Job Description
The Role
The Operations Safety Lead provides direction and hands-on leadership in developing safety processes, execution, and risk management at the Battery Cell Development Center (BCDC). This lead enables safe, reliable, and efficient development operations aligned to GM's electrification strategy by driving robust safety systems, electrification and chemical safety controls, and a strong culture of prevention. They drive safety engagement and ownership throughout the operations team through clear expectations, standard work, layered audits, metrics, and transparent reporting. The role partners closely with GM Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) teams, Operations, Maintenance & Facilities, and Engineering to deliver measurable outcomes through disciplined governance, change management, and data-driven decision making.
What You'll Do
Safety & Compliance Leadership
Serve as the single point of contact with GM Environmental, Health, and Safety teams to ensure aligned standards, timely issue escalation, and regulatory and corporate compliance across BCDC operations.
Champion a proactive safety culture aligned with GM standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
Own facility-level EHS governance, including programs for OSHA compliance, hazardous materials/DG, PSM-applicable processes, contractor safety, and industrial hygiene.
Lead incident investigations using rigorous root-cause problem solving; implement systemic corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain audit readiness through routine audits/inspections, findings management, and closure verification.
Ensure effective emergency preparedness and response (e.g., drills, ERT readiness, crisis management interfaces).
EV / High - Voltage & Critical Safety Controls
Steward Electrical Safety, Hazardous Energy Control (LOTO), Fall Hazard Control, Chemical Control, and other life-safety critical controls.
Partner with process/controls engineering to apply the hierarchy of controls, emphasizing elimination and engineered solutions for lithium-ion and development-scale hazards (thermal, chemical, electrical).
Risk & Program Management
Lead the site risk assessment program (job hazard analyses, MOC, pre-startup safety reviews); ensure timely mitigation plans with clear ownership and verification.
Partner with enterprise safety (e.g., Global Workplace Safety and EVOS) to align on standards, share learnings, and adopt best practices.
Drive disciplined change management for new/modified processes, tools, and programs using Communication, Learning, and Reinforcement (CLR) mechanisms.
Collaborate with Global Call To Action (GCTA) and Operations process owners to prioritize and close actions on life-safety risks.
Data, BI, and Analytics
Establish strategy and routines for accurate, timely EHS data collection and analytics; deploy electronic platforms and dashboards for leading/lagging indicators.
Build Business Intelligence tools that use the voice of the customer (operations users/leaders) to improve usability, standardize reporting, and minimize manual data manipulation.
Own KPI definition and performance reviews (e.g., TRIR, DART, serious incidents, critical control verification, audit closures, training effectiveness); drive continuous improvement.
Stakeholder and Change Leadership
Engage regularly with operations to align on initiatives and build trust around safety outcomes.
Influence cross-functional leaders and teams without formal authority; enable fast, consistent adoption of standards and controls.
Partner with Maintenance & Facilities on safe utility/cleanroom/HVAC/infrastructure operations; ensure permit-to-work, confined space, and contractor management rigor.
Facilities Safety & Readiness
Ensure facility readiness supports evolving development needs (layout changes, expansions, infrastructure upgrades) with embedded EHS requirements from concept to start-up.
Maintain inspection-ready work areas through disciplined housekeeping (5S) and stewardship.
Scope & Impact
Leads large, complex initiatives that span multiple functions, development areas, and programs.
Makes time-sensitive operational decisions that impact safety, readiness, throughput, and compliance.
Sets objectives and delivers KPIs aligned with GM's electrification and technology development priorities.
Drives organizational change through governance, data transparency, and coaching that challenge legacy approaches.
Represents BCDC in enterprise forums, cross-functional reviews, and safety governance.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental/Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related field; or equivalent practical experience.
7+ years of experience in a manufacturing, development, or pilot environment with direct EHS ownership.
3-5+ years of people leadership with demonstrated success building, coaching, and developing teams.
Proven experience leading incident investigations, risk assessments, and corrective action systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead change management for new programs, standards, or technologies.
Strong analytical capability; proficient with data-driven decision making and KPI management.
Ability to work or rotate across all shifts; flexibility to support overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Effective communicator with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
Knowledge of lithium-ion cell manufacturing processes (electrode, assembly, formation).
Experience in development, pilot, or startup environments.
Experience with lithium-ion cell development/manufacturing hazards (electrode, assembly, formation) and EV/high-voltage safety.
Program management experience implementing enterprise safety programs and critical controls.
Expertise in Business Intelligence and EHS data systems (e.g., dashboarding, analytics, visualization).
Familiarity with GMS/continuous improvement methodologies and application in non-steady-state environments.
Professional credentials (e.g., CSP, CIH, CHMM, PE) and/or advanced degree.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).
This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.
The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.
This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/working-at-gm/total-rewards) .
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
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