AT-CDL Area Manager

Ancora Education•Remote, US,

14d•$75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Area Manager-CDL is Ancora Training’s subject matter expert and recognized leader for its CDL program. The role administers a high-quality program that complies with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state regulations; develops and trains CDL program directors and instructors; and oversees fleet management and scheduling to support safe, efficient, and profitable programs system-wide. The Area Manager works with the Regional Program Director-CDL to set standards and training for campus implementation, and collaborates with regional and campus leaders to resolve program issues and implement solutions. The role helps CDL leadership meet revenue and profitability goals while managing fleet, instructor, and scheduling objectives and adhering to institutional, state, and federal guidelines. It also uses knowledge of driving, training, regulations, and the market to identify growth opportunities and business risks. The position leads training and operational compliance, including implementation of FMCSA, state, and local requirements; review of reports and performance; administration of audits and scorecards; and development of safety initiatives and remediation plans. It oversees fleet acquisition, maintenance, disposal, and efficiency, and recommends cost-saving measures involving labor, equipment, and fuel. The Area Manager also leads and develops staff through performance management, coaching, mentoring, staffing, training, and career-development support. The role involves visiting programs and providing operational guidance. Physical tasks may include climbing in and out of truck cabs, performing inspections, demonstrating vehicle maneuvers and trailer coupling, handling equipment, and working outdoors in varied weather. A valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and the physical qualifications required to hold a CDL must be maintained, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by federal regulations. The stated general work environment is usually not exposed to weather conditions, with a usually moderate noise level.

Requirements

High school degree.
Five years of work experience in CDL driving and training.
Multi-site oversight experience.
Management experience.
Working knowledge of FMCSA regulations.
Understanding of maintenance.
Ability to drive results in a matrix organizational structure.
Ability to translate complex regulatory details into compliant, practical programs.
Ability to establish and execute a detailed operating plan on schedule and within budget.
Ability to navigate a rapidly changing business environment and align internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers, executives, peers, and subordinates.
Good decision-making skills.
Ability to prioritize and solve problems.
Effective and impactful leadership skills.
Ability to meet and maintain DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, including maintaining a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by federal regulations.
Ability to perform physical activities including climbing in and out of a cab, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching, handling training and safety equipment, and sustaining activity during extended driving and instructional periods.
Ability to demonstrate truck-driving skills, including coupling and uncoupling trailers, vehicle inspections, and maneuvering a large vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
15 years of progressive work experience in CDL driving and training.
Knowledge of multi-state CDL regulations.
Experience with CDL employers, specifically trucking companies.
Track record of growing leaders and independent thinkers.

Responsibilities

Develop, organize, and administer training programs for CDL program directors and instructors, coordinating with corporate CDL staff to scale training.
Provide subject matter expertise on operating a successful, high-quality, compliant, and safe CDL program.
Visit programs and guide program directors and instructors on compliance and operational best practices.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new CDL staff.
Review daily, weekly, and monthly reports and tailor training and discussions based on results.
Oversee and operationalize safety and compliance programs required by FMCSA and state and local regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
Ensure compliance with drug and alcohol, road safety, administrative, and other relevant regulations by identifying best practices, training teams, and escalating and documenting issues.
Review and maintain accident policy; develop safety initiatives such as defensive driving courses; administer audits and scorecards; and report on compliance at each location.
Implement remediation plans resulting from testing in conjunction with leadership and the CDL program director.
Work with the Regional CDL Program Director to review fleet metrics and implement plans to maximize truck efficiency.
Train program directors and instructors in truck maintenance and efficient operations, and promote understanding of fleet-efficiency drivers.
Develop, recommend, and implement cost-saving measures involving labor, equipment, and fuel.
Review operations and recommend improvements to efficiency across the CDL business; balance schedule demands with cost drivers.
Hold staff accountable to performance levels and conduct regular check-ins to review performance, resolve issues, and provide support.
Manage people and resources, including performance management, career development, training, and staffing.
Identify individual and team skill gaps and development opportunities; coach and mentor staff; and resolve performance issues promptly.
Involve staff in challenging assignments and recommend lateral rotations or promotions to support development.
Help CDL leadership meet or exceed revenue and profitability goals while supporting fleet management, instructor, and scheduling goals.