Publication Date: Jul 10, 2026
Location:
St. Thomas, CA
#job-location.job-location-inline { display: inline; }
Company: PowerCo Canada Inc.
Level of Experience: Professionals
Job Function: Operations
Job ID: 4653
Senior Specialist, Occupational Safety
Who we are
We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.
At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.
Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!
Your role and key responsibilities
You will support the HSE Director on the design, construction and operation of the Gigafactory in St. Thomas. This includes demonstrating compliance will all local, federal legislation as well as PowerCo requirements, supporting the development of the safety elements of the site HSEMS system, as well as the accreditation of the site and the systems to ISO 45001. You will need to directly support the construction phase of the site, ensuring compliance with all Ontario regulations as well as the PowerCo Safety Standards as well as support the design phase of the equipment, FAT, SAT and commissioning activities and risk assessments.
This position is a temporary hybrid model, requiring 2 days per week onsite in the St. Thomas office. This is subject to change based on the needs of the project and will eventually transition to fully onsite.
What you bring to the team
- Compliance with all statutory Health, Safety and Environmental requirements including internal and external reporting.
- Oversee the design of the process equipment and building services for HSE related matters
- Oversee the development, implementation and management of the local ISO 45001 and the health and safety aspects of the HSEMS systems
- Development, implementation and management of a risk assessment process for all local site activities, substances and hazards, including accident, incident and near miss investigations along with all statutory and internal reporting requirements.
- Development and management of the construction safety concept with our project management consultants and the implementation and audit of the concept throughout all construction phases.
- Provision of expert advice on HSE issues including radiation protection
- Set-up, coordination and management of all relevant HSE committees.
- Investigation of Health, Safety, Environmental, incidents including statutory reporting and generation of improvement plans.
- Development and implementation of a positive safety culture within PowerCo Canada.
- Supporting the equipment design, FAT and SAT process as required
- Development and implementation of a Health and Safety training plans including delivery/coordination of local HSE related courses
- Provide expert support to the construction works with expert advice on safety matters, undertaking of regular site inspections, including supporting any 3rd party consultants or experts employed or retained by PowerCo
- Supporting the contractor management process including the development and updating of policies and procedures.
What makes you stand out
- Degree in a Health, Safety Subject
- Minimum of 5 years of HSE experience in high risk industry or civil construction sector.
- Development, implementation and management of a workplace risk management process including accident and incident investigations, risk assessments, interventions and improvement plans.
- Development, implementation and management of HSEMS systems and 45001 accreditation
- Proven skills in crisis management and fostering a positive security culture
- Preparation, audit and submission of statutory reports
Additional skills which provide an advantage to the role include
- Postgraduate degree or diploma in a technical area relating to HSE provision
- Past experience of working in a high hazard manufacturing environment
- Experience in the lithium-ion battery manufacturing is of advantage
- Ability to work with a high level of autonomy
- Solutions-driven, customer-centric approach with exemplary project management skills
- Proficiency in recognizing customer expectations
- Advanced communication and persuasion capabilities.
- Fast decision making in case of accidents, fire and in Emergency situations.
- Manages, maintains and continually refine documentation for accredited systems
What to look forward to
- Attractive Remuneration: The expected competitive compensation range for this position is $87,650- $131,470 CAD, which includes base pay and target amount of short term incentive plan.
- In addition we offer competitive benefits: our program is flexible to allow you to make the selections and get the coverage you need.
- Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.
- Employee Assistance Plan: We offer an Employee Assistance Plan which can support you in mental health, physical wellness and overall wellbeing.
- Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
- Opportunities for development.
- Relocation Support.
- Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Our compensation is determined based on a combination of factors including but not limited too relevant years of experience, education, and alignment with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description.
This posting is for a currently vacant role.
We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.
#LI-Hybrid
- This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.
Company: PowerCo Canada Inc.
Location:
St. Thomas, CA
#job-location.job-location-inline { display: inline; }
Job Function: Operations
Level of Experience: Professionals
Salary Range: 88,380 - 110,493
Job ID: 4653
.buttontextb24a32de340b2788 a{ border: 1px solid transparent; } .buttontextb24a32de340b2788 a: focus{ border: 1px dashed #326afa !important; outline: none !important; }
Change the Future with Us
PowerCo was founded in 2022 to become a global battery champion. Headquartered in Germany, we are currently ramping up gigafactories in Salzgitter, Valencia and St. Thomas in Canada with a total volume of up to 200 GWh. We are integrating the entire value chain and building a supply chain as local as possible. With that we are driving the development of a strong, sustainable battery industry in Europe and North America.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.
PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.
Recruitment Practices
Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.
Our organization may use artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted tools as part of our recruitment and hiring processes. All decisions regarding hiring, interviews, and selection are ultimately made by human recruiters or hiring managers.
