Director of Safety and Risk Management

Director, Safety & Risk Management – Protecting People, Driving Excellence
Safety + Strategy + Employee Wellbeing

Do you believe that safe workplaces empower employees to thrive? At Whitsons Culinary Group, we’re seeking a dedicated Director, Safety & Risk Management to lead our workers’ compensation program and champion a culture of care. This role ensures injured employees receive the support they need, while driving cost-effective, compliant, and proactive claims management. If you’re passionate about building safer environments, protecting people, and reducing organizational risk, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

As the Director, Safety & Risk Management, you’ll oversee all aspects of workers’ compensation strategy across our multi-state operations. You’ll act as the primary liaison between Whitsons, our TPAs, carriers, and medical providers—while keeping employee wellbeing at the center of everything you do.

• Lead the full lifecycle of workers’ compensation claims—from first report of injury through closure—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely resolution.
• Partner with TPAs and carriers to drive effective claim investigations, medical management, and settlement negotiations.
• Oversee thorough incident investigations, ensuring complete and compliant documentation.
• Communicate with injured employees, managers, and stakeholders with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
• Monitor compliance with state and federal workers’ compensation regulations, with particular expertise in NY, NJ, PA, IL, and MA.
• Coordinate and support return-to-work programs, including light-duty and accommodations.
• Analyze claims data to identify trends, assess performance, and recommend improvements.
• Deliver training on safety awareness, workers’ compensation procedures, and injury prevention.
• Partner cross-functionally to integrate workers’ comp practices into broader safety and HR initiatives.

What You Bring

We’re looking for a collaborative, strategic leader who balances business needs with employee care.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Risk Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10–15 years of direct experience managing high-volume workers’ compensation claims in the U.S.
• Deep knowledge of NY, NJ, PA, IL, and MA workers’ comp regulations.
• Proven success partnering with TPAs and carriers to achieve strong outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a large caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Empathy, discretion, and a strong commitment to supporting injured workers.
• Servant-leadership mindset with a drive for continuous improvement.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Competitive base salary + bonus potential
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off  
• 401(k) with company match
• Professional growth opportunities in a mission-driven organization
• The chance to make a real difference by protecting employees and strengthening our culture of safety

About Whitsons

Whitsons Culinary Group is committed to Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™—and that starts with our people. We’re a family-owned, mission-driven company that values integrity, care, and continuous improvement. As Director, Safety & Risk Management, you’ll be a key player in ensuring our employees are supported, our workplaces are safe, and our culture continues to thrive.

Salary starting at $120K

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Human Resources, Risk Management) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 10-15 years of direct experience managing workers' compensation claims in the US, specifically within a high-volume workforce
• In-depth knowledge of NY, NJ, PA, IL and MA Workers' Comp claims regulations and reporting requirements.
•  Proven experience working effectively with TPAs and Workers' Compensation Carriers.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage a high volume of claims and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Empathy and a strong commitment to supporting injured workers while protecting company interests.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time exempt position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This will often require extended work hours, evening, and/or weekend work.

Travel Requirements:

Travel is required.  Most traveling will be confined to day trips in the region but from time-to-time, may also include overnight stays as well. 

Physical Demands of the Job:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work is performed primarily in a company or home-office setting. The noise level in the company work environment is moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duty does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change. Employee’s signature below constitutes an employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.