Region Safety Director

About the role

Provides safety oversight, day-to-day management, customer interface, and required reporting and compliance mandates (both internal and external) for a specific area within a region. Supports the safety and security of all operational, facility, and workshop activities within the region. Ensures regional compliance with all company, Federal, State, Provincial, Territorial, and Client regulations. Serves as the conduit for collecting and reporting all safety performance-related data from the region.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the safe transportation of passengers to and from their destinations.
• Measures and monitors compliance with company policies, procedures, FTA, FMCSA, DOT, OSHA/OHS, DHS, or other applicable regulations.
• Ensures training meets First Group America Guidelines and aligns with best practices.
• Coordinates the support, rollout, and project management of new safety initiatives, training, and other safety activities within the region.
• Builds positive relationships with employees, local school officials, parents, and the community. Resolves safety concerns with stakeholders.
• Supports fair and consistent recognition and/or corrective discipline in conjunction with the AGM and ASM.
• Manages and collects all information and data from locations within the region to complete monthly safety reports by deadlines.
• Leads by example, building and maintaining a strong Area/Location Safety team through recruiting, onboarding, training, coaching, team building, and succession planning.
• Prepares staff development plans for each Safety team member and assesses skills necessary to achieve objectives.
• Ensures all required online learning courses are completed by location Safety staff.
• Works with locations to conduct proper analysis of each safety event resulting in injury or serious incidents.
• Identifies safety trends within the region and recommends corrective actions.
• Trains trainers, safety personnel, and managers on all safety programs.
• Supports the development and creation of regional written materials, including procedures, safety posters, alerts, lesson plans, and presentations.
• Promotes and champions new company initiatives and changes within the region.
• Assists the Risk Department with management and legal support for injuries and collisions within the region.
• Ensures proper driving trainer staffing levels and works with operations and HR to identify trainer needs.

Requirements

• 7 years of proven experience in Safety/transportation and/or student transportation or comparable service industry, showing consistent upward employment progression with multi-site responsibilities, or 5+ years of management experience.
• College degree preferred.
• Safety certifications, OSHA 10-hr./30-hr. course preferred.
• Collision Investigation training.
• Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and team-building skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with timekeeping/payroll systems preferred.
• Advanced skills in technology used to manage operations, including FGA-approved Smart technology, apps, encrypted drives, and shared drives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills.
• Ability to interpret data, perform root cause analysis, and assist others.
• State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one State/Province in the Region.
• Certified Smith System Defensive Driving Instructor.
• Ability to lead behavioral change by motivating others and inspiring them to become safety leaders.
• Ability to move about the office and between floors, utilize standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in person or by telephone.
• Ability to perform job functions in an office or field setting under adverse weather or working conditions.
• Travel required at least 50% of the time.

Pay

Compensation ranges from $130,000 to $150,000 starting, depending on experience. This role also receives a 20% bonus.