Vice President of Safety - Trucking

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.

Elizabeth, NJ

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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