VP of Safety (Bird Electric)

Job Summary

Bird Electric is a leading electric utility company committed to powering communities through safe, reliable, and innovative transmission and distribution services. As we expand and modernize our infrastructure, safety remains our highest priority—for our employees, our contractors, and the public.

The Vice President of Safety will serve as the strategic leader responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all safety programs across the organization. This executive will champion a culture of safety excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement in safety performance across field operations, engineering, and corporate functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive safety strategy aligned with company goals and industry best practices.
• Lead and mentor a team of safety professionals across multiple regions and operational units.
• Oversee safety audits, incident investigations, and root cause analyses to ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate safety into all aspects of business planning and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NERC, FERC, and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Monitor safety KPIs and present regular reports to the Board and Senior Leadership.
• Oversee the Apprenticeship and Training program.
• Drive innovation in safety training, technology adoption, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Serve as the company’s primary safety spokesperson during crises or public inquiries.
• Manages safety component of companies strategic plan.
• Interfaces with clients and various officials.
• Interfaces with key division and corporate management.
• May act as Safety Consultant for clients.
• Provides supervision, training, development, and performance management of direct reports.
• Identifies and assesses improvement opportunities which will add value.
• Assesses and supports the change management effects associated with the implementation of improvements.
• Proactively supports, encourages and facilitates staff to engage in continuous improvement activities .

Management Responsibilities

Supervises work of others. Responsible for hiring, discipline, and pay administration of their subordinates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in safety management within the electric utility or energy sector.
• Deep understanding of transmission and distribution operations, hazards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record of building and sustaining a strong safety culture.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills.
• Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Minimum Qualifications

Advanced safety and health experience and certifications, . All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Certifications

Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, or equivalent

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Physical Demands:
• Lift and carry heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, Kneel, Bend, Stoop, Move, and Walk long distances in and around confined, cluttered places, and uneven areas.
• See and hear naturally or with correction.
• Full range of motion and flexibility consistent with requirements of the job duties.
• Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls according to a set procedure.
• Requires repetitive movement.
• May require work above 5 feet in height.
• Climb and maintain balance on steel framework, stairs, ladders and scaffolds.
• Work up to a 12 hour shift doing hard physical labor in varying temperature extremes and other outside conditions.

Work Environment:
• Typical construction site environment:
• Requires working in cramped work spaces and getting into awkward positions.
• Requires working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32F degrees) temperatures and exposure to inclement weather such as dust, wind, snow, rain, etc.
• Requires working in extremely bright or low lighting conditions
• Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Work around hazardous equipment.
• Typical office environment.
• This position is considered a safety sensitive position.