Reporting to the Design Director, the Safety & Compliance Lead is responsible for ensuring that all playground designs meet or exceed relevant safety standards and regulatory requirements. They will provide expert guidance on compliance throughout the design process, helping to ensure that all play environments are safe, accessible, and aligned with industry best practices and legal obligations.
The Safety & Compliance Lead plays a critical role in supporting D&V by developing and maintaining clear safety protocols, training materials, and documentation. They will also serve as a key point of contact for safety-related inquiries from both internal and external stakeholders. This role supports KOMPAN’s mission of helping to create "Happier, Healthier Communities" by ensuring that every play space is not only inspiring and inclusive, but also safe and compliant.
This position will collaborate closely with other departments in back-office roles such as Pre Sales, Project Sales Coordination, Project Coordination, and Install, as well as with on-site colleagues working in the field such as Project Managers and Sales Representatives. The Safety & Compliance Lead will also work in tandem with the regulatory bodies such as ASTM and IPEMA to stay informed on regulatory updates and translate them into actionable guidance for local projects.
Who We Are
For more than 50 years, KOMPAN has researched, designed, and built innovative and imaginative commercial playground equipment and outdoor fitness sites that captivate all ages and abilities.
In collaboration with our global headquarters in Denmark, KOMPAN designs, manufactures, and installs more than 1,000 sites a month across 90 different countries. Our North American headquarters, located in Austin, Texas, supports field sales around the U.S. and Canada.
At KOMPAN, we take pride in our commitment to the global environment. We exceed sustainability efforts and make it possible to lower carbon emissions by utilizing recycled ocean waste, consumer-recycled plastics, and textile wastes to create playgrounds that are born green or made green.
Leaders at KOMPAN are open, informal, and non-hierarchical. They are eager to delegate, involve, inspire, and energize their teams and celebrate results. KOMPAN leaders take pride in developing their people and building competencies and capabilities together.
What You’ll Do
- Ensure all playground designs comply with applicable safety standards, regulations, and accessibility requirements.
- Provide guidance and oversight to the design team to support safe and compliant design outcomes.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local and international playground safety standards (e.g., ASTM, CPSC, ADA, EN).
- Collaborate with the global safety team to interpret and implement regulatory updates across projects.
- Develop and deliver internal training on safety and compliance protocols for design and cross-functional teams.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for safety and compliance-related inquiries across departments.
- Create and manage safety documentation, checklists, and quality assurance tools to support project delivery.
- Overseas senior design team members reviewing design plans for compliance approval before handoff to project coordination and installation teams.
- Assist in the onboarding of new employees by educating them on safety-related processes and standards.
- Support cross-functional collaboration with departments including Pre Sales, Project Sales Coordination, Project Coordination, Install, and Sales.
- Conduct audits or spot checks of design packages and project documentation to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Participate in project meetings as needed to advise on safety implications and requirements.
- Promote a culture of safety awareness and accountability across the organization.
- Take on a set percentage of design casework, as determined by the Design Director, to maintain hands-on involvement with current projects and tools.
- All other duties as assigned.
Supervisory responsibilities required of this job:
- Provide functional leadership and subject matter expertise to the design team regarding safety and compliance standards.
- Oversee the implementation of safety and compliance protocols across all design projects.
- Mentor and support designers and project staff on best practices for creating compliant play environments.
- Lead safety-related training sessions for new and existing staff within the design department and related teams.
- Review and provide feedback on the safety aspects of design outputs to ensure alignment with regulatory standards.
- Coordinate with department leads to ensure safety and compliance expectations are clearly communicated and upheld across teams.
- May supervise temporary staff, interns, or safety-focused project roles on a case-by-case basis.
The travel requirements of this job:
- Occasional travel is required to attend industry conferences, training sessions, and standards committee meetings.
- Expected annual attendance at key events such as ASTM International and IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) conferences to stay current with safety standards and contribute to industry discussions.
- Additional travel may be required for site visits, audits, or cross-functional meetings as needed.
What You’ll Need
- Deep technical knowledge of playground safety and accessibility standards
- Strong QA/QC and documentation skills
- Ability to interpret regulations and translate them into practical guidance
- Confident decision-maker with strong judgment
- Clear written and verbal communicator
- Comfortable serving as a central point of contact for safety questions
- Detail-oriented with a systems mindset
Perks and Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Competitive PTO and robust holiday schedule
Not Sure if You Qualify?
That’s ok! If you’re interested in the role and believe you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply!
KOMPAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
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