oversight, and operational execution of all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security programs across Slate's manufacturing and corporate footprint. This role partners directly with senior executive leadership to build and sustain a world-class safety culture—establishing the systems, standards, and talent required to protect our people, ensure regulatory excellence, and advance Slate's commitment to responsible operations.
The Head of Corporate EHS provides leadership across all facilities—including the Warsaw, IN manufacturing campus and corporate offices—serving as the ultimate authority on EHS matters while driving integration of safety into every phase of product launch, manufacturing expansion, and daily operations.
| WHAT YOU GET TO DO:
Strategic EHS Leadership
- Define Enterprise EHS Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year EHS roadmap aligned with Slate's growth plans, manufacturing scale-up, and organizational values.
- Executive Reporting & Governance: Serve as the primary EHS advisor to the COO and Executive Leadership Team; present performance metrics, risk assessments, and strategic initiatives at the board and leadership level.
- EHS Management System: Establish, maintain, and continuously improve an enterprise EHS Management System (ISO 45001, ISO 14001 or equivalent) across all company locations.
- Culture of Safety: Champion a behavioral-based safety culture rooted in accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement—visible at every level of the organization from frontline to C-suite.
Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Stewardship
- Regulatory Oversight:: Ensure enterprise-wide compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local EHS regulations including OSHA, EPA, MIOSHA, DNR, and other relevant authorities.
- Environmental Programs: Oversee all environmental compliance programs including air emissions, stormwater, wastewater, hazardous waste management, chemical storage, and spill prevention (SPCC).
- Permitting & Reporting: Direct all regulatory permitting activities; oversee timely and accurate submittal of required regulatory reports, manifests, and disclosures.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Lead enterprise sustainability strategy including energy reduction, water conservation, waste minimization, and carbon footprint tracking in alignment with company ESG goals.
Health & Safety Program Management
- Safety Management Systems: Own the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety programs including hazard identification, risk assessment, JSA/JHA processes, machine guarding, LOTO, fall protection, and industrial hygiene.
- Incident Management: Lead the enterprise incident investigation framework using root cause methodologies (5-Why, Fishbone, Fault Tree); ensure corrective actions are implemented and verified company-wide.
- Occupational Health: Oversee occupational health clinic operations and workers' compensation programs to ensure employees receive the highest standard of care and return-to-work support.
- Emergency Preparedness:: Develop, maintain, and test emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and business continuity protocols across all facilities.
Manufacturing & Startup Support
- New Launch EHS Oversight: Provide EHS leadership during all phases of new facility construction, equipment installation, and manufacturing launch—evaluating layouts, safe work procedures, and commissioning safety for compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards.
- Process Safety: Partner with engineering and operations to integrate safety into new manufacturing processes (stamping, body shop, paint, assembly, battery lines) from concept through production.
- Ergonomics & Industrial Hygiene: Lead enterprise programs for ergonomics, noise monitoring, air quality, chemical exposure monitoring, and PPE selection.
Training, Education & Culture Development
- Training Programs: Design and deliver scalable EHS training curriculum for all employee populations including new hire onboarding, contractor safety, supervisory training, and specialized operator programs.
- EHS Communication: Develop internal communication strategies to keep EHS top-of-mind across the enterprise and reinforce leading safety behaviors.
- Behavioral Safety: Champion behavioral-based safety (BBS) programs and frontline engagement initiatives that drive proactive hazard identification and near-miss reporting.
Team Leadership & Development
- Build the Team: Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing EHS team including plant-level EHS Managers, regional leads, and occupational health personnel.
- Coaching & Mentorship: Provide strategic guidance, development planning, and mentorship to direct reports; foster a proactive, service-oriented EHS function across the enterprise.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work as a trusted partner to Operations, Engineering, HR, Legal, Finance, and Facilities to integrate EHS considerations into all business decisions and capital projects.
Performance Metrics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- KPIs & Leading Indicators: Establish and manage enterprise EHS KPIs including leading and lagging indicators; deliver clean, actionable reporting to plant and corporate leadership.
- Audits & Inspections: Direct the internal audit program and coordinate external regulatory inspections across all locations; ensure findings are tracked to closure.
- Continuous Improvement: Lead cross-functional EHS improvement projects utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies; benchmark best-in-class automotive safety practices.
- Documentation & Records:: Ensure accurate maintenance of all EHS records including SDS libraries, chemical approvals, training records, permits, inspection logs, and incident reports.
| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 12–15 years of progressive EHS experience, with at least 5 years in a senior or director-level EHS leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in automotive, advanced manufacturing, or high-growth industrial environments; startup or greenfield launch experience highly desirable.
- Proven track record of building and scaling EHS programs from the ground up across multiple facilities and geographies.
Certifications (Preferred)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 Lead Auditor
- CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)
Skills & Competencies
- Deep expertise in OSHA, EPA, and state-level EHS regulations applicable to manufacturing operations.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and executive presence; ability to influence at all levels from frontline workers to the C-suite.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills; proficiency in EHS software platforms and metrics reporting.
- Proven project management capabilities with experience managing complex, multi-site EHS initiatives simultaneously.
- Ability to build trust, drive accountability, and foster a positive safety culture in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Proficiency with EHS management software (e.g., Intelex, Cority, VelocityEHS, or equivalent EHSMS platforms).
Working Conditions
- Primary work location: Warsaw, Indiana manufacturing campus, with regular travel to corporate offices and other company locations (estimated 20–30% travel).
- Mix of office and manufacturing floor engagement required; must be able to conduct site inspections, audits, and field investigations.
- Availability for after-hours response to EHS emergencies, regulatory inquiries, or critical incident situations.
WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?
At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.
Safety First
Delight Customers
One Team
Relentless Improvement
Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
Respectful Collaboration
Positive Legacy
WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.
Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.
Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at
slate-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.