EHS Specialist

Job Description

The person occupying this position is responsible for supporting, implementing, and ensuring compliance with the objectives, programs, and strategies established by the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Department for the Kraft Heinz Production Plant in Pavas, Costa Rica, while also providing partial support to the Distribution Center (DC) operation located in Coyol.

This role ensures compliance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation, corporate EHS standards, audit requirements, and the Kraft Heinz Management System (KHMS), while promoting a strong culture of safety and prevention throughout the organization.

Key Accountabilities

• Behavior-Based Safety (BOS) Program: Maintain and strengthen the BOS Program through the development of methodologies, employee training, trend analysis, and execution of action plans aimed at reducing incidents resulting from unsafe behaviors. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

• Technical EHS Programs Implementation: Lead the implementation of corporate EHS technical programs and chapters by establishing controls, developing organizational knowledge, and supervising preventive measures. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

• Corporate Safety Alerts and Risk Assessments: Conduct risk identification, evaluation, and analysis of corporate safety alerts, ensuring the implementation and follow-up of appropriate control measures within the Plant and Distribution Center. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

• Incident Investigation and Corrective Actions: Lead investigations and analyses of recordable incidents, establishing corrective and preventive actions, monitoring implementation, and verifying effectiveness. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

• HIPO (High Potential Incidents) Management: Implement mechanisms to identify, assess, and control conditions or behaviors with the potential to cause serious injuries (HIPOs), while ensuring timely closure of corrective actions. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

• Participation in Operational Routines: Actively participate in plant operational routines, meetings, and reviews to ensure the integration of safety into day-to-day business operations. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance. (10%)

• Ergonomic Assessments: Coordinate ergonomic workplace assessments in partnership with the Medical Clinic to support occupational disease prevention, investigation, and corrective actions. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance. (10%)

• FM Global Management: Support the EHS Manager in managing the relationship with FM Global, including audits, action plans, and implementation of recommendations. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance; Closure of FM Global audit findings; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

• SMETA Management System: Manage and maintain the Occupational Health and Safety Management System in accordance with SMETA requirements, ensuring readiness and compliance for audits. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

• Safety Culture and Technical Advisory: Collaborate with leadership teams to strengthen the company’s safety culture and act as a technical advisor on Occupational Health and Safety matters across all departments. Measurement criteria: Documentation updates; Plan implementation; Legal compliance; Closure of FM Global audit findings; Completion of KHMS action plans. (10%)

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or Licentiate Degree in Occupational Health and Safety

• Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety management, including implementation of safety programs, emergency management, risk assessment, and compliance initiatives

• Technical Knowledge

• Costa Rican Occupational Health and Safety regulations

• ISO 45001 fundamentals

• Languages

• Spanish: Fluent

• English: Advanced (required)

Location(s)

San Jose, Costa Rica Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.