Director of Fleet Safety

Job Summary

This position reports to the VP of Safety Management and takes a proactive and positive approach to leading fleet driver safety and regulatory compliance through high levels of engagement, influence, and partnership with our Fleet and Driver Operational Teams, our Health and Safety Team, and other stakeholders companywide. The Director of Fleet Safety will also provide direction to assigned Regional Fleet Safety Managers, and will lead and support our operational leaders of assigned driver teams. This leader will also be responsible for partnering with the Manager of DOT Compliance on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements. As a member of our safety leadership team, this leader will be responsible for supporting and enabling a positive safety culture within our plants, docks, offices, and other areas we operate and will oversee the fleet injury and accident prevention strategy, programs, policies and processes.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Serve as a fleet safety expert, providing functional leadership across Darling Ingredients North America with the primary objective of reducing risk and preventing work-related injuries, vehicle accidents, regulatory violations, and other unwanted incidents.
• Establishes, maintains, and executes a coordinated fleet safety management plan consistent with the company's safety strategy, operational objectives, service requirements, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide daily leadership and direction to assigned Regional Fleet Safety Managers.
• Develop company standards, and monitor adherence to driver safety programs, directing business unit and plant/dock management as required.
• Drive best-in-class DOT and safety performance through driver/vehicle training, DVIR process/compliance, and pre-trip/post-trip monitoring.
• Ensure full use of telematics to automate the collection and recording of data that enables the monitoring of safe driver behavior.
• Oversee and/or ensure driver accident and injury investigations and reviews are effectively conducted.
• Partner with Legal and Risk Management teams, and other business partners serving as an internal driver and regulatory expert in response to injuries, accidents, and regulatory matters.
• Monitor driver related safety performance to include CSA data and system.
• Develop, oversee and analyze driver safety data, scorecards, trends, and other inputs. Take action by reinforcing positive trends and reversing those that are negative and adversely impacting our drivers and company. Primary responsibility for the overall performance and scores within the CSA data and system.
• In partnership with stakeholders, develop and maintain driver training programs, driver selection process, and driver accountability guidelines.
• In a supportive and positive manner, coach plant, dock, and driver teams in the moment when opportunities to correct at-risk behaviors are observed. Equally important recognize those working safety and following standard safety practices.
• Facilitate process improvement plans at plants/docks and locations with substandard safety performance. Document results and track for sustained improvement.
• Effectively partner with VP of Fleet Operations and team on common fleet related objectives and goals.
• In partnership with direct reports and responsible managers, oversee driver and dock regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Human Resources and DOT Compliance Manager to ensure compliance and proper administration of driver Drug and Alcohol testing.
• Provide support to the DOT Compliance Manager on the following:
  • DQ file management and driver hiring process, hours of service compliance, and credential management.
  • Oversight of multi-state operations ensuring compliance with regulations and internal policies.
  • Improvement of CSA scores.
  • Review pending and upcoming changes to Federal & State DOT Trucking regulations to prepare the company for potential future compliance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of senior-level management experience and a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety or related discipline, OR in lieu of degree, must have a minimum of 10 years' Occupational Health and Safety specific experience required in with a concentration in transportation, safety, and compliance. Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal/state regulations and DOT regulations is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills; must work well in teams and be able to develop relationships with various levels of management.
• Exceptional communication skills both written and oral.
• Self-motivated; self-starter.
• Ability to travel 40-50% of the time.
• Highly organized; superior time management skills.
• Professional experience, or certification, as a trainer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Occupational Safety or related field preferred.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Strong math skills, including statistical analysis.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl and crouch.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 50lbs.
• Regularly required to reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

Job duties will be carried out in multiple environments including office, plant, customer location, and transportation vehicles.

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or, protected veteran status. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal-poster