Area Safety Manager

Salary: $88,000–$98,000

About the role

The Area Safety Manager (ASM) supports the safety of designated locations for all operational, facility, and shop activities within Eastern New York state. The ASM works directly with the Area General Manager to lead behavioral and organizational change through influence and change management. The role drives continuous improvement by reviewing data and deploying strategies to mitigate risks, ensures division safety initiatives and processes are embedded into area operations, and monitors adherence to strategic and program initiatives. The ASM ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company policy.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Regional Safety Director (RSD), Location Safety Manager (LSM), Location Manager (LM), and Maintenance Manager to ensure safety provisions are developed and deployed according to budget and guidance.
• Identify underperforming locations relative to established targets, perform analysis, and collaborate with location teams to develop, recommend, and implement continuous improvement processes.
• Conduct comprehensive incident investigations for all serious events, develop action plans, and ensure lessons learned are communicated and implemented.
• Share best practices and innovative problem-solving approaches across managed locations.
• Provide support to RSD and Risk Management on claims management and litigation.
• Complete Root Cause Analysis with operations and maintenance teams as required.
• Work closely with the workers’ compensation third-party administrator to proactively manage claims.
• Ensure proper driving trainer staffing levels; collaborate with operations and HR to identify trainer needs and administer driver onboarding.
• Assist locations in determining and implementing remedial actions for safety events; review disciplinary actions with HR and Operations.
• Oversee multiple locations to guide compliance with First Student policies, SOPs, and applicable laws and regulations; provide visibility of location compliance scores to regional and senior teams.
• Prepare monthly reports and safety performance analysis for locations, identify trends and corrective actions, and communicate findings to the Area General Manager and management team.
• Assess location safety performance using Daily Dispatch, Driver Mobile Manager, and other applicable tools.
• Partner with LM to participate in the recruiting process for selection and onboarding of new LSMs.
• Provide safety training for new LMs and LSMs; develop LSM competencies and skills and support regional train-the-trainer workshops.
• Ensure operational efficiencies at the location level by utilizing Focus, Zonar, and the Safety Care database.
• Perform location Safety Wellness Checks at least annually at high-risk locations; more frequent inspections and safety reviews may be required.
• Assist HR and LM with driver recruitment, retention, and training activities.
• Supplement the site safety review process by conducting safety audits and work with locations and RVPs/AGMs to properly close Site Safety Review actions.
• Manage the BeSafe process, including Safety Leadership course delivery, identifying and onboarding BeSafe Coaches, and monitoring debrief quality.
• Collaborate with RVP, AGM, and LM regarding the communication and execution of division-wide activities and actions.
• Provide technical oversight to the LSM as needed, prioritizing requests from LMs in partnership with the ASM to support Operations and Safety functions.
• Verify location compliance with PDDP, EDTP, Non-Conforming Vehicles standards, and conduct quality assurance by auditing elements of training programs at the location level.
• Ensure all Training Standards are followed per Company guidelines.
• Support the execution of kickoff and safety meetings by working closely with location staff.
• Provide appropriate startup support for new initiatives.
• Perform other responsibilities as requested or required.

Requirements

• 7 years of safety and/or transportation experience.
• 5 years of experience in fleet transportation management.
• Strong commitment to safety.
• Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and team-building skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with timekeeping, payroll systems, and FGA-approved Smart technology, apps, encrypted drives, and shared drives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret data, perform root cause analysis, and assist others.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and provide leadership.
• Collision Investigation training.
• State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one state/province within the region.
• Certified Smith System Defensive Driving Instructor.

Qualifications

• 2 years of college preferred or equivalent education/experience.
• OSHA 10-hour certification, safety/transportation certifications, or equivalent.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including physical and mental health initiatives.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid holiday and vacation time.
• Professional advancement opportunities, including a 3-to-5-month Manager-In-Development program for future leaders.
• Extensive training in safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment.
• Opportunities for community service and positive impact.