Director of Safety and Compliance - Trucking/Transportation - Byron Center, MI

Job Description

Job Description

Location:  Byron Center, Michigan - Onsite

Employment Type:  Full-Time

Build a Culture of Safety. Strengthen Compliance. Protect What Matters Most.

Martin Transportation Systems is seeking an experienced Director of Safety & Compliance to lead fleet/transportation safety, and regulatory compliance initiatives across our family of companies, including Martin Transportation Systems, Bay Logistics, and Keenan Marina.

This position is an opportunity for a proven safety leader to influence operations across multiple business units while partnering with ownership and company leadership to strengthen our fleet safety culture, reduce organizational risk, and maintain regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will bring extensive transportation/fleet safety and compliance experience, demonstrated leadership, and prior experience serving as a designated corporate representative in Rule 30(b)(6) depositions.

About Us

Martin Transportation Systems is a privately held transportation and logistics company headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan. For more than 50 years, we have built our reputation on exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and strong relationships.

Together, we employ more than 1,300 team members throughout the United States and Canada while continuing to invest in our people, technology, and future growth.

Position Responsibilities

The Director of Safety & Compliance will provide leadership and oversight in the following areas:

• Transportation safety and FMCSA compliance
• DOT regulatory compliance
• Enterprise risk management
• Insurance claims and loss prevention
• Auto liability and cargo claims
• Workers’ Compensation programs
• Accident investigation and crisis response
• Safety training and leadership development
• Compliance audits and regulatory readiness
• Litigation and deposition support
• Safety technology and data analytics
• Continuous improvement initiatives
• OSHA and occupational safety

Additional responsibilities include:

• Lead, coach, and develop fleet safety, compliance, claims, and risk-management professionals.
• Partner with Operations, Human Resources, Maintenance, Finance, ownership, and company leadership to establish and execute safety and risk-management priorities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain safety policies, programs, procedures, and performance standards.
• Monitor compliance with applicable FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, and other federal, state, provincial, and local requirements.
• Maintain organizational readiness for regulatory audits, investigations, inspections, and legal proceedings.
• Oversee serious accident investigations, including evidence preservation, root-cause analysis, corrective action, and coordination with legal counsel and insurance representatives.
• Provide leadership and direction during serious accidents, workplace incidents, environmental events, and other critical situations.
• Manage relationships with insurance brokers, carriers, third-party administrators, legal counsel, investigators, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Review claims activity, loss trends, safety performance, and operational data to identify risks and recommend corrective action.
• Support the management of auto liability, cargo, property, Workers’ Compensation, and other insurance-related claims.
• Serve as the company’s designated corporate representative in litigation and deposition matters, including Rule 30(b)(6) proceedings.
• Prepare for Rule 30(b)(6) depositions in partnership with legal counsel by reviewing designated topics, identifying relevant records and organizational knowledge, and providing accurate and complete testimony on behalf of the company.
• Support litigation strategy, discovery responses, regulatory inquiries, and other legal or administrative proceedings.
• Evaluate and implement technology, reporting tools, and analytical methods that improve safety performance and compliance.
• Develop and deliver safety education and training for employees, supervisors, managers, and company leadership.
• Promote accountability, proactive risk identification, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Risk Management, Transportation, Business, Occupational Health, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Significant safety leadership experience within the transportation, trucking, logistics, or a closely related industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, accident investigation, insurance claims, and enterprise risk management.
• Prior experience serving as an organization’s designated corporate representative in Rule 30(b)(6) depositions.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible safety, compliance, or risk-management experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, judgment, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing or supporting serious transportation accidents, claims, litigation, and regulatory investigations.
• Experience preparing for depositions and legal proceedings in partnership with internal or external legal counsel.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, operational leaders, ownership, attorneys, insurance representatives, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions in fast-paced and high-pressure situations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the United States and Canada.
• Ability to respond outside normal business hours when serious accidents or critical incidents occur.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Current or previous Commercial Driver’s License
• C-TPAT experience
• Experience managing insurance carrier and broker relationships
• Experience supporting safety and risk programs across multiple business entities
• Experience with Canadian transportation or workplace-safety requirements

Schedule and Travel

This position is based in Byron Center, Michigan and requires regular travel throughout the United States and Canada.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday. Because Martin Transportation Systems operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, this position is also responsible for responding to serious accidents and critical incidents involving company personnel or equipment outside normal business hours.

What We Offer

Martin Transportation Systems offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays

Why Join Martin Transportation Systems?

At Martin Transportation Systems, safety is more than a compliance requirement—it is fundamental to how we operate.

We are seeking a collaborative and knowledgeable leader who can address complex challenges, develop people, strengthen regulatory compliance, and partner across departments to build a safer and stronger organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Martin Transportation Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.