Field Safety and Service Manager

About the position

At ESS (NYSE: GWH), our mission is to accelerate global decarbonization by providing safe, sustainable, long-duration energy storage that powers people, communities, and businesses with clean, renewable energy anytime and anywhere it's needed. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, long-duration energy storage is essential to providing the reliability and resiliency we need when the sun is not shining, and the wind is not blowing. Our technology uses earth-abundant iron, salt, and water to deliver environmentally safe solutions capable of providing up to 12 hours of flexible energy capacity for commercial and utility-scale energy storage applications. Established in 2011, ESS Inc. enables project developers, independent power producers, utilities, and other large energy users to deploy reliable, sustainable long-duration energy storage solutions. As we expand, we are looking for a dedicated Field Safety and Service Manager to join our team. The Field Safety and Service Manager will lead a team of 8-16 Field Service Engineers and Technicians, ensuring safety, quality standards, and contract compliance in field operations. This role involves direct communication with team members, customers, and service network providers, and requires frequent travel to support and oversee service activities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of field employees, with emphasis on compliance with NFPA 70E and 69 standards.
• Develop, implement, and conduct comprehensive training and auditing programs to maintain safety adherence to NFPA regulations and relevant OSHA standards.
• Perform regular audits to assess compliance with established safety procedures and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Lead by example in promoting team safety and conduct regular safety meetings and training for field personnel, emphasizing NFPA practices and industry safety regulations.
• Inspect and evaluate work sites for compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Establish protocols for managing electrical safety when working with voltages ranging from 24 to 1,000 volts and guidelines for hazardous materials when handling low pH electrolytes.
• Implement proper lifting techniques and safety practices for managing heavy equipment and materials, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations on powered industrial trucks (forklifts and telehandlers) and safe rigging practices.
• Develop heat and cold stress management protocols to protect employees working in extreme temperature conditions ranging from 15°F to 120°F.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards for working with pressurized systems operating between 0 and 70 kPa, including adherence to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) guidelines on safe handling, maintenance, and operation.
• Develop, implement, and train customers and staff on emergency action plans specific to customer sites, including electrolyte containment, neutralization, and remediation.
• Lead the field Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) program for ESS, servicing as the primary point of contact for customers, service network providers and field teams.
• Promote, establish, and continuously improve field service standards of workmanship, professionalism, and customer service.
• Lead staff recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Conduct training and development for field staff to enhance skills and safety practices, including training NFPA, OSHA and ANSI standards and guidelines.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Maintain positive relationships with co-workers and customers, emphasizing excellent customer service.
• Proven track record in principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Strive for constant self and team-improvement, be it through educational development, analysis of the competition, or other means of improvement.
• Ensure that emergency staff are available 7/24/365 hours a day to quickly respond to system shutdowns, dispatch personnel and provide leadership and technical support, as necessary.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Field Services work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; and review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Ensure individual and team reporting, writing, and activity tracking compliance.
• Manage labor and materials within budget, tracking repair orders and completion.
• Recommend appointment of personnel for scheduling and dispatching ensuring timely service delivery (scheduling and dispatching performed by Service Logistics Team).
• Develop and implement field services goals, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and oversee the field services budget, forecasting staffing and material needs.
• Build vendor relationships to optimize procurement and reduce costs.
• Foster strong relationships and collaborate with ESS's engineering, test and operations teams to drive safety, quality and performance improvements for both existing and new products.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and contract fulfillment.
• Address and resolve customer complaints professionally and expeditiously.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent 5-7 years related field experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant direct supervisory experience leading technical teams.
• Demonstrated leadership and exceptional communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Proficiency in technology and business processes related to field services.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage pressure.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic work environment.
• OSHA 30 Certification and strong knowledge of safety regulations.

Benefits

• Company assisted medical, dental and vision
• 401k with Company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Generous PTO accrual
• 8 paid holidays