The Safety Manager is a strategic and operational leader responsible for cultivating a strong safety culture across the JDI retail division. The retail division of JDI includes Kent, Chandler, Plasticraft, Atlas, Industrial Commercial Supplies, and Bayside Distribution. This role ensures compliance with safety regulations, drives continuous improvement, and contributes to a healthier and more productive work environment.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive safety strategy aligned with corporate goals and values.

• Lead the annual planning process for safety priorities, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance metrics.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to embed safety into business operations and decision-making.

Safety Program Management

• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety policies, procedures, and training programs.

• Monitor and analyze safety performance metrics; identify trends and implement corrective actions.

• Lead incident investigations and ensure timely reporting, root cause analysis, and resolution.

• Champion a proactive safety culture through employee engagement, recognition, and accountability.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with provincial and federal occupational health and safety regulations.

• Conduct regular audits and inspections to assess safety risks and ensure adherence to standards.

• Support crisis management and emergency response planning across all locations.

Insurance Claims Management

• Receive and review all customer incidents and other third-party claims (including motor vehicle accidents and product liability claims) and maintain claims data;

• Review data for trends in claims and develop practices and procedures to address and control trends;

• Work with insurance adjuster and legal counsel in their investigation of customer claims and third party issues.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead a team of regional safety professionals and advisors.

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

• Foster collaboration across departments and locations to ensure consistent execution of safety programs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and industry safety groups.

• Communicate safety performance and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

• Support cross-functional initiatives that enhance employee safety and operational resilience.

• Post-secondary education in Occupational Health & Safety considered an asset

• Certification CRSP, CHSC, or equivalent is considered an asset.

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in developing and managing safety programs, preferably in retail, construction, or industrial sectors.

• Strong knowledge of provincial and federal safety regulations and standards.

• Strong negotiation skills.

• Proficiency in statistical analysis and reporting.

• Excellent communication, change management and leadership skills.

Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an ecommerce website, our mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service and know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. We protect our customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to our safety values. We employ over 3,700 people and work hard to increase our market share through strategic investment in training and technology. We focus on the development of our people and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to our retail stores, we operate truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company. We are a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group which ensures our great product selection and pricing

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.