HR & Safety Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Corporate Headquarters - Charlotte, NC 28278Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Category: Human ResourcesHR & Safety Specialist

At Okuma America Corporation, we believe a successful workplace starts with the well-being, safety, and support of our employees. As an HR & Safety Specialist, you will play a key role in fostering a safe, compliant, and employee-focused work environment by supporting both Human Resources and Safety initiatives.

This hybrid role combines workplace safety leadership with employee support programs, benefits education, leave administration, and compliance management. Working closely with employees, managers, and leadership teams, you will help strengthen Okuma's culture of safety, engagement, and operational excellence.

How You'll Make an Impact

Support Employee Well-Being & HR Programs

Serve as a resource for employees regarding benefits, wellness programs, leave administration, and workplace accommodations.
Support benefits enrollment, employee communications, and wellness initiatives in partnership with the HR team.
Administer leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, workers' compensation, and return-to-work processes.
Partner with managers and employees to ensure a positive and compliant employee experience.

Lead Workplace Safety & Compliance

Develop, implement, and maintain safety programs, policies, procedures, and training initiatives.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
Conduct workplace inspections, safety audits, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and incident investigations.
Lead corrective action planning and monitor safety performance metrics and reporting.

Drive Training & Employee Engagement

Deliver safety, wellness, and compliance-related training programs for employees and leadership.
Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement.
Serve as a subject matter expert on workplace safety practices, leave programs, and employee support resources.
Support onboarding, compliance initiatives, and employee development programs.

Collaborate & Improve

Partner with leadership, HR, and operational teams to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
Manage workers' compensation claims and support transitional duty programs.
Coordinate emergency preparedness activities, safety committee initiatives, and compliance efforts.
Continuously identify opportunities to improve employee programs, safety performance, and organizational effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field preferred.

Experience

Three (3) or more years of experience in Human Resources, Safety, or a related role.
Experience administering employee leave programs, workers' compensation, and workplace accommodations.
Experience developing and supporting workplace safety programs and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Manufacturing, industrial, or technical work environment experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, OSHA, and employment-related compliance requirements.
Strong understanding of workplace safety practices, risk assessment, and incident investigation.
Excellent communication, employee relations, and relationship-building skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to analyze information, identify solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HRIS or learning management systems.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

The Okuma Difference

At Okuma, innovation is more than a goal. It is part of who we are. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools, we invest in advanced technology, employee development, and strong customer relationships. Our team members enjoy a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and professional growth are encouraged.

When you join Okuma, you become part of an organization that values excellence, teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to helping both employees and customers succeed. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workplace safety, employee well-being, and organizational success.

Supporting Your Success

At Okuma, we invest in our employees' well-being and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes structured bonus opportunities, a pension plan, 401(k), medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, wellness and gym reimbursement programs, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible scheduling options.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Okuma America Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the application process and perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

QualificationsExperience/Training/Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field (or equivalent experience).

Working knowledge of OSHA and applicable employment laws (FMLA, ADA, etc.).

3 to 5 years of experience in safety programs, leave administration, and HR operations.

Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Certifications such as OSHA 10/30 or HR related credentials (PHR/SHRM-CP) preferred.

Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or similar environments.

Familiarity with ISO standards or integrated management systems.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

General

Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Technical

Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety standards.

Understanding of FMLA, ADA, and related employment laws.

Ability to conduct safety audits, JSAs, and incident investigations.

Proficiency with HR systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office.

Physical and Environmental Elements

Physical Demands

Ability to sit continuously for over half of the normal work shift, and stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for at least half of the normal work shift

Ability to lift and carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds

Ability to stoop, crouch, and reach

Ability to talk or hear continuously

Ability to see clearly to do all work-related tasks (clear or corrected vision at 20 inches or less)

Finger dexterity is required frequently for over 3/4 of the normal work shift, including operating a phone, computer/ electronic equipment, and electronic tools

Must have a valid Driver’s license and be willing to travel up to 30%

Work Environment

Blend of office- based work and on-site activities

Regular interaction with warehouse, production, and operational environments.

Exposure to varying temperatures, tools, equipment, and noise levels.

Regular travel within the region for training, inspections, and safety activities.

Special Requirements

Driving record that is insurable

Must live within commutable distance to corporate office

Maintain annual OSHA safety certifications as required.