OHS Specialist - Nights

US-KS-De Soto

US Careers (External)

Req #: 46353
Type: Full-Time

Panasonic Corporation of North America

				Overview:

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as an OHS Leader? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!

Responsibilities:

Meet the Recruiter: Anh Martin

Summary:

Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we're building the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you'll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.

Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.

Job Summary: 

The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Leader is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining safety programs that ensure compliance with all applicable regulations during commissioning and production operations. This role partners closely with business leaders, stakeholders, consultants, and vendors to identify and mitigate risks, enhance safety culture, and drive continuous improvement across all operations. The OHS Leader serves as a subject matter expert on occupational health and safety, providing guidance on regulatory requirements, risk assessments, and incident investigations. Through proactive coaching, auditing, and collaboration, the OHS Leader supports a safe, compliant, and high-performing work environment aligned with organizational goals.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

* Develop, implement, and maintain written occupational health and safety programs, policies, and procedures
* Utilize and maintain OHS monitoring tools, systems, and equipment to ensure effective program execution and compliance
* Maintain regular on-site presence and availability across all scheduled shifts to support safety oversight, incident response, and employee engagement
* Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports, permits, and documentation as required
* Assist with emergency response activities, drills, and readiness programs
* Support a safe and efficient work environment through teamwork, proactive engagement, and accountability

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

* Lead and support risk assessments, process hazard analyses (PHA), and management of change (MOC) processes
* Evaluate equipment design, commissioning processes, and workplace activities to identify and mitigate hazards
* Conduct audits and inspections to identify deficiencies, develop corrective actions, and verify implementation
* Lead incident investigations to determine root causes and establish preventive and corrective measures
* Promote a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization

Training & Team Support:

* Provide OHS training and guidance to employees and contractors to build safety awareness and accountability
* Coach both English- and non-English-speaking vendors, contractors, and technical advisors on safety requirements during commissioning
* Influence cross-functional teams to drive a proactive, high-performance safety culture

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

* Serve as a technical consultant and subject matter expert on OHS programs, policies, and regulatory guidance
* Partner with internal and external stakeholders to maintain compliance and align safety practices across all teams
* Effectively communicate safety performance and improvement opportunities to leadership and employees

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

* Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local OHS laws, regulations, and standards

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

* To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

Education:

* Required: Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent work experience
* Preferred: Master's Degree in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related technical field

Essential Qualifications:

* Minimum of 4-6 years of EHS experience, with 2-4 years in a manufacturing environment
* Strong knowledge of OSHA standards and other applicable guidelines (NFPA, ANSI, NEC, ACGIH, NIOSH)
* Experience creating and delivering EHS training programs
* Proficient in risk assessments, incident investigations, and root cause analysis
* Demonstrated experience working with contractors and external personnel on field-based safety
* Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
* Ability to work effectively in both independent and cross-functional team environments
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
* Ability and willingness to respond to site emergencies 24/7 as needed
* Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking
* Alignment to Panasonic's seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience supporting commissioning, construction, or startup environments within manufacturing or industrial settings
* Familiarity with lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes, chemical handling, or other high-hazard operations
* Working knowledge of environmental regulations and management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or equivalent)
* Experience participating in or leading internal audits and compliance inspections
* Background in ergonomics, industrial hygiene, or occupational exposure assessments
* Demonstrated experience supporting cross-functional improvement initiatives or safety committees
* Proficiency using EHS management software (e.g., Enablon, Intelex, VelocityEHS, or similar platforms)
* Ability to develop and deliver engaging safety training to diverse audiences
* Experience collaborating with contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies
* Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies as applied to safety systems

Preferred Certification(s):

* Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
* Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
* HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR, and Emergency Response certifications
* ISO 45001 Lead Auditor
* Lockout/Tagout / Electrical Safety Certification
* Respiratory Protection / Fit Test Certification

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

* Sit: 25%
* Walk: 75%
* Stand: 50%
* Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

For this position, the required frequency is:

* Up to 10 
			
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