Safety Manager

North America Central School Bus; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

North America Central School Bus in Chicago seeks a dedicated Safety Manager to lead safety, compliance, and employee training within our school transportation operation. The role focuses on promoting a strong safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing drivers and staff through effective training programs, in partnership with leadership to deliver outstanding safety results.

This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth and professional

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Additional education in Safety, Transportation, Business, or a related field preferred.
• CDL with appropriate endorsements required or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Promote and maintain a positive safety culture across the operation.
• Serve as a safety resource for location leadership and staff.
• Implement and oversee safety initiatives, programs, and compliance standards.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and company safety regulations and policies.
• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate driver and employee training programs.
• Deliver classroom and behind-the-wheel training per regulatory and company requirements.
• Monitor trainee progress and provide coaching and feedback.
• Maintain all required training and compliance documentation.
• Conduct accident, incident, and injury investigations.
• Analyze safety data and KPIs to identify trends and corrective actions.
• Provide oversight to Safety Coordinators, Trainers, and other personnel.

Skills

Transportation safety principles

Regulatory compliance

Interpersonal communication

Data analysis

Training delivery

Microsoft Office

Transportation management software

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Safety/Transportation/Business education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Transportation management software

Job description

If you’re looking for a career that will give you a strong sense of pride and purpose, this is the job for you. Getting over 1,000,000 children safely to and from school every day is one of the most important jobs you will ever have. Come work for North America Central where your skills are valued, and your contribution appreciated.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Safety Manager to lead safety, compliance, and employee training initiatives within our school transportation operation.

This role is responsible for promoting a strong safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing drivers and staff through effective training programs.

The Safety Manager works closely with the Division Manager, Assistant Division Manager, and Regional Safety Manager to support operational excellence and deliver outstanding safety results.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership

• Promote and maintain a positive safety culture throughout the operation.
• Serve as a key safety resource for location leadership and employees.
• Implement and oversee safety initiatives, programs, and compliance standards.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and company safety regulations and policies.

Training & Development

• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate driver and employee training programs.
• Deliver classroom and behind-the-wheel training in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Monitor trainee progress and provide coaching, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Ensure training programs support operational efficiency and employee success.

Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Maintain all required training and compliance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations regarding driver qualifications and certifications.
• Maintain records including:
  • Driver qualification files
  • Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)
  • Driver authorizations
  • Fingerprint cards
  • Behind-the-wheel training documentation
  • Final evaluations
  • Third-party testing records

Safety & Risk Management

• Conduct and oversee accident, incident, and injury investigations.
• Analyze safety data, incident reports, workers' compensation claims, and key performance metrics.
• Identify trends, develop recommendations, and implement corrective actions to improve safety performance.
• Partner with leadership to make informed employment and safety-related decisions.

Team Leadership

• Provide oversight and direction to Safety Coordinators, Trainers, and other assigned personnel.
• Monitor program effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements.
• Support company-wide safety projects and initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Additional education in Safety, Transportation, Business, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of transportation safety experience preferred.
• Experience in training, compliance, investigations, or risk management is highly desirable.

Certifications

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements and any required state or local permits.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of transportation safety principles and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of federal and state safety regulations preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyze data and develop effective corrective action plans.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to learn and utilize transportation management and compliance software.

Why Join Us?

• Make a direct impact on the safety of students, employees, and communities.
• Lead meaningful safety and training initiatives.
• Join a team committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.

North America Central School Bus is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.