Director of Safety – Trucking and Fleet Operations

IMC Companies LLC•Columbus, OH

8d•$120,000 - $139,000

About The Position

The Director of Safety leads and manages safety and regulatory compliance programs across a fleet of approximately 500 trucks. The role oversees DOT and FMCSA compliance, driver safety, accident prevention and investigation, fleet safety technology, training, and risk management. The Director establishes a proactive safety culture, works to minimize accidents and financial losses, and ensures consistent safety standards across operating locations. Working with executive leadership, operations, maintenance, dispatch, human resources, and insurance partners, the Director uses safety data, performance metrics, and corrective action plans to improve fleet safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and protect drivers, the public, company assets, and customers. The position covers the Ohio Valley and North Atlantic regions and requires travel to terminals and other locations as needed, as well as availability outside normal business hours for serious accidents, emergencies, or critical compliance issues.

Requirements

At least 5 years of progressive experience in trucking safety, transportation compliance, fleet risk management, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing safety programs for a large commercial trucking fleet; experience with 300–500 or more trucks is strongly preferred.
Strong working knowledge of DOT and FMCSA regulations, driver qualification requirements, hours-of-service compliance, and commercial vehicle safety.
Experience with accident investigations, claims management, regulatory audits, and corrective action programs.
Ability to analyze safety data, identify trends, and implement measurable performance improvements.
Experience with ELDs, fleet telematics, safety monitoring systems, and reporting tools.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple locations, competing priorities, and time-sensitive safety issues.
Strong safety leadership, sound judgment, and commitment to regulatory compliance.
Effective driver coaching, accident investigation, and root-cause analysis skills.
Ability to interpret safety data and develop actionable performance improvement plans.
Strong cross-functional collaboration and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related fleet safety and reporting systems.
Ability to prioritize risks, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure timely follow-through.
Commitment to ethical conduct, employee accountability, and a safe working environment.
Availability to travel to terminals, operating locations, accident scenes, and regulatory or insurance meetings as needed.
Availability outside normal business hours to respond to serious accidents, emergencies, or critical compliance issues.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in safety management, transportation, business administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Seven or more years of experience, prior senior safety leadership, and relevant professional certifications.
Experience working with commercial auto insurers, claims adjusters, and transportation legal counsel.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and enforce company-wide safety policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, state regulations, hours-of-service requirements, ELDs, driver qualification files, CDL requirements, and drug and alcohol testing programs.
Monitor CSA performance, roadside inspections, regulatory changes, and compliance trends; coordinate audits, inspections, and corrective actions.
Oversee driver onboarding, qualification, orientation, safety training, coaching, and performance management.
Use telematics, dash cameras, ELDs, and other safety technologies to identify risk and improve driver performance.
Lead accident and incident reporting, investigations, preventability reviews, claims coordination, and root-cause analysis.
Partner with fleet maintenance to ensure vehicle inspections, safety defects, and equipment-related violations are addressed promptly.
Conduct internal safety audits and ensure corrective actions are documented, completed, and verified.
Establish and monitor KPIs related to accidents, violations, compliance, training, claims, and overall safety performance.
Provide regular safety reports, trend analysis, and improvement recommendations to executive leadership.
Lead and develop the safety team while collaborating with terminal managers, operations, dispatch, maintenance, recruiting, and human resources.
Promote accountability, continuous improvement, and consistent adherence to safety standards across all locations.
Ensure safety requirements are maintained without compromising delivery schedules or productivity objectives.
Conduct business ethically and uphold IMC core values.
Perform other duties as assigned.