Director of Safety Management

Description

Director of Safety Management
Location: Chicago, IL (multi-site leadership)
Travel: 25–30%

Salary: $125k - $140k

We are seeking a seasoned safety leader with strong experience in transportation—ideally school bus operations—to serve as our Director of Safety Management. This is a highly visible, strategic leadership role responsible for driving safety performance, reducing risk, and ensuring compliance across multiple locations in Illinois and Connecticut.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Loves being both hands-on in the field and strategic at the table
• Has a strong background in FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, workers’ comp, and safety audits
• Can lead safety teams, build relationships with drivers, and guide operations
• Is passionate about developing training, coaching leaders, and elevating safety culture

We offer a competitive salary range of $125k - $130k , strong benefits, a bonus opportunity, and the ability to build a high-impact safety program that truly protects students, employees, and the community.

Position Summary

The Director of Safety Management provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the company’s safety, compliance, and injury-prevention programs across all locations. This role ensures full compliance with FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, state boards of education, and all federal and state regulations governing school bus transportation.

The Director is responsible for reducing operational risk, driving claims reduction, supporting litigation defense, managing safety training operations, and building a proactive safety culture. This role collaborates closely with Operations, HR, Fleet, and Executive Leadership to support safe, efficient, and compliant transportation services.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership & Compliance

• Lead a company-wide culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement safety programs, training, driver certification, and retraining initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, state education boards, and all regulatory bodies.
• Oversee accident and incident investigations, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and safety trend reporting.
• Conduct regular site audits, inspections, and safety reviews across all branches.
• Ensure driver qualification files, vehicle inspections, drug/alcohol testing, and safety documentation meet regulatory standards.

Risk Management & Claims Oversight

• Partner with the risk and claims teams to manage incident reporting, workers’ compensation, liability claims, and subrogation matters.
• Provide documentation, expertise, and strategic support in litigation and insurance reviews.
• Analyze safety and claims-related data to identify opportunities for risk mitigation.

Training & Program Development

• Lead the design and delivery of training programs for drivers, monitors, mechanics, dispatchers, and managers.
• Establish and standardize curriculum, retraining protocols, and safety coaching models.
• Oversee emergency preparedness planning, including drills and crisis response.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Manage and develop a team of safety managers, safety coordinators, and trainers.
• Collaborate with Operations, HR, Fleet, and Executive Leadership to align safety goals with business objectives.
• Present monthly/quarterly reports to executive leadership on safety KPIs, accident metrics, claim trends, and compliance results.
• Participate in contract reviews, negotiations, and customer-facing safety meetings as needed.

Program Management & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate documentation of all inspections, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Develop and manage systems used to track KPIs, safety audits, compliance scores, and loss trends.
• Manage the annual safety budget, including investments in training, technology, and safety equipment.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Safety, Business Administration, Transportation, or related field.
• 8 years of progressive safety, risk, or transportation compliance experience.
• Strong knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, ADA, and workers’ compensation regulations.
• Experience managing safety programs across multiple locations.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence operators, and drive cultural change.
• Strong analytical, investigation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and safety/incident reporting systems.

Preferred

• Experience in school bus transportation or pupil transportation safety.
• Certifications: ARM, CSP, CHSP, CTAA, CDPT, or related credentials.
• Experience supporting litigation, insurance reviews, or regulatory audits.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel 25–30% to branch locations.
• Ability to conduct on-site inspections in bus yards, terminals, and maintenance settings.

Qualifications

Salary : $125,000 - $140,000