Safety Manager

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.*

Equal Opportunity Employer

Updike Distribution Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.