The Senior Director of Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the company's enterprise-wide safety, compliance, and risk management programs across all terminals, distribution centers, and operating locations. This role ensures full compliance with FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, and state/local regulations, drives a proactive safety culture among drivers and staff, and works to reduce accidents, claims, and regulatory violations company-wide. This is a senior leadership position with direct accountability for safety outcomes across the entire fleet and workforce.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Program Leadership
- Design, implement, and continuously improve a unified safety management system (SMS) across all locations
- Establish company-wide safety policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices
- Set annual safety goals, KPIs, and benchmarks; report performance to executive leadership and the board
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with FMCSR, DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state-specific trucking regulations
- Maintain and oversee CSA/BASIC scores, driver qualification files, hours-of-service (HOS) compliance, and ELD systems
- Serve as primary contact for DOT audits, FMCSA reviews, and regulatory investigations
- Monitor drug and alcohol testing programs (DOT-mandated) for compliance
Multi-Location Oversight
- Oversee safety managers/coordinators at each terminal or regional location, providing guidance, training, and performance management
- Conduct regular site visits and audits across all locations to assess compliance and identify risk
- Standardize safety training, onboarding, and certification programs fleet-wide
- Ensure consistent incident reporting and investigation protocols across all sites
- Lead accident/incident investigation processes; identify root causes and corrective actions
- Manage relationships with insurance carriers, claims adjusters, and legal counsel on safety-related matters
- Analyze safety data and trends to proactively address risk exposure
- Oversee vehicle maintenance compliance and equipment safety standards in coordination with fleet maintenance
Training & Culture
- Develop and deliver ongoing safety training programs for drivers, dock workers, and management
- Champion a company-wide culture of safety accountability and continuous improvement
- Recognize and reinforce positive safety behaviors through incentive programs
Leadership & Administration
- Build, mentor, and manage a team of regional/location safety managers
- Manage the safety department's budget, staffing, and resource allocation
- Prepare and present safety reports, trends, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership
- Represent the company in industry associations, safety councils, and regulatory bodies
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Occupational Health, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 8–10+ years of progressive experience in transportation/trucking safety, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multiple locations
- Strong knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, OSHA regulations and CSA scoring methodology
- Proven track record reducing accident rates and improving CSA scores across a multi-site fleet
- Strong leadership and team management skills, including managing remote/distributed teams
- Excellent analytical skills; comfortable with safety data, KPI reporting, and risk modeling
- Strong communication skills for engaging drivers, executives, regulators, and external partners
- Experience with DOT audits, litigation support, and insurance claims processes
- Proficiency with fleet management/ELD/safety software systems
Certifications (Preferred)
- CDS (Certified Director of Safety), CDL knowledge, OSHA 30, or similar safety certifications
Travel Requirements
- Frequent travel required to visit all company terminals/locations (typically 25–50%)