Manager of Technical Services & Regulatory Affairs

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF MAKERS OF EXPLOSIVES

IME is the trusted voice of the commercial explosives industry.

For over 100 years, the Institute has represented manufacturers of commercial explosives and other companies that provide related products and services to the industry. Commercial explosives manufacturers contribute $4 billion annually to the U.S. economy and employ nearly 10,000 workers in the United States.

Commercial explosives are essential to energy production, communications, technology manufacturing, highway and building construction, the healthcare delivery system, agriculture, and the manufacturing of nearly all metals and mineral products.

If you use or consume it, explosives make it possible.

WHAT WE DO

• Public Policy/Advocacy
• Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
• Technical Expertise
• Educational Resources
• Communications
• Conferences/Networking Opportunities
• Industry Data and Statistics

OUR MISSION

IME’s mission is to promote the safe and secure manufacture, transport, distribution, and use of commercial explosives.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Manager of Technical Services and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for providing technical expertise and regulatory guidance for the safe, secure, and efficient manufacture, transport, storage, and use of commercial explosives. This role involves coordinating with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and technical committees to ensure compliance with regulations, advocate for industry interests, and promote best practices. This position reports to the Senior Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Services

• Provide expert technical advice on the manufacture, transportation, storage, and use of explosives.
• Develop and disseminate technical standards, guidelines, and best practices to member companies and stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison for technical committees and working groups, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of findings and recommendations.
• Monitor advancements in technology and research related to explosives to inform industry practices.

Regulatory Affairs

• Monitor, interpret, and assess the impact of current and emerging regulations at the federal, state, and local levels, including those issued by ATF, DOT, OSHA, EPA, and other relevant agencies.
• Advocate for policies and regulations that support the safe and efficient operations of the explosives industry.
• Lead regulatory compliance initiatives, including the preparation of technical reports, comments on proposed rules, and participation in regulatory hearings or meetings.
• Represent IME and its members in interactions with regulatory authorities, ensuring industry positions are effectively communicated.

Industry Representation and Advocacy

• Build and maintain relationships with key regulatory bodies, industry organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in national and international forums to promote the interests of IME and its members.
• Coordinate with member companies to understand their needs and concerns, ensuring these are reflected in advocacy efforts.

Training and Education

• Develop and deliver training programs for IME members and other stakeholders on regulatory compliance, technical standards, and best practices.
• Prepare educational materials, including white papers, presentations, and webinars, to enhance industry knowledge and compliance.

Risk Management and Incident Response

• Provide technical and regulatory support during incidents involving explosives, including accident investigations and post-incident reviews.
• Assist in the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies across the industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, safety, or a related technical field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Published technical papers, presentation or training experience, and familiarity with IME safety library publications.
• Familiarity with consensus standards applicable to IME members, such as NFPA, ANSI, NEC, and API.
• A working knowledge of engineering software programs is desirable.
• Experience establishing relationships and building coalitions.
• Knowledge of quantitative risk assessment (QRA) principles, quantity distance (QD) requirements, and the relationship between QRA and QD is desirable.
• Demonstrated interest in federal regulations governing explosives, including those from ATF, DOT, OSHA, and EPA.
• Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and regulatory information to diverse audiences.
• Experience leading technical committees, task forces, or working groups is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role may require occasional travel to member sites, regulatory meetings, and industry conferences.

The position is based in the District of Columbia and therefore the incumbent must reside in the District of Columbia metropolitan area.

REQUIREMENTS

• Drug testing required (as permitted by DC Law).

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $75,000 – $90,000*
*Negotiable based on prior experience.

Starting annual salary will be determined based on individual qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, FSA, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, transportation subsidy, and professional development opportunities.

APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter (cite Public Affairs Council as the source of this lead) and resume to [email protected]. No phone calls please.