First for a reason:
At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.
The Area Safety Manager (ASM) plays a key role in ensuring the safety of designated locations across all operational, facility, and shop activities within the assigned geographic area. Reporting directly to the Area General Manager, the ASM is responsible for driving behavioral and organizational change through effective influence and change management strategies. By analyzing data and implementing targeted risk mitigation strategies, the ASM fosters continuous improvement in safety practices. This role ensures the seamless integration of division safety initiatives and processes into area operations while monitoring compliance with strategic and program objectives. Additionally, the ASM upholds adherence to federal, and provincial regulations, as well as company policies. Coverage area for this position is the Greater Toronto Area.
Major Responsibilities
- Works with the Regional Safety Director (RSD), Location Safety Manager (LSM), Location Manager (LM), and the Maintenance Manager to ensure safety provisions are developed and deployed in accordance with budget and guidance.
- Identifies underperforming locations to established targets, performs analysis, and works with location teams to develop, recommend, and implement continuous improvement processes.
- Conduct comprehensive incident investigations for all serious events. Assists to develop actions and ensures 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. Works closely with operations and HR to identify trainer needs and effectively administer driver onboarding.
- Assists locations to determine and implement proper remedial actions for safety events and reviews disciplinary actions with HR and Operations.
- Multiple location oversight to guide locations on compliance with First Student policies and SOPs, as well as applicable laws and regulations, providing visibility of location compliance scores to regional and senior teams.
- 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, this 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. Additionally, the ASM works with the locations and RVPs/AGMs to properly close Site Safety Review actions.
- ASM manages the BeSafe process, including Safety Leadership course delivery, identifying and onboarding BeSafe Coaches, and monitoring debrief quality.
- Works with RVP, Area General Manager, and LM regarding the communication and execution of divisional-wide activities and actions.
- Provides technical oversight to the LSM, as needed, while the requests from LMs will be prioritized and in partnership with the ASM to support the Operations and Safety function.
- Verification of 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. Ensures that all Training Standards are being carried per Company guidelines.
- 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.
Minimum Education or Certifications Required
- 2 years of College preferred or equivalent education/experience.
- CCOHS, safety/transportation certifications, etc.
Minimum Experience or Skills Required
- 7 Years of Safety/Transportation Experience.
- Experience with MTO rules & regulations and OHSA.
- Understands and applies Safety KPI's and Risk Assessment.
- Strong commitment to Safety and incident investigation.
- Strong proficiency in computer literacy essential with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Advanced skills in technology used to manage the operation to include but not limited to First Student 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.
- Union experience an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to train, coach and provide leadership.
- Collision Investigation training.
- Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one province within the region.
- Certified Smith System Defensive Driving Instructor.
First for a Reason
Benefits
We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 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.
Apply today and get your career on the road with First Student!