Senior Director, Environment, Health and Safety

Strategic Planning and Oversight:

• Lead the development and implementation of EHS functional strategy and multi-year plans, aligned with SAIT’s institutional strategy and People & Culture priorities


• Translate strategic direction into operational programs, policies, and performance frameworks to support consistent and compliant EHS practices


• Provide subject matter expertise and advice to the Vice President, executives, and senior leaders on regulatory trends, risk considerations, and leading practices


• Establish and monitor functional KPIs, using data and analytics to inform priorities and continuous improvement initiatives

Operations and Service Delivery:

• Provide direction and oversight of EHS service delivery across multiple program areas (environmental health, safety, security, risk and compliance)


• Implement standards, operating models, and assurance mechanisms to support effective and consistent delivery across departments


• Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance systems, reporting, and training aligned with institutional priorities


• Build and maintain relationships with external regulators and agencies, ensuring coordinated and compliant organizational responses

Leadership and Development:

• Lead and develop a department comprising multiple teams and managers, ensuring strong performance, capability development, and service delivery


• Establish workforce and talent plans to meet current and future operational needs


• Provide coaching and leadership to managers and senior professionals, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture


• Strengthen partnerships with academic schools and corporate services to support effective program delivery

Budget and Financial Management:

• Accountable for the EHS departmental budget, including planning, prioritization, and allocation of operating and capital resources


• Monitor expenditures and ensure alignment to functional priorities and risk-based initiatives


• Develop and present business cases to support program enhancements and investments

Risk Management:

• Lead and coordinate the implementation of SAIT’s enterprise risk management frameworks within the EHS function


• Identify and assess functional and operational risks, working with internal stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies


• Support institutional risk reporting through functional insights and analysis for senior leadership and Board of Governors

Business Continuity and Emergency Response:

• Provide leadership for EHS-related components of emergency management and business continuity programs


• Ensure readiness frameworks, procedures, and training are implemented effectively within the function


• Support coordinated institutional responses to incidents and contribute to post-incident reviews and improvements


• Provide oversight of the campus security function, ensuring a safe campus for students, staff, and faculty

Required Qualification and Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Leadership, Business Administration, Occupational/Environmental Health & Safety, Engineering, Risk Management) is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience will be considered.


• Bachelor’s degree in occupational or environmental health and safety, Engineering, or a related field is required.


• 12-15+ years of progressively responsible experience in environmental health and safety (and/or related EHS domains) including development and oversight of functional programs, regulatory compliance, and risk-based planning.


• 8-10+ years of people leadership experience, including experience leading managers and multi-disciplinary teams in a complex organization; demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and lead cross-functional initiatives.


• Experience leading within a unionized environment, with demonstrated capability in collaborative labour relations, change leadership, and policy/program implementation.


• Recognized professional designation such as CRSP/CSRP, CSP, CIH/ROH (or eligibility), CRM, or other relevant senior credential (or equivalent), demonstrating advanced expertise in safety, occupational hygiene, risk, and/or related disciplines.

• Demonstrated ability to lead change through a proactive, aligning initiatives to strategic priorities.


• In-depth knowledge of the OHS Act, emergency management, investigation procedures, life safety programs, and public safety training.


• Strong understanding of risk management practices, including risk evaluation and reporting.


• Proven ability to understand system dynamics to build a strong, functional team


• Demonstrated ability to initiate activity and follow through on commitments, bring closure to initiative and manage several time-sensitive tasks concurrently


• Ability to work productively and collaboratively across a broad spectrum of interests and levels within SAIT


• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders  to drive change and achieve business outcomes


• Critical thinker and problem solver; strong analytical skills


• Strong service orientation


• Demonstrated accountability and commitment and strong organizational and leadership skills


• Preferred experience in a post-secondary unionized work environment