Freelance Operational Risk Manager Jobs in Michigan

The Operational Risk Lead is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of health and safety programs related to contractor management, construction activities, and operational risk across manufacturing and corporate operations. This role supports the Corporate Health & Safety team by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with construction projects, contractor activities, equipment installations, operational changes, and routine and non-routine work processes.

The position serves as a key subject matter expert in contractor safety, construction safety, operational risk management, and Job Safety Risk Assessments (JSRAs), ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, corporate standards, and industry best practices. The role works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Launch, Procurement, Legal, and Project Management teams to proactively integrate safety and risk controls into planning, execution, and operational readiness activities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Risk Identification & Assessment

• Lead the development and execution of Job Safety Risk Assessments (JSRAs) for routine and non-routine tasks.
• Facilitate risk assessments for new equipment, construction projects, launches, process modifications, and operational changes.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and launch teams to identify hazards and implement effective risk controls.
• Maintain a centralized operational risk register and ensure risks are evaluated, documented, and managed appropriately.

1. Contractor Safety & Construction Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain corporate contractor safety and construction safety management programs.
• Lead contractor prequalification processes, including evaluation of safety performance, certifications, and compliance history.
• Review and approve contractor safety plans, risk assessments, permits, and safe work procedures.
• Coordinate contractor onboarding, orientation, and site-specific safety training.
• Establish contractor performance monitoring processes and ensure compliance with corporate requirements.

1. Construction Site Oversight & Field Support

• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and field verifications for contractor activities and construction projects.
• Support project managers, site supervisors, and business leaders in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards.
• Monitor contractor compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate standards, and project safety expectations.
• Participate in project planning and execution meetings to ensure safety considerations are incorporated throughout the project lifecycle.

1. Incident Investigation & Corrective Action Management

• Lead or support investigations of significant incidents, injuries, near misses, contractor events, and high-potential exposures.
• Utilize structured root cause analysis methodologies to identify underlying causes.
• Develop, track, and verify completion of corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure lessons learned are communicated and incorporated into future risk management activities.

1. Risk Management Program Development

• Develop and implement operational risk management frameworks, tools, procedures, and governance processes.
• Integrate risk management principles into safety programs, audits, contractor management systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of corporate standards related to Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention, hazard recognition, and risk reduction.

1. Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, Provincial, and Local regulations, including OSHA, EPA, OHSA, WSIB, ISO 45001, and other relevant standards.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and recommend program updates as needed.
• Ensure required documentation, permits, records, and reporting obligations are completed accurately and maintained appropriately.

1. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Launch, Facilities, Procurement, Legal, and Corporate Health & Safety teams.
• Support project reviews, operational readiness activities, equipment installations, facility modifications, and launch initiatives.
• Partner with plant leadership to embed risk management and contractor safety principles into daily operations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to business units on safety and risk management matters.

1. Training, Communication & Safety Culture

• Develop and deliver training programs on contractor safety, operational risk management, construction safety, and JSRA processes.
• Conduct safety meetings, toolbox talks, and awareness campaigns for employees and contractors.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through engagement initiatives, leadership coaching, and risk awareness programs.
• Support organizational efforts to improve hazard recognition and risk-based decision making.

1. Data Analysis, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze incident data, audit findings, contractor performance metrics, risk indicators, and safety trends.
• Prepare and present reports, dashboards, and risk assessments to senior leadership.
• Identify systemic issues, emerging risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives designed to strengthen contractor safety performance and operational risk management effectiveness.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in contractor safety management, construction safety, operational risk management, or industrial safety within a manufacturing or automotive environment with overall a minimum of 8 years of professional experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Risk Management, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as:
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)
• Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
• Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO)
• Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC)
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor
• Safety Auditor Certificate (SAC)
• Experience supporting major capital projects, equipment installations, facility expansions, or manufacturing launch activities
• Familiarity with Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention methodologies and risk-based safety management systems
• Experience using data analytics and dashboard tools (e.g., Power BI) for safety and risk trend analysis
• Master's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Risk Management, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline