Regional Vice President of Transportation Safety

Job Description

Position Summary

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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.

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Location

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Elizabeth, NJ

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Key Responsibilities

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Safety Program Leadership

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• Design, implement, and continuously improve a unified safety management system (SMS) across all locations
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• Establish company-wide safety policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices
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• Set annual safety goals, KPIs, and benchmarks; report performance to executive leadership and the board
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Regulatory Compliance

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• Ensure full compliance with FMCSR, DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state-specific trucking regulations
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• Maintain and oversee CSA/BASIC scores, driver qualification files, hours-of-service (HOS) compliance, and ELD systems
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• Serve as primary contact for DOT audits, FMCSA reviews, and regulatory investigations
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• Monitor drug and alcohol testing programs (DOT-mandated) for compliance
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Multi-Location Oversight

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• Oversee safety managers/coordinators at each terminal or regional location, providing guidance, training, and performance management
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• Conduct regular site visits and audits across all locations to assess compliance and identify risk
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• Standardize safety training, onboarding, and certification programs fleet-wide
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• Ensure consistent incident reporting and investigation protocols across all sites
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Incident & Risk Management

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• Lead accident/incident investigation processes; identify root causes and corrective actions
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• Manage relationships with insurance carriers, claims adjusters, and legal counsel on safety-related matters
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• Analyze safety data and trends to proactively address risk exposure
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• Oversee vehicle maintenance compliance and equipment safety standards in coordination with fleet maintenance
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Training & Culture

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• Develop and deliver ongoing safety training programs for drivers, dock workers, and management
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• Champion a company-wide culture of safety accountability and continuous improvement
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• Recognize and reinforce positive safety behaviors through incentive programs
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Leadership & Administration

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• Build, mentor, and manage a team of regional/location safety managers
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• Manage the safety department's budget, staffing, and resource allocation
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• Prepare and present safety reports, trends, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership
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• Represent the company in industry associations, safety councils, and regulatory bodies
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Qualifications

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Education & Experience

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• Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Occupational Health, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
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• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in transportation/trucking safety, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multiple locations
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• Strong knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, OSHA regulations and CSA scoring methodology
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Skills & Competencies

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• Proven track record reducing accident rates and improving CSA scores across a multi-site fleet
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• Strong leadership and team management skills, including managing remote/distributed teams
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• Excellent analytical skills; comfortable with safety data, KPI reporting, and risk modeling
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• Strong communication skills for engaging drivers, executives, regulators, and external partners
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• Experience with DOT audits, litigation support, and insurance claims processes
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• Proficiency with fleet management/ELD/safety software systems
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Certifications (Preferred)

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• CDS (Certified Director of Safety), CDL knowledge, OSHA 30, or similar safety certifications
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Travel Requirements

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• Frequent travel required to visit all company terminals/locations (typically 25–50%)
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