[Hiring] Area Safety Manager @First Student

Role Description

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

Major Responsibilities

• Works with the RSD, LSM, LM, and the Maintenance Manager to ensure safety provisions are developed and deployed in accordance with budget and guidance.
• Identifies underperforming locations to establish targets, perform analysis, and work with location teams to develop, recommend, and implement continuous improvement processes.
• Conducts comprehensive incident investigations for all serious events and assists in developing actions to ensure lessons learned are communicated and implemented.
• Shares best practices and innovative approaches for problem-solving at locations managed by the position.
• Provides support to RSD and Risk Management on claims management and in litigation. Completes Root Cause Analysis with operations and maintenance as required.
• Works closely with the workers’ compensation third-party administrator to proactively manage claims.
• Has direct responsibility to ensure proper driving trainer staffing levels and works closely with operations and HR to identify trainer needs and effectively administer driver onboarding.
• Assists locations in determining and implementing proper remedial actions for safety events and reviews disciplinary actions with HR and Operations.
• Provides multiple location oversight to guide locations on compliance with First Student policies and SOPs, as well as applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepares monthly reports and safety performance analysis for locations, identifies trends and corrective actions, and communicates to AGM and management team.
• Assesses location safety performance by utilizing Daily Dispatch, Driver Mobile Manager, and other applicable tools.
• In partnership with LM, participates in the recruiting process for selection and onboarding of new LSMs.
• Provides safety training for new LMs and LSMs; develops LSM competencies and skills and supports regional train-the-trainer workshops.
• Ensures operational efficiencies at a location level by utilizing Focus, Zonar, and the Safety Care database.
• Performs location Safety Wellness Checks at least annually at high-risk locations; may require more frequent inspections and safety reviews.
• Assists HR/LM with driver recruitment, retention, and training activities.
• Supplements the site safety review process by conducting safety audits and works with locations and RVPs/AGMs to properly close Site Safety Review actions.
• Manages the BeSafe process, including Safety Leadership course delivery, identifying and onboarding BeSafe Coaches, and monitoring debrief quality.
• Works with RVP, AGM, and LM regarding the communication and execution of divisional-wide activities and actions.
• Provides technical oversight to the LSM, as needed, while prioritizing requests from LMs in partnership with the ASM to support the Operations and Safety function.
• Verifies location compliance with PDDP, EDTP, Non-Conforming Vehicles standards and conducts quality assurance by auditing elements of training programs being conducted at a location level.
• Supports the execution of kickoff/safety meetings by working closely with location staff.
• Provides the appropriate level of startup support.
• Other responsibilities as requested or required.

Qualifications

• 7 Years of Safety/Transportation Experience
• 5 Years experience in fleet transportation management
• Strong commitment to Safety
• Demonstrate leadership, decision-making, and team building skills
• Strong proficiency in computer literacy essential with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with other software such as timekeeping and payroll systems is preferred.
• Advanced skills in technology used to manage the operation, including but not limited to FGA approved Smart technology, Apps, encrypted drives, shared drives, and other Smart technology.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interpret data and perform root cause analysis and assist others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with others in a team setting
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and provide leadership
• Collision Investigation training
• State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one of the States/Provincial in the Region
• Certified Smith System Defensive Driving Instructor
• Minimum Education or Certifications Required: 2 years of college preferred or equivalent education/experience
• OSHA 10-hr, safety/transportation certifications, etc.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation.
• Professional Advancement: Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 3-to-5-month Manager-In-Development program prepares future leaders at First Student.
• Extensive Training: Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Because we’re stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day.
• Community Service & Impact: Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First in your community, you’ll have a positive impact on others.

Language Requirement

This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.