Director, HSSE - Saint John, New Brunswick

About the Role

This Director of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) position is accountable for the design, execution, and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide HSSE programs at J.D. Irving, Limited. The role ensures regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and the protection of our people, assets, and the communities in which we operate. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on leadership to drive measurable safety, security, and environmental outcomes. This role specifically supports Sunbury Transport, a premier transportation company specializing in US and Canadian cross-border shipments, domestic Canadian shipments, and logistics services. Sunbury Transport manages freight via truckload van, flatbed, bulk materials, and container service, relying on exceptional teams in the office and on the road to provide diverse and innovative trucking and logistics solutions.

Key Responsibilities

The Director will provide leadership for Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental strategies, policies, and standards, ensuring alignment with corporate values and operational priorities. They will serve as a key advisor to the Senior Leadership Team on HSSE risks, trends, and performance, establishing multi-year HSSE roadmaps with clear Key Performance Indicators, targets, and accountability. This role ensures full compliance with Canadian federal and provincial legislation, including occupational health and safety, environmental, and transportation regulations. The Director will lead regulatory interactions, audits, and inspections, proactively managing enforcement actions and corrective plans, while overseeing enterprise risk assessment frameworks, incident escalation protocols, and emergency response preparedness. Furthermore, the incumbent will lead the development and execution of annual HSSE action plans, integrating safety into daily operations. They will drive reductions in recordable incidents, lost-time injuries, environmental events, and equipment or insurance claims through data-driven initiatives, championing behavioural-based safety, hazard identification, near-miss reporting, and corrective action closure.

What You'll Bring

Candidates should possess a minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in Health, Safety, Environment, or HSSE within transportation, logistics, industrial, or multi-site operations. Demonstrated experience leading HSSE strategy at a Director or Senior Manager level is required. In-depth knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial Occupational Health and Safety and environmental legislation is essential. A Bachelor’s degree, with additional post-secondary education in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field, is expected. A professional designation such as CRSP, CSP, NCSO, or an Environmental designation is considered a strong asset. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with the ability to influence at all organisational levels, possessing strong analytical, communication, and change-management capabilities.

About J.D. Irving, Limited

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates across Canada and the United States with a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At JDI, you will be part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. The company fosters a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, offering opportunities to grow your career across various operating divisions. J.D. Irving, Limited is committed to creating accessible environments for all colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability, which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent, can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that equitable opportunities can be provided. Even if you do not meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply if you are interested in this position, as we promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognised, and empowered to contribute fully.