General Manager of Safety & Environmental Health
Stowers Machinery Corporation
Knoxville, TN
Business Management / Project / Planning, Manufacturing / Production
The GM of Safety and Environmental Health provides strategic leadership and oversight for Stowers Machinery Corporation’s health, safety, and environmental (EH&S) programs across all business operations, including service facilities, field service teams, warehouses, rental operations, and transportation activities.
Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, this role is accountable for executing the company’s long-term safety vision, ensuring full regulatory compliance, managing HSE budgets, and fostering a proactive, data-driven safety culture aligned with Caterpillar’s standards.
The GM collaborates closely with department leaders to integrate safety and risk management into all aspects of business planning, operations, and employee engagement.
Knowledge And Skill Requirements
Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, this role is accountable for executing the company’s long-term safety vision, ensuring full regulatory compliance, managing HSE budgets, and fostering a proactive, data-driven safety culture aligned with Caterpillar’s standards.
The GM collaborates closely with department leaders to integrate safety and risk management into all aspects of business planning, operations, and employee engagement.
Knowledge And Skill Requirements
- Expert knowledge of OSHA 1910/1926, MSHA Part 46/48, DOT, and EPA regulations.
- Deep understanding of enterprise-level safety program strategy, incident investigation, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong ability to interpret and implement corporate safety policies across multiple sites.
- Skilled in managing safety records, prequalification systems, and compliance documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise safety management platforms.
- Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated executive-level influence and stakeholder engagement.
- Professional safety certifications such as CSP, ASP, CHST, or equivalent.
- Proven experience managing safety budgets and allocating resources to optimize organizational outcomes.
- Valid driver’s license; willingness to travel to surrounding locations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred
- Develop and implement the company-wide HSE strategy, policies, and objectives in alignment with corporate goals.
- Oversee and guide Safety Managers and other safety staff in executing programs at all company locations.
- Establish enterprise safety performance metrics, track trends, and report to the VP of HR.
- Lead or oversee investigations of significant incidents, ensuring consistent root cause analysis, corrective actions, and reporting.
- Manage enterprise compliance with OSHA, MSHA, DOT, and EPA regulations, including customer prequalification systems (ISNetworld, Avetta, Veriforce).
- Oversee workers’ compensation, vehicle, and property claims at the organizational level; collaborate with insurance providers and legal counsel.
- Direct continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data analysis to mitigate risk, reduce incident rates, and improve safety culture.
- Ensure environmental compliance and adherence to contamination control standards across all locations.
- Develop and manage the HSE department budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet strategic objectives.
- Provide strategic direction and mentorship to Safety Managers, Coordinators, and field safety personnel.
- Serve as the executive liaison for safety with senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and customers.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration between operations, HR, and other departments to implement the VP’s safety vision.
- Promote a proactive, accountable, and engaged safety culture across the organization.
- 10 years of progressive experience in safety leadership, preferably in heavy equipment, construction, or industrial environments.
- Proven success implementing multi-site safety programs and managing safety-related budgets.
- Experience leading regulatory audits and achieving compliance with OSHA, MSHA, DOT, and EPA standards.
- Track record of fostering safety culture, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Proven track record in reducing workplace incidents
- Experience managing budgets and safety programs at a corporate level
- Ability to handle crisis situations and provide strategic guidance
- Experience developing and implementing Ergonomic programs
- Ability to operate in office, shop, and field environments.
- Capable of walking, standing, climbing, and inspecting operational areas, vehicles, and equipment.
- Capacity to manage multiple priorities, respond to incidents, and make strategic decisions under pressure.
- Primarily office-based with frequent site visits to company facilities, warehouses, customer locations, and field operations.
- Exposure to operational hazards; adherence to PPE and safety protocols required.
- Regular interaction with employees, supervisors, senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Travel to company sites and meetings as required (up to 15-30%).
About the company
Company website•Machinery Manufacturing
Stowers Machinery Corporation has been East Tennessee's Cat dealer since 1960, providing sales, rental, parts, and service for Caterpillar machines, engines, and generators. Stowers Machinery Corporation and its subsidiary companies and divisions (including Stowers Rents and Stowers Power Systems) offer a wide variety of products and services for the construction, mining, and industrial markets, including heavy equipment sales & rental; power generation sales & rental; equipment rentals through its Cat Rental Stores; and a full range of product support services, including parts & service support for Cat machines, generators, and engines; truck engine & commercial engine service; a machine shop, hydraulic shop, and component rebuild shop; and a full-service welding & fabrication shop.