Director, Risk Management, EHS & Sustainability

The Director of Risk Management, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and Sustainability is responsible for leading the organization’s enterprise risk & risk management, safety, fleet, environmental compliance, and sustainability strategies. This role ensures the company operates safely, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements while advancing sustainability initiatives that drive long-term value and stakeholder trust.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Risk Management

Develop and lead the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework across the organization

Manage Applied’s insurance program, prepare bid specifications and selection process, negotiate contracts with brokers, and oversee claims

Identify, assess, and prioritize operational, financial, strategic, and regulatory risks

Implement risk mitigation strategies and controls

Maintain risk registers and report on risk exposure to executive leadership

Support business continuity planning and crisis management efforts

Coordinate emergency response programs

Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)

Oversee all EHS programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other relevant regulations

Develop and enforce company-wide safety policies, procedures, and standards

Lead initiatives to reduce workplace incidents, injuries, and environmental impacts

Conduct audits, inspections, and incident investigations; implement corrective actions

Promote a strong safety culture through training, engagement, and leadership

Sustainability Strategy and Reporting

Partner with other business groups in designing and implementing the organization’s sustainability strategy to align with corporate goals

Co-lead reporting and disclosures (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, SEC climate disclosures)

Track and report sustainability metrics, including carbon emissions, waste and recycling, and fleet matters

Compliance & Governance

Ensure adherence to all environmental, health, safety, and sustainability regulations

Partner with Legal to manage regulatory risks and filings

Support governance committees and coordinate with Audit, Compliance and Finance

Support internal and external audits

Leadership & Collaboration

Lead and develop a cross-functional team across risk, EHS, and sustainability disciplines

Collaborate with Operations, HR, Finance, Legal, and Corporate Communications

Influence senior leadership and drive organizational change

Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership

Additional Areas of Responsibility

Lead ISO14001 program, initiatives, compliance and recertification

Manage ISO9001:2015 for Risk Management

Responsible for management of the Corporate Fleet Program and initiatives

Manage the Corporate Wellness Center

Lead the Risk Management M&A projects

Manage the Corporate security team

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (MBA, Environmental Science, Safety, Sustainability, or related field) preferred

10–15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, EHS, sustainability, or related functions

Experience in a leadership role within a complex or regulated environment

Skills & Competencies

Deep knowledge of EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT), sustainability frameworks, and risk management principles

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Experience with sustainability reporting standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD, etc.)

Knowledge of ISO 14001

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities

Proven leadership and team management skills

Data-driven decision-making and analytics capability

Certifications (Preferred)

CSP (Certified Safety Professional)

CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)

CRMP (Certified Risk Management Professional)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Reduction in workplace incidents and safety metrics (TRIR, LTIR)

Compliance audit results and regulatory performance

Risk mitigation effectiveness and reduction in exposure

Quality and timeliness of sustainability disclosures and reporting

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.