Hazmat Operations Manager

Description

The Hazmat Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the safe, compliant, and efficient handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials within the operation. This position ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations while leading operational teams, maintaining safety standards, driving continuous improvement, and supporting customer and business requirements. The Hazmat Operations Manager serves as the subject matter expert for hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Operational Leadership:

• Manage day-to-day hazardous materials warehouse and distribution operations.
• Oversee receiving, storage, inventory management, handling, and shipment of hazardous materials.
• Ensure operational efficiency while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, productivity, quality, and customer service.
• Develop staffing plans and manage labor resources to support operational requirements.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including: 
  • Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
  • Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
  • State and local environmental regulations
• Maintain required permits, licenses, and compliance documentation.
• Lead internal and external compliance audits and inspections.
• Investigate and resolve compliance issues and implement corrective actions.

Safety Management:

• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
• Develop and maintain site-specific hazardous materials safety programs.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses.
• Ensure emergency response procedures are established, communicated, and regularly tested.
• Coordinate spill response, containment, and remediation activities when necessary.
• Conduct regular facility safety inspections and risk assessments.

Team Leadership:

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations and establish development plans.
• Ensure all employees receive required hazardous materials and safety training.
• Foster employee engagement and accountability.
• Lead shift meetings and communicate operational and safety expectations.

Customer and Stakeholder Partnership:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding hazardous materials operations.
• Collaborate with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Quality, Transportation, and Operations teams.
• Support customer audits and compliance reviews.
• Ensure service levels meet contractual obligations and customer expectations.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, safety performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement initiatives.
• Analyze operational data and develop action plans to improve performance.
• Lead projects involving facility expansion, process improvements, or new customer implementations.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and operational experience may be considered.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of warehouse, logistics, transportation, or hazardous materials operations experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience managing supervisors and operational teams.
• Experience working in a hazardous materials, chemical, pharmaceutical, industrial, or regulated warehouse environment.
• Experience managing regulatory inspections and compliance programs preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of DOT, OSHA, EPA, and hazmat regulations.
• Strong understanding of hazardous materials classifications and shipping requirements.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control processes.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and operational reporting tools.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
• DOT Hazardous Materials Certification
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification
• HAZWOPER Certification (29 CFR 1910.120)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

RK Qualities

• Adherence to all RK Safety, Quality, ISO and HR policies and standards

RK Logistics Group will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if RK Logistics Group is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.

RK Logistics Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We do not discriminate in employment decisions or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.