Driver Safety and Training Manager

Role Summary

The Driver Safety & Training Manager is responsible for leading driver safety initiatives and delivering comprehensive driver training within a Direct Store Delivery (DSD) food distribution environment. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient route operations by partnering closely with Route Sales, Logistics, Warehouse, and Safety teams. Through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and on-route ride-along, this position coaches’ drivers on DOT regulations, food safety requirements, customer service standards, and operational best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Driver Safety Program Management

• Develop, maintain, and update driver safety policies in alignment with regulatory requirements and industry’s best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable transportation regulations, including USDOT, FMCSA, and NHTSA.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for regulatory oversight and audits.
• Track, analyze, and report driver safety, incident, and accident data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

Training & Development

• Deliver and facilitate driver training through classroom instruction, warehouse-based sessions, and on-route ride-along.
• Train and audit drivers on critical compliance areas including:
• Vehicle inspections
• Hours of Service (HOS)
• Safe driving practices
• Temperature control and food safety
• Proper product handling and route planning
• Evaluate driver performance and provide real-time coaching, feedback, and retraining as needed.
• Ensure all training content aligns with company standards for safety, compliance, product quality, and customer service.
• Track and report training completion and performance metrics with a high level of accuracy.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Route Sales, Warehouse, Logistics, and Safety teams to coordinate and evaluate training programs.
• Participate in driver-related incident investigations to identify root causes and implement preventive measures.
• Conduct regular field observations to assess service quality, merchandising execution, and route adherence.
• Recommend updates to training programs, processes, and tools based on performance trends and operational feedback.
• Remain actively engaged in day-to-day route operations to stay current on challenges and customer needs.

Operational Support

• Safely operate route delivery vehicles.
• Assist with loading and unloading products using proper material handling equipment.
• Travel between distribution centers and delivery territories within a defined geographic area.
• Work a full-time schedule with flexibility for early mornings, overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated success in coaching, training, or developing drivers or field-based employees
• Excellent written and oral communication skills: The ability to express and convey ideas clearly.
• Excellent organization skills: The ability to develop systems and processes that allow you to complete multiple tasks correctly and in a timely manner.
• Time management skills: The ability to allocate your time to complete tasks within established deadlines.
• Analytical skills: The ability to interpret data and use it to solve problems and gain new insights.
• Computer literacy, and proficiency in commonly used Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Leadership Skills: Leadership: Capable of leading safety training sessions and fostering a culture of safety within the organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of professional driving or route delivery experience
• Experience in DSD, route sales, food distribution, or CPG environment
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as required in a route delivery environment
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to operate a commercial motor vehicle under DOT regulation
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Driver Qualification File (DQF)
• Meet the requirements of a CDL trainer.
• Pass knowledge and driving skills tests.

Physical Requirements

• Perform physically demanding tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing/walking for extended periods (up to 12 hours), and frequent bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Mobility: Requires frequent walking, sitting and standing throughout the shift.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to perform repetitive motions with hands and fingers.
• Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to clients or the public and to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Visual acuity both near and far: Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less (i.e., working with small objects or reading small print), including use of computers, as well as clarity of vision at 20 feet or more- this is not just the ability to see a person or object, but the ability to recognize features as well.
• Hearing: The ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds (e.g., machinery alarms, medical codes or alarms).
• Environmental Conditions: Ability to work in various weather conditions, including heat and cold.
• Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Workplace Environment

• This role operates in a fast-paced, hands-on distribution environment that includes office and field settings.
• The position requires adaptability, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively amid changing operational priorities and strict safety and compliance standards.
• Work environment subject to change based on duties performed.

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000