Senior Director of Safety

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

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

Incident & Risk Management

• 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