DOT & Compliance Manager

Townsend Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Pay

401(k) with Company Match

Job summary

The Townsend Company, LLC is a national utility services provider seeking a DOT and Compliance Manager to lead regulatory compliance, drug/alcohol testing programs, driver safety initiatives, and related systems across its operating companies. You will develop and enforce policies, ensure FMCSA compliance, and partner with leaders to sustain safety and throughput.

You will build and mentor a compliance team, drive process improvements, and support integration of acquisitions while maintaining

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience leading or supervising a team in DOT/regulatory compliance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field; OR associate with 3+ years; OR high school diploma with 5+ years.
• Experience with FMCSA regulations and DOT drug/alcohol testing requirements (49 CFR Parts 40 and 382).
• Experience using fleet telematics and driver-safety platforms such as Samsara.

Responsibilities

• Lead DOT Compliance Programs across 18 operating companies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain DOT compliance policies, procedures, and records.
• Oversee FMCSA compliance requirements and maintain the company’s FMCSA portal.
• Conduct internal compliance audits and coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries and external audits.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure company policies remain current.
• Review ELDT program requests for eligibility; oversee drug/alcohol testing program.
• Standardize testing administration and follow-up processes across operating companies.
• Lead safety initiatives and drive training and risk mitigation across the organization.

Skills

DOT compliance

FMCSA regulations

Samsara experience

Driver safety

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Travel 30% willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Associate degree + 3+ years experience

High school diploma/GED + 5+ years experience

Tools

Samsara

Penta

Teletrac

Paycor

Job description

The Townsend Company, LLC is an industry leader in utility vegetation management and right-of-way services, supporting electric utilities and critical infrastructure across the United States. Headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, Townsend operates across multiple states, providing vegetation management, power line clearance, utility line construction, storm response, and other specialized services.

With a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and quality service, Townsend works to protect and maintain critical utility infrastructure while providing rewarding career opportunities and professional growth for our employees.

We Offer

• Weekly Pay
• 401(k) with Company Match

DOT and Compliance Manager – Position Overview

Are you an experienced DOT compliance professional ready to take the next step in your leadership career?

The Townsend Company is seeking a knowledgeable, proactive, and results-driven DOT and Compliance Manager to lead our compliance operations across a growing family of companies.

In this key leadership role, you will oversee DOT regulatory compliance, drug and alcohol testing programs, driver safety initiatives, and compliance systems across 18 operating companies. You will also play an important role in strengthening compliance practices, supporting acquisition integrations, and building consistent processes that promote safety and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of FMCSA regulations, hands-on experience managing DOT compliance programs, and the leadership skills necessary to develop a team while partnering with operational leaders throughout the organization.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by shaping compliance programs, improving processes, and supporting the continued growth of a nationwide organization.

What You'll Do

• Lead DOT Compliance Programs
• Develop, implement, and maintain DOT compliance policies, procedures, and recordkeeping systems.
• Oversee FMCSA compliance requirements and maintain the company’s FMCSA portal.
• Conduct internal compliance audits and coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries and external audits.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure company policies remain current.
• Review Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program requests for eligibility.
• Oversee Drug and Alcohol Compliance
• Manage the company’s DOT drug and alcohol testing program in accordance with 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382.
• Standardize testing administration and follow-up processes across operating companies.
• Ensure compliance program continuity through effective training and backup coverage.
• Drive Safety Through Technology
• Lead the administration, configuration, and oversight of Samsara and related driver-safety systems.
• Establish consistent processes for video review, driver coaching, and follow-up on safety events.
• Partner with operational leaders to strengthen driver accountability and promote safe driving practices.
• Support Business Growth and Integration
• Evaluate compliance programs and systems within newly acquired companies.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce regulatory risk, and establish consistent standards.
• Collaborate with leadership to implement compliance improvements across the organization.
• Manage relationships with third-party compliance vendors and monitoring providers.
• Lead and Develop the Compliance Team
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to the DOT and Compliance team.
• Establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and monitor team performance.
• Develop cross-training initiatives and promote accountability across operating companies.
• Create and deliver compliance training to managers and employees.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience leading or supervising a team, preferably within DOT, transportation, or regulatory compliance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or a related field; OR an associate degree with at least 3 years of related experience; OR a high school diploma/GED with at least 5 years of related experience.
• Experience working with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
• Working knowledge of DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements, including 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382.
• Experience using Samsara or a comparable fleet telematics and driver-safety platform.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate across multiple business units.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% as business needs require.
• Ability to meet the position's physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to successfully complete required pre-employment and ongoing screening in accordance with company policy and applicable DOT regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing projects or leading process improvement initiatives.
• Experience integrating acquired businesses or standardizing compliance programs across multiple companies.
• Familiarity with compliance management systems and technologies such as Penta, Teletrac, and Paycor.

Why Join Townsend?

At Townsend, compliance is more than meeting regulatory requirements. It's about protecting our employees, supporting our operations, and building a strong foundation for continued growth.

As our DOT and Compliance Manager, you'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives, collaborate with leaders across the organization, and help shape how compliance is managed throughout our family of companies.

The Townsend Company, LLC and its family of companies are Equal Opportunity and Aff...