Position overview

Delta Utilities is seeking an accomplished executive with experience in safety, training, and compliance to serve as Vice President of Safety & Training. This role is responsible for oversight of the company’s safety strategy and training programs, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations, and fostering a culture of safety across the organization. This is a full-time position based in New Orleans, Louisiana.  

This role will provide strategic leadership to advance safety as a core value throughout Delta Utilities. The VP of Safety & Training will work closely with the executive team to establish safety priorities, oversee compliance with all safety regulations, and embed a proactive safety culture across the organization. The role will also be responsible for enhancing safety policies, procedures, and training to ensure the well-being of employees and the integrity of natural gas utility operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and drive the organization’s overarching safety and training vision and strategy, aligning safety goals with corporate objectives
• Lead the development, continuous improvement, and integration of advanced safety programs that meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Partner with executive leadership to integrate safety as a key component of the company’s operational strategies, advising on safety risks and opportunities
• Oversee the establishment and tracking of key safety metrics to monitor company-wide safety performance, identifying and addressing trends at an organizational level
• Direct the design, implementation, and refinement of training programs to ensure employees at all levels are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to safely perform their duties
• Ensure the company's safety and training programs meet all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA and DOT standards, taking proactive measures to address potential compliance issues
• Oversee the development of specialized training and safety protocols for high-risk areas, such as pipeline operations, emergency response, and hazardous material handling
• Provide executive oversight of all safety incidents and accident investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective actions, and oversee the preparation and submission of regulatory reports on behalf of the organization
• Lead the development, implementation, and testing of emergency response and crisis management plans, ensuring all employees are fully trained and prepared
• Establish and manage a robust program of audits and inspections for all company facilities, work sites, and equipment, focusing on continuous improvement and risk mitigation
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the safety and training team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration across the organization
• Manage the departmental budget and ensure resources are used effectively to achieve strategic safety goals
• Act as the company’s primary executive representative on all safety-related matters, engaging with internal and external stakeholders to promote transparency and trust
• Stay at the forefront of regulatory changes and industry best practices, proactively adjusting programs and advising executive leadership on emerging safety trends

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in safety management within the utility industry, with at least seven years in a leadership role
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and other relevant safety regulations
• Demonstrated ability to align safety programs with broader business objectives, using data to drive strategic safety initiatives
• Proven experience developing and implementing safety and training programs
• Strong executive leadership skills with a record of successfully leading and mentoring high-performance teams and fostering an organizational culture focused on safety
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to influence and engage employees at all levels
• Certification in safety management (e.g., CSP, CIH) is preferred
• Ability to travel to various company locations and job sites as needed
• Comfortability with occasional exposure to environments with hazardous materials or high-risk activities

About Delta Utilities

Delta Utilities is a leading natural gas utility with a focus on safe, dependable service to customers. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the utility will serve nearly 600,000 customers and become one of the leading natural gas providers in Louisiana and Mississippi and among the top 40 providers in the United States.

In 2023, Entergy announced that it had entered into an agreement with Delta Utilities to sell its Louisiana gas distribution business. The natural gas utility currently serves more than 200,000 customers across East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes. In February 2024, Delta Utilities entered into an agreement with CenterPoint Energy to acquire its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas businesses, which currently serve approximately 381,000 customers. Once the transactions are complete, Entergy's Louisiana natural gas operations and CenterPoint Energy's Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas systems will be operated by Delta Utilities. Learn more: https://deltautilities.com/ 

Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal-opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.