Director of Safety

Job Description

Since 1993, Cornerstone General Contractors, Inc. has fostered a flexible approach to commercial construction based on cooperation, innovation, and accountability. A 100% Alaskan-owned, managed, and staffed company, our team includes experienced personnel with the education, training, and resource capacity to manage projects of all sizes across the state. Presently, Cornerstone is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Director of Safety.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Director of Safety is responsible for establishing, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of Cornerstone’s safety program across multiple vertical commercial construction projects in Alaska. This executive role provides strategic leadership in developing company-wide safety culture, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (OSHA/AKOSH), and implementing proactive safety systems to minimize risk. The Director of Safety works closely with the VP of Construction, General Superintendent, and with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure that safety is embedded into every aspect of project execution and company operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership of Cornerstone’s Safety Program, ensuring alignment with company mission, vision, and values.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety policies, procedures, and training programs in compliance with OSHA, AKOSH, and industry best practices.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Executive Leadership Team on all safety-related matters, including risk management, incident prevention, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee all workers’ compensation claims, ensuring timely reporting, investigation, and resolution while analyzing trends to reduce incidents and claim costs.
• Lead company-wide safety culture initiatives, fostering accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement at all levels of the organization.
• Conduct routine safety audits and site inspections across all active job sites; provide corrective action recommendations and ensure compliance is achieved.
• Direct incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans, reporting findings to executive leadership and regulatory bodies as required.
• Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Foremen to ensure job-specific safety plans are developed, implemented, and enforced consistently.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external regulators, industry partners, safety vendors, subcontractors, and clients to promote Cornerstone’s reputation as a safety-first contractor.
• Oversee and manage safety staff, providing mentorship, development, and performance management.
• Track and report safety performance metrics, trends, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to executive leadership; recommend strategic initiatives to reduce risk and improve safety outcomes.
• Manage the company’s captive insurance program, coordinating reviews, compliance, and strategies to minimize risk and stabilize premiums.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 10+ years of progressive safety leadership experience in vertical commercial construction.
• 5+ years in a senior safety leadership role (e.g., Safety Manager, Safety Director).
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA, AKOSH, and federal/state safety regulations.
• Proven track record of building, implementing, and sustaining large-scale safety programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel throughout Alaska to project sites.

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (experience may substitute).
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CHST (Construction Health & Safety Technician), or equivalent safety certifications.
• Experience overseeing projects exceeding $50M in value.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating a proactive, high-performance safety culture in remote or logistically complex environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch. The employee must lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have sufficient mobility to climb ladders, access tight spaces, and inspect concealed but accessible spaces within existing buildings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position combines office and extensive field work, with regular travel to project sites throughout Alaska. The successful candidate will actively engage with teams in both urban and remote locations, often in challenging weather and construction conditions.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

Cornerstone offers a competitive salary and bonus program (up to 15% of base salary), full medical, vision, and dental coverage for employees and their families, a 401(k) with 2–5% match, generous PTO, and paid holidays including a full break from Christmas through New Year’s. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting employees’ success, well-being, and work-life balance, making Cornerstone a top choice for a rewarding career.