Position Summary
Updike Distribution Logistics, LLC is seeking an experienced Safety Manager to lead our safety department and oversee regulatory compliance and accident prevention across our transportation, warehousing, and final-mile delivery operations.
This is a hands-on management position responsible for supervising two Safety Analysts while maintaining an active role in daily safety operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial trucking safety, particularly DOT/FMCSA compliance, along with a working knowledge of OSHA requirements applicable to warehouse and distribution operations.
We are looking for a practical, organized safety professional who can work independently, lead a small team, and partner with operational management to maintain regulatory compliance and promote a strong safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
Transportation Safety & DOT Compliance
- Oversee compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and applicable state regulations.
- Manage driver qualification requirements, including DQ files, CDL verification, medical certifications, MVR monitoring, and driver qualification audits.
- Administer DOT drug and alcohol testing programs, including random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty requirements.
- Monitor hours-of-service compliance, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and related violations.
- Oversee driver orientation, safety training, and road-test requirements.
- Monitor CSA performance, roadside inspections, and regulatory violations, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
- Review driver and vehicle safety performance using fleet telematics and onboard camera systems.
- Investigate transportation accidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Coordinate with operations and maintenance personnel to address vehicle and driver safety concerns.
Warehouse & Workplace Safety
- Maintain OSHA compliance programs across warehouse and distribution operations.
- Conduct facility inspections and coordinate corrective actions for identified hazards.
- Oversee workplace safety programs, including hazard communication, emergency response, fire prevention, heat illness prevention, and powered industrial truck safety.
- Investigate workplace injuries and incidents, document findings and corrective actions.
- Coordinate employee safety training and maintain required records.
- Assist operational management with OSHA inspections and workplace safety concerns.
Final-Mile Delivery Safety
- Support safety compliance for independent contractors and final-mile delivery operations.
- Oversee verification of applicable driver qualifications, vehicle safety documentation, and related safety requirements.
- Investigate delivery-related accidents and safety incidents.
- Work with final-mile supervisors to address unsafe practices and improve safety performance.
Department Management & Administration
- Manage safety and compliance oversight for multi-state operations including maintaining up to date knowledge of California regulator safety and compliance .
-Frequent travel to multi-state operations.
-Owning responsibility for safety performance metrics and continuous improvement
- Supervise, train, and support two Safety Analysts, providing direction and oversight of daily departmental activities.
- Establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and ensure timely completion of compliance-related tasks.
- Maintain accurate safety records, regulatory documentation, and compliance reports.
- Develop and monitor safety performance metrics, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Conduct safety meetings and provide training to drivers, warehouse employees, and operational supervisors.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and other safety regulatory agencies.
- Manage regulatory inspections, compliance reviews, and corrective action responses.
- Maintain and update company safety policies, procedures, and training materials.
- Partner with operations, maintenance, HR, and senior management to promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial transportation safety, DOT compliance, or a closely related field.
- Strong working knowledge of FMCSA regulations, including driver qualification, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle safety requirements.
- Working knowledge of OSHA regulations applicable to warehouse and distribution operations.
- Experience conducting accident investigations and implementing corrective actions.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret regulations and apply them to daily operations.
- Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work with drivers, warehouse employees, supervisors, and management.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic safety management systems.
Preferred
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Experience in trucking, logistics, warehousing, or distribution operations.
- Familiarity with Samsara or similar fleet telematics and ELD systems.
- Experience managing DOT compliance audits and OSHA inspections.
- OSHA 30-hour training or equivalent safety education.
- Professional safety certifications such as CDS, CSP, or ASP.
- Bachelor's degree in occupational safety, transportation, business administration, or a related field.
*Relevant hands-on experience will be considered in place of formal education or professional certifications.*
