Director of Safety

Director of Safety — On-site (Chicago, IL). No remote or hybrid. OVERVIEW This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can build a safety program from the ground up, proactively identify safety risks, and lead efforts to reduce CSA scores while fostering a safety-first culture. The ideal candidate will have done each safety function themselves and be capable of designing and driving the entire program with minimal guidance. As the Director of Safety, you will oversee the safety operations of an asset-based trucking company with a fleet of 150+ trucks, ensuring compliance with FMCSA and OSHA regulations while fostering a strong organizational safety culture. This critical leadership role involves developing and executing comprehensive safety programs; managing driver training, claims, and risk mitigation; and ensuring adherence to compliance standards through audits and continuous improvement. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will collaborate with leadership, Human Resources, and operations to align safety strategy with company objectives and maintain a safe, compliant, and efficient workplace. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Culture • Lead the development of safety initiatives from concept to execution, identifying gaps in current performance and implementing high-impact programs. • Develop and improve company-wide safety programs and policies. • Lead and mentor Safety Coordinators to achieve safety and compliance goals. • Foster a safety-first culture across all levels of the organization. • Partner with management on health and safety procedures. Regulatory Compliance • Ensure compliance with FMCSA and OSHA regulations, including HOS, ELDs, driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and drug and alcohol testing. • Manage CSA scores, conduct audits, and develop corrective action plans. • Handle DOT complaints and monitor pre- and post-trip inspections. Risk Management & Incident Oversight • Investigate accidents and violations, perform root cause analysis, and implement preventive measures. • Manage insurance claims and Workman's Compensation to reduce liability. • Ensure fleet safety by collaborating with maintenance teams. Driver Development & Training • Develop training programs on FMCSA compliance, defensive driving, and safety protocols. • Oversee driver coaching, progressive discipline, and safety program improvements. • Communicate safety updates and expectations clearly to all stakeholders. Data Management & Reporting • Maintain accurate safety records and compliance documentation. • Analyze safety data, identify trends, and present performance reports. • Audit driver logs to ensure adherence to regulations. Fleet Oversight & Maintenance Coordination • Partner with maintenance teams to meet safety standards and reduce compliance risks. • Oversee preventive maintenance schedules and manage vendor contracts. • Conduct fleet safety inspections regularly. METRICS & EXPECTATIONS • Achieve and maintain CSA scores that meet or exceed company safety standards. • Ensure timely compliance with FMCSA regulations and internal safety policies. • Deliver actionable safety performance reports to leadership on schedule. • Minimize risk exposure through proactive incident management and fleet oversight. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Safety Management, a related field, or equivalent experience. • Hands-on experience with FMCSA compliance, HOS enforcement, accident investigation, claims management, and driver training. • Proven ability to develop and lead safety programs from the ground up in a trucking environment, with measurable success reducing CSA scores. • Demonstrated leadership and communication skills to build and sustain a safety-first culture. • Familiarity with safety scorecards, KPIs, and fleet safety performance metrics. • Proficient in ELD systems, regulatory compliance tools, and safety management software. • Strong analytical and interpersonal skills. • Certifications such as Certified Director of Safety (CDS) or Certified Fleet Safety Professional (CFSP) preferred. SYSTEMS • Email platforms (Outlook, Gmail, Front, etc.). • Office automation (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, etc.). • Logistics TMS and compliance tracking software (McLeod and TenStreet a plus). • Instant messaging (Slack, MS Teams, Zoom, etc.). • ELD (Samsara a plus), telematics, MVR and driver-records management tools. WORK ARRANGEMENT Full-time, ON-SITE role based in the Chicago, IL area. No remote or hybrid option — the Director of Safety must be on-site daily to lead the safety program and stay close to drivers, operations, and leadership.