Cobblestone Fruit

As a key member of the leadership team, the Safety Director will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs across Cobblestone Farming and its’ affiliated entities. This role ensures company-wide compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations while fostering a proactive, prevention-focused safety culture.

The Safety Director will oversee injury prevention strategies, incident response and investigations, regulatory reporting, and all EHS training initiatives. In addition, this position has direct oversight of facilities safety, food safety, and sanitation departments, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, customer expectations, and regulatory standards.

Working in close partnership with department heads and operational leadership, the Safety Director drives organizational accountability, develops safety performance goals, and ensures the consistent application of best practices across all worksites. This role also manages the creation and deployment of safety training schedules and materials to support ongoing compliance and employee engagement.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor the safety focused teams, ensuring adherence to safe work practices and maintaining a clean, compliant, and effective working environment.
• Champion a culture of safety by enforcing safe work procedures and ensuring a safe and healthy workplace across all departments, including facilities, field, and plant operations.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Operations and Farming teams, providing expert guidance on regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and safety best practices.
• Oversee the implementation and ongoing compliance of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies. Draft, revise, and distribute policies and procedures to employees and contractors as required.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual safety action plan, with measurable goals aligned to operational risk areas and safety performance improvement.
• Design and deliver effective safety training programs for employees, managers, and contractors. Act as a lead trainer for management personnel, ensuring they are equipped to train, monitor, and consult with their teams on safety-related matters.
• Create and maintain tailored tailgate safety meeting curriculum, focused on site-specific injury trends, near misses, and preventative practices.
• Ensure full compliance with safety requirements by all third-party contractors, including adherence to equipment safety protocols and site access rules.
• Maintain and routinely update all Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and compliance-related documentation.
• Manage the company’s Safety Training Plan, including scheduling and tracking training certifications, refresher courses, and regulatory deadlines.
• Conduct regular facility safety inspections, audits, and job hazard analyses to identify risks and verify corrective actions have been implemented.
• Lead or support incident investigations in collaboration with Human Resources, including root cause analysis, preventative recommendations, and corrective actions as appropriate.
• Maintain organized and accessible safety records, training logs, and compliance documentation in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Administer and refine the Safety Incentive Program to drive engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement in safety performance.
• Provide oversight and direction to the Food Safety and Sanitation departments, ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, and company-specific food safety programs.
• Stay informed of current and emerging regulatory requirements (e.g., Cal/OSHA, EPA, FDA) and advise leadership on compliance strategies.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the overall success of the safety, food safety, and sanitation functions and the overall Cobblestone Fruit book of business.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in safety leadership within industrial, agricultural, or warehouse environments.
• At least 10 years of direct supervisory and team management experience and 15 years of progressive safety experience.
• HACCP Certification (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) preferred
• FSMA Train-the-Trainer Certification (Food Safety Modernization Act) preferred
• Internal Auditor Certification (for food safety systems or GFSI schemes) preferred
• Global G.A.P. Certification – current version preferred
• GFSI Certification (e.g., SQF, BRC, or equivalent) preferred
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred
• HAZMAT training or certification preferred
• Working knowledge of pest control programs and sanitation chemicals
• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, and other food safety regulatory frameworks
• In-depth understanding of OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations, environmental health and safety standards, and industry-specific compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of food safety audits, documentation practices, and third-party certification programs.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred; must be able to train and communicate effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience with FAMOUS ERP software or similar systems preferred
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to remain composed in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and influence at all organizational levels.
• Ethical, team-oriented, and service-focused, with a commitment to Cobblestone’s mission and values.
• Flexible and adaptable in duties, schedules, and priorities to meet evolving business needs.
• Valid driver’s license
• Availability to work extended hours, including weekends and overtime, based on operational demands

Physical Demands & Abilities

• Must be able to work in dynamic environmental conditions, including cold, wet, and humid areas such as packing facilities, processing floors, and outdoor field environments.
• Routinely required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, lift, reach, and squat throughout the workday, often while navigating uneven or slippery surfaces.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, using proper ergonomic techniques.
• Willingness and physical stamina to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, particularly during peak harvest and production periods.
• Ability to see clearly and focus on detailed tasks such as using a computer, entering data, while performing repetitive hand movements accurately and consistently.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, estimated at $160,000/year or higher DOE
• Vacation time, sick time, holiday pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account(s) coverage
• 401k Plan with company match upon eligibility

Cobblestone Fruit does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing agencies, or other vendors. Resumes submitted without a prior written agreement or request from our Human Resources team will be considered the property of Cobblestone Fruit, and the company will not be responsible for any fees related to such submissions. At this time, we are not seeking external recruiting assistance.