Driver Operations Manager

About Us Stepp’s Towing & Heavy Transport, a family‑owned business since 1960, proudly serves the greater Tampa Bay and Orlando areas. We specialize in light-, medium-, and heavy‑duty towing, heavy transport, and auto salvage. Our team is committed to excellence, safety, and supporting our community. Position Overview The Driver Operations Manager is responsible for the training, development, safety, and operational oversight of both light-, medium-, and heavy‑duty driver teams across the Tampa Bay branches. This leadership role combines technical training, mentorship, regulatory compliance, and daily operational management to ensure Stepp’s high standards for safety, equipment handling, and customer service are consistently met. The Driver Operations Manager leads hands‑on onboarding, ongoing education, and performance management for all drivers while also responding to emergencies and collaborating across departments for optimal fleet operations. Key Behaviors Patient and educational, with the ability to break down complex tasks for learners of all skill levels. Unwavering commitment to following and teaching proper safety procedures. Maintain a professional appearance and represent Stepp’s with pride. Stay up to date on the latest towing technologies and industry’s best practices. Foster a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and confidence. Essential Functions Lead and conduct field training for all new light-, medium-, and heavy‑duty drivers, ensuring proficiency in truck operations, hook‑up procedures, safety protocols, and company procedures. Deliver ongoing check‑rides and refresher training for existing drivers to maintain operational excellence and safety compliance. Train all drivers on OSHA, DOT, and company safety regulations to minimize risk and ensure regulatory adherence. Mentor and serve as the primary technical resource for light‑ and heavy‑duty drivers, providing guidance during difficult recoveries, equipment issues, or emergency situations. Oversee accident and damage reporting, collaborating with administrative teams on claims and investigations. Respond to after‑hours calls and emergency situations as part of a rotating Manager‑On‑Duty schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Act as the primary contact for the Florida Traffic Incident Management Program, including Rapid Incident Scene Clearance (RISC). Address customer questions, complaints, and issues professionally, and provide dispatch support for specific lifts or tows as needed. Coordinate with the Fleet Shop Manager to schedule and ensure routine preventative maintenance for all fleet equipment. Participate in interviewing, hiring, scheduling, performance management, and career development for driver team members. Maintain inventory and supplies for all trucks at assigned branches and communicate lot issues to the Lot Supervisor. Collaborate with the Sales Manager, Recruiter, and other internal stakeholders to meet staffing, scheduling, customer service, and operational goals. Track training progress, schedules, and driver performance using Microsoft Word and Excel. Required Skills & Qualifications Substantial experience in both light‑duty towing/recovery and heavy‑duty wrecker operations, including at least 1–2 years of operating a rotator in a heavy‑duty capacity. Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with a clean driving record. Expert‑level knowledge of truck operations, safety, recovery techniques, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, DOT). Proven ability to teach, coach, or mentor others in a technical or vocational environment. Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to give constructive feedback and interact effectively with customers, subordinates, and peers. Ability to perform and train effectively in fast‑paced, variable, and sometimes high‑pressure field environments. Strong decision‑making skills, especially under pressure or in emergency situations. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for tracking, reporting, and scheduling. Pay $125 - $150K/yearly DOE Benefits 6 Paid Holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Free Term Life Insurance Paid Time Off (accruals start on day 1; available after 90 days) 401(k) match up to 4% Regular pay increases and career development opportunities Accident, cancer/critical illness, short‑term and long‑term disability, and hospital indemnity insurance available Additional Information Drug Free Workplace Background check required Stepp’s Towing and Heavy Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Military Veterans are Encouraged to Apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr