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Safety Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Health & Safety Program Manager is responsible for managing system safety programs and chemical compliance processes to ensure a safe and compliant operational environment. This role drives ...

Safety Program Assistant

Redding, CA Β· On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Safety Program Assistant Department: Operations- Safety Team Reports to: Deputy Safety Lead ... Place equipment orders and manage related invoices and inventory * Coordinate with vendors * Track ...

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Safety Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do safety program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for safety program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a safety program manager do?

A Safety Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing safety policies and programs within an organization. They ensure that all workplace safety regulations are followed to protect employees, customers, and the company as a whole. This includes conducting risk assessments, training staff on safety procedures, investigating incidents, and keeping up with regulatory changes. Their goal is to minimize accidents and injuries while fostering a culture of safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a safety program manager?

To thrive as a Safety Program Manager, you need expertise in occupational health and safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in safety management or a related field. Familiarity with OSHA standards, incident reporting systems, and safety management software, as well as certifications like CSP or CHST, is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive a culture of safety and engage team members at all levels. These skills and qualifications are crucial to effectively identify hazards, implement safety programs, and ensure a safe workplace environment.

What are some common challenges faced by safety program managers when implementing new safety protocols across different departments?

Safety Program Managers often encounter resistance to change when introducing new protocols, particularly in departments with established routines. Communication and consistent training are key to overcoming these challenges, as is tailoring safety messaging to address the specific risks and workflows of each team. Collaboration with department leads and regular follow-ups help ensure buy-in and compliance, making it essential for Safety Program Managers to be both adaptable and proactive in their approach.

What is the difference between Safety Program Manager vs Safety Coordinator?

AspectSafety Program ManagerSafety Coordinator
CertificationsOSHA 30-hour, CSP or ASP preferredOSHA 10-hour or 30-hour, basic safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees safety programs across departments, strategic planningSupports safety initiatives, conducts inspections, assists with training
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, industrial sectorsUsed in similar industries, often as entry-level or support role

The Safety Program Manager typically develops and manages comprehensive safety strategies, requiring advanced certifications and experience. The Safety Coordinator focuses on implementing safety policies, conducting inspections, and supporting safety efforts. Both roles are vital for workplace safety but differ in scope and responsibility.

What are popular job titles related to Safety Program Manager jobs in California?

For Safety Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Safety Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Safety Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Safety Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Safety Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Safety Program Manager job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Safety Program Manager, Principal

Oakland, CA β€’ Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID # 173896 

Job Category: Project / Program Management 

Job Level: Manager/Principal

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Oakland

Department Overview

The Enterprise Service Delivery (ESD) Business Operations team delivers a broad range of expertise and services to drive integrated, cross-organizational solutions for ESD. By providing strategic counsel and program governance, the team helps the organization balance operational strategy, risk, compliance, and continuous improvement. We aspire to build leading programs that enable ESD and PG&E to thrive in their operations.

 

Job Summary

The Principal Safety Program Manager serves as the organization's senior strategic leader responsible for shaping, governing, and advancing enterprise-wide safety programs and culture. This role provides thought leadership, develops long-term safety strategies, and drives transformational initiatives that reduce risk, improve operational performance, and strengthen organizational resilience.

As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Safety Program Manager partners with executive leadership, business leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to establish safety governance, influence enterprise decision-making, and ensure alignment between safety performance, regulatory compliance, and business objectives.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in safety management systems, governance, risk management, organizational change, operational excellence, and executive stakeholder engagement

 

Required Skills & Competencies

  • Strategic Leadership & Executive Influence
  • Safety Governance, Risk & Compliance Management
  • Incident Investigation, Root Cause Analysis
  • Program/Portfolio Management & Performance Analytics
  • Lean Six Sigma, Change Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Stakeholder Engagement, Communication & Collaboration
  • Leadership Development, Coaching & Culture Transformation
  • Safety Culture Transformation

This person will travel up to 30% within the PG&E service territory.

PG&E is providing the full salary/pay range for this position.β€― The actual amount paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, internal equity,β€―specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, and geographic location. β€―The range to reasonably expect will be around the minimum and the midpointβ€―<$136,000 - $184,000 of the range>.β€― Theβ€―final decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to the factors above.β€―This job is also eligible to participate in PG&E’s discretionary incentive compensation programs.β€― 

Bay Area Min: $ 136,000

Bay Area Mid: $ 184,000

Bay Area Max: $ 232,000

 

Responsibilities:

Enterprise Safety Strategy & Leadership

  • Lead enterprise safety strategy, culture, and transformation initiatives.
  • Advise executives on safety performance, risks, and emerging trends.
  • Align safety programs with business objectives and risk priorities.

Safety Governance & Executive Oversight

  • Establish safety governance, councils, and review forums.
  • Monitor performance, manage risk escalation, and drive accountability.
  • Provide executive reporting and strategic recommendations.

Risk Management & Compliance

  • Lead enterprise risk assessment and mitigation efforts.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
  • Oversee corrective action and compliance programs.

Serious Incident & Learning Management

  • Oversee serious incident investigations and executive reviews.
  • Drive root cause analysis, organizational learning, and corrective actions.
  • Monitor trends and systemic risks to prevent recurrence.

Program Portfolio Leadership

  • Lead enterprise safety programs and strategic initiatives.
  • Establish governance, metrics, and performance measures.
  • Manage resources and ensure measurable outcomes.

Data Analytics & Performance Reporting

  • Define safety KPIs, metrics, and benchmarking standards.
  • Leverage analytics to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
  • Deliver executive dashboards and performance insights.

Continuous Improvement

  • Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
  • Standardize best practices and governance processes.
  • Drive sustainable safety and operational improvements.

Stakeholder Management & Influence

  • Partner with executives, regulators, labor, and business leaders.
  • Influence strategic decisions and drive cross-functional alignment.
  • Represent the organization in industry forums and benchmarking activities.

Leadership Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic direction to safety teams and stakeholders.
  • Build organizational capability in safety, governance, and risk management.
  • Develop talent and foster a high-performance culture.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in safety, risk management, operational excellence, compliance, or program management.
  • 4+ years leading enterprise-level safety programs, governance frameworks, or transformational initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience influencing executive leadership and organizational strategy.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams within complex, highly regulated environments.Proven success building enterprise governance structures and driving measurable safety improvements.

Desired Qualifications

  • Master's degree preferred
  • Proficiency with Excel and Power BI
  • 8+ years leading enterprise-level safety programs, governance frameworks, or transformational initiatives.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in safety, risk management, operational excellence, compliance, or program management.

Preferred Certifications

  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
  • Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)