QEHS Manager

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

Position Summary

The Quality, Environmental Health & Safety (QEHS) Manager is responsible for leading and managing all quality assurance, environmental compliance, health and safety programs across two local operational locations. This position develops, implements, and continuously improves systems that ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, employee safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. The QEHS Manager serves as a strategic business partner, fostering a culture of quality and safety while supporting organizational goals, customer requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Quality Management

• Oversight of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance across production and warehouse environments including hygiene practices, housekeeping expectations, and material handling procedures.
• Verification of operational documentation including production work orders, first article records, quality documentation, and traceability records to ensure records are properly completed and maintained.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems to ensure compliance with customer requirements, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead quality assurance and quality control activities across both facilities.
• Monitor key quality metrics and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to reduce defects and improve product consistency.
• Oversee internal audits, customer audits, supplier audits, and third-party certification audits.
• Manage customer complaints, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain teams to improve product quality and manufacturing processes.
• Establish and maintain quality documentation, procedures, work instructions, and records.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

 Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)

• Develop, implement, and manage environmental, health, and safety programs for both locations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Conduct facility inspections, risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and safety audits.
• Lead accident, injury, near-miss, and environmental incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain required environmental permits, reporting requirements, and compliance documentation.
• Oversee hazardous waste management, chemical safety programs, air quality compliance, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Develop and administer emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and business continuity programs.
• Monitor workplace safety performance and drive initiatives to reduce incidents and workers' compensation costs.

Multi-Site Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for QEHS programs at two locations, ensuring consistency in standards, processes, and performance.
• Regularly travel between facilities to conduct audits, coach teams, and support operational needs.
• Develop site-specific action plans while maintaining alignment with company-wide objectives.
• Build strong partnerships with plant leadership, department managers, and employees at both sites.
• Analyze performance data and prepare reports for executive leadership.

Training and Culture Development

• Develop and deliver quality and safety training programs for employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Promote a proactive culture of quality, safety, environmental responsibility, and accountability.
• Lead safety committees and employee engagement initiatives.
• Ensure all required regulatory and compliance training is completed and documented.

Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, customers, and external auditors.
• Maintain compliance with applicable standards and certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, GMP, HACCP, or other applicable standards).
• Stay current on evolving regulatory requirements and implement necessary program updates.

Qualifications:

Education

• BA/BS degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Engineering, Industrial Management, Quality Management, Occupational Safety, or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Quality and Environmental Health & Safety leadership roles in manufacturing, converting, packaging, distribution, or related industries.
• Multi-site management experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing regulatory compliance programs and quality management systems.
• Previous experience supporting OSHA, EPA, and ISO compliance initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and workplace safety best practices.
• Understanding of environmental regulations and reporting requirements.
• Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and/or ISO 45001 management systems.
• Excellent root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and quality/safety management software.
• Ability to influence change and build relationships across all levels of the organization.

Certifications Preferred

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• ASQ Quality Certification
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk manufacturing and warehouse facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to travel regularly between assigned local facilities.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular travel between two local company locations. The QEHS Manager must balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, product quality, and employee safety across both facilities.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $110,000 - $120,000 + benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Withinthe range, individual pay is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. At Novolex, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The benefits for this role include 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, and sick days, paid parental leave, paid holidays and wellness program.

#LI-TM1

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact [email protected].

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen