Occupational Health & Safety Manager

Description:

As part of the management team, the Manager of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) is accountable for supporting the setting and execution of the OHS plan for all union members with the Director of OHS.

The role of the Manager, OHS, is split across internal and external responsibilities.

The scale of the responsibility requires the Manager to lead a team of staff who hold expertise within one or more functions of the OHS department. The day-to-day management of these staff is a primary responsibility, along with providing leadership and guidance on internal OHS program development and providing strategic input to the Director, OHS.

Specific Accountabilities

This role is multifaceted, combining significant leadership and professional responsibilities:

Leadership: Responsible for the recruitment and retention of an engaged and high quality OHS team, and the provision of professional guidance, coaching, prioritization of work tasks, and on-going performance feedback to this team. Ensures proper training, development, and deployment of staff. Works with staff to develop and implement continuous improvements through performance reviews and disciplinary methods as required. Responsible for performance management, including discipline up to termination, hiring, and promotions in consultation with the Director. Represents management in grievances involving OHS department staff.
Execution: Works with the Director to assist in creating and implementing the success of the OHS operations plan as it relates to the mission and policies of the BCNU.
Project management: Works independently or with the Director to manage complex projects with both internal and external participants.
Safety of BCNU Staff: Serves as an expert on all issues relating to the safety of BCNU staff including occupational health and safety, emergency management and risk management, providing advice and guidance directly to the Director, OHS in the development of policies and procedures. 
Subject matter expertise: Represents BCNU on health and safety, disability management, WSBC/LTD appeals, accommodation and regulatory matters in a variety of forums; to be seen externally as an advocate with exceptional knowledge and passion for OHS. Provides advice and guidance to the BCNU bargaining team on collective agreement language related to health and safety during negotiations with staff unions. 
Strategy: Works with the Director and other senior leaders to develop external OHS advocacy strategies which further the goals of the BCNU.
Data and reporting: Support the development and establishment of key initiatives, priorities, and appropriate reporting protocols for the department to ensure OHS is funded appropriately and stays at the top of the BCNU and Employer agenda.
Budget and financial: At the direction of the Director, provides input into the annual health and safety budget; implements and monitors individual team operating budgets.
Coverage for senior positions: This position will also provide relief coverage for the duties of the Director, OHS on a temporary, as required basis, as directed by either the Director, OHS. 
Relationships: Builds internal and external relationships to enhance communication, share resources and learn together.

Candidate Qualifications

An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

Education and Professional Certifications

A Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., OHS, Law, Leadership, Nursing, Business, Public Health, Emergency Management etc.)
Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation preferred
Deep understanding of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and standards (Provincial Workers Compensation Act, CSA Z1000, 1001, 1002, 1003 standards).
Deep understanding of relevant health professions legislation, standards of practice, BCCNM bylaws and regulations, including knowledge of nurses’ employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing practice.

Experience And Knowledge

Proven senior OHS leadership experience including 5-7 years of working experience in the field and at least 3 years in leadership positions.
Deep and broad OHS subject matter expertise as it relates to healthcare.
Experience managing complex projects.
Proven experience developing and implementing OHS initiatives that produced a measurable impact on desired outcomes.
Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing high-performance teams.
Management of budgets and financial literacy.

Key Competencies 

An expert level of OHS, administrative law and regulated professions knowledge.
A proven ability to provide leadership to teams of experts.
A skilled communicator able to build networks and influence across the union, Employers, and other related interest holders.
Superior written and oral communication.
Expert level presentation and report development skills.
Ability to participate in mediation and negotiation at an advanced level.
Ability to prioritize multiple, often simultaneous projects.
Sufficient flexibility, tact, and assertiveness to successfully negotiate complex internal and external relationships.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Sound judgement is required to translate broad directives and strategies into specific plans and actionable items.
An advocate for healthcare and/or social justice (ideally with experience in British Columbia).
Willingness and ability to take responsibility for their team in the context of organizational risk.
Ability to travel throughout the province, nationally and internationally as required.