Safety & Training Manager

James River Petroleum•Ashland, VA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Safety & Training Manager is responsible for leading and managing the company’s corporate safety, compliance, and driver training programs across all operational markets. This role ensures compliance with DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, HazMat, and NFPA regulations while developing and delivering comprehensive training initiatives for the JRP driver fleet and operational teams. The Safety & Training Manager will oversee new hire onboarding, remedial and refresher training, safety communications, incident investigations, compliance audits, and field evaluations. This individual will serve as a key operational leader focused on promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. This position requires extensive travel, field-based driver support, and occasional overnight stays.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in transportation safety, petroleum logistics, fuel delivery, or related operational leadership roles.
Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Hazmat and Tanker endorsements preferred.
Strong working knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, HazMat, EPA, and NFPA regulations.
Experience conducting driver training in both classroom and field environments.
Strong leadership, coaching, and relationship-building abilities.
Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective in fast-paced, highly dynamic environments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office and compliance tracking systems.

Nice To Haves

college degree preferred
Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS), ELDs, telematics systems, and SmartLogix handhelds preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Certified Trainer or Safety credentials are preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all company safety and compliance initiatives for the JRP driver fleet and operations teams.
Develop, administer, and maintain company safety policies, procedures, SOPs, and training programs.
Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, HazMat, NFPA, and other applicable regulations.
Provide reports, updates, and recommendations to executive leadership regarding safety performance, regulatory changes, and risk management initiatives.
Participate in and lead Safety Committee meetings, initiatives, investigations, and recognition programs.
Conduct new hire driver orientation and onboarding programs.
Deliver hands-on field training for petroleum tank wagon operations, including: Pre-trip inspections, Coupling/uncoupling procedures, Safe loading and unloading practices, Emergency response procedures, Spill prevention and vapor recovery systems, Proper use of hoses, grounding equipment, and related tools.
Conduct ride-alongs, check rides, and driver evaluations to assess performance and compliance with company standards.
Oversee remedial and refresher training programs as needed.
Train trainers and team leads in designated markets.
Maintain training records, schedules, documentation, and compliance tracking.
Oversee DOT compliance programs including: Driver qualification files, Hours of Service compliance, FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Program, Driver carding and terminal access requirements.
Conduct operational audits and on-site safety reviews at all company locations.
Investigate accidents, spills, cross drops, near misses, and safety incidents.
Respond to incident locations as necessary to oversee cleanup, remediation, and corrective action plans.
Prepare detailed incident reports and recommend preventive measures.
Develop and distribute weekly safety chats, quarterly safety briefings, and other safety communications.
Organize and conduct semiannual company-wide safety training events.
Manage the near-miss reporting and recognition program.
Promote a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Support recruiting initiatives through field evaluations and participation in hiring efforts.
Assist operations management with fleet maintenance scheduling, inspections, and compliance support.
Serve as the company subject matter expert on SmartLogix handheld systems, ELDs, and telematics platforms.
Participate in emergency driver coverage situations as operationally required.
Perform additional duties as assigned by management.