DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT

Pro Star Logistics INC; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro Star Logistics INC in Joliet, IL is seeking a highly experienced Director of Safety & Risk Management to lead our safety strategy, oversee a team, and drive compliance across the fleet.

You will own safety programs, audits, training, and incident investigations, ensuring FMCSA/DOT compliance and reducing risk and claims while reporting to ownership.

This role requires hands-on leadership, data-driven decision making, and the ability to balance policy with practical operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of trucking safety management experience.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Safety Management, Transportation, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional safety certification strongly preferred (NATMI CDS, CSS, or equivalent).
• Extensive knowledge of FMCSA/DOT regulations, CSA, HOS, ELD, and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience preparing for and managing FMCSA/DOT audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Safety Department, including a team of 3+ employees.
• Oversee driver hiring, qualification, onboarding, and compliance.
• Manage accident investigations, insurance claims, and risk prevention.
• Monitor CSA scores, roadside inspections, violations, and driver safety performance.
• Develop and enforce safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Conduct internal audits, identify weaknesses, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure full compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations.
• Establish clear employee responsibilities, accountability, and performance standards.
• Report to ownership and provide solutions to improve safety performance and reduce liability.

Skills

Safety leadership

FMCSA/DOT regulations

Audits

Risk management

Driver safety

Regulatory compliance

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Safety Management or related field

Job description

We are seeking ahighly experienced, certified, and results-driven Director of Safety & Risk Managementto lead, manage, and improve our entire Safety Department.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in trucking safety management, preferably at the Director level.
• Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Transportation, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Professional safety certification (NATMI CDS, CSS, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of FMCSA/DOT regulations, CSA, HOS, ELD, and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience preparing for and successfully managing FMCSA/DOT audits.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and independent decision-making skills.
• Experience managing safety operations for fleets of 100+ trucks preferred.
• Excellent English communication and organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise the Safety Department, including a team of 3+ employees.
• Oversee driver hiring, qualification, onboarding, and compliance.
• Manage accident investigations, insurance claims, and risk prevention.
• Monitor CSA scores, roadside inspections, violations, and driver safety performance.
• Develop and enforce safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Conduct internal audits, identify operational weaknesses, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure full compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations.
• Establish clear employee responsibilities, accountability, and performance standards.
• Report directly to company ownership and provide solutions to improve safety performance and reduce company liability.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We arenot looking for someone who only manages paperwork or follows existing procedures.

We need a strong, knowledgeable, hands-on leader who can take full ownership of the Safety Department, supervise employees, make independent decisions, identify problems before they become costly, and build an efficient, well-organized safety operation.

The ideal candidate must understand the real challenges of running a large trucking fleet and have proven experience improving safety performance, reducing claims, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Only experienced candidates with a strong background in trucking safety leadership will be considered.