Regional Workplace Safety Manager

Forward Air Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation seeks a Regional Workplace Safety Manager to lead safety programs across transportation terminals, warehouses, and offices in the Charlotte region. You will develop and enhance safety initiatives, ensuring compliance with FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, and local regulations while supporting operational excellence.

The role requires strong communication and leadership, plus the ability to travel extensively.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Occupational Safety or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Certifications such as CSP, ASP, OSHA CDS preferred or similar.
• 5+ years progressive workplace safety experience in transportation, logistics, warehousing, or manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, FMCSA, and DOT regulations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FMCSA, DOT, OSHA and other regulations across regions.
• Develop, implement and improve regional safety programs and policies.
• Identify hazards with leaders and implement proactive safety improvements.
• Lead investigations of injuries and incidents; perform root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Deliver safety training to employees, drivers, contractors, and leadership teams.
• Analyze safety metrics and prepare regional safety reports for leadership.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Occupational Safety

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Web conferencing (Teams/Zoom/Webex)

Job description

Job Description

Regional Workplace Safety Manager

Compensation: $75,000 - 90,000 Annually

The Regional Workplace Safety Manager serves as the regional safety leader, partnering with operational leadership to foster a strong culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement across transportation terminals, warehouse facilities, and office environments throughout the assigned region. They are responsible for developing, implementing, and enhancing workplace safety programs designed to protect employees, drivers, contractors, visitors, and company assets. They provide expertise in transportation, occupational safety, and workplace compliance requirements, including FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Working closely with leadership teams, this position identifies risks, implements proactive mitigation strategies, and drives safety initiatives that support operational excellence. They investigate incidents, analyze safety trends, and develop corrective actions that improve safety performance and reduce organizational risk.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, environmental, and other applicable federal, state, and local workplace safety regulations and requirements.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve regional safety programs, policies, procedures, and best practices across transportation terminals, warehouse facilities, and office environments.
• Partner with operational leadership to identify workplace hazards, reduce organizational risk, improve safety performance, and foster a proactive culture of safety.
• Conduct facility inspections, behavioral observations, safety audits, and compliance reviews to ensure adherence to regulatory and company standards.
• Lead investigations involving injuries, vehicle incidents, property damage, near misses, and other safety-related events; perform root cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Deliver regulatory and company-required safety training to employees, drivers, contractors, and leadership teams.
• Analyze safety performance trends, metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify opportunities for improvement and develop strategic action plans.
• Prepare and present safety reports, findings, recommendations, and performance updates to regional and corporate leadership.
• Support new facility start-ups, operational changes, and continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating safety risks and recommending appropriate controls.
• Maintain accurate safety records, training documentation, incident reports, audit findings, and compliance files.
• Support emergency preparedness, response planning, crisis management, and business continuity efforts throughout the region.
• Collaborate with Operations, Human Resources, Risk Management, and other stakeholders to address workplace safety concerns and promote employee well-being.
• Serve as the primary regional resource for workplace safety guidance, regulatory interpretation, and compliance support.
• Stay current on regulatory changes, industry trends, and emerging safety best practices through ongoing professional development.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Undergraduate degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Risk Management, Transportation, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Certification/Licensure: Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), OSHA certification, Certified Director of Safety (CDS), or other relevant safety credentials preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive workplace safety experience supporting transportation, logistics, warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, or similar operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA requirements, workplace safety management systems, and regulatory compliance practices; knowledge of FMCSA and DOT regulations preferred.
• Experience implementing and managing safety programs across multiple facilities, locations, or operational sites.
• Proven ability to conduct incident investigations, perform root cause analysis, and develop effective corrective and preventive action plans.
• Experience delivering safety training, coaching leaders, influencing stakeholders, and driving employee engagement in safety initiatives.
• Strong communication, presentation, leadership, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate successfully with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic operational environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned region and maintain a flexible schedule to support operational needs.
• Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
• Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.)
• Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on-site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.