DOT Manager - Safety & Compliance

Recipe for Success

Reser’s is the leading provider of fresh refrigerated foods for the supermarket and food service industries.  Family owned and operated, Reser’s has been a proud sponsor of good times at picnics, BBQs, and affordable family meals since 1950.  Reser’s family of brands include Reser’s American Classics, Main Street Bistro, Don Pancho, and more.  Reser’s operates facilities in the US, Mexico and actively supports the communities it serves.

Benefits and Culture

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to help employees live a healthier life, build rewarding careers and save for the future.  Reser’s offers choices whenever possible, because we recognize the diverse and ever-changing needs of our employees.  Full-time employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life, 401(k) with discretionary match, wellness programs, paid time off, company paid holidays and a variety of voluntary benefit options.

We strive to be Employer of Choice.  As one of our five cornerstones, this means that we go all-out to create an environment that shows we are committed to investing in employee growth and creating a culture of belonging where employees what to build a lasting career.  

Visit our website to learn more about our competitive benefit programs – www.resers.com/careers/#benefits

Job Summary:

The position ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations while driving continuous improvement in safety performance, risk mitigation, and compliance processes. This role serves as the primary internal expert and liaison to regulatory agencies, ensuring the organization maintains a strong safety culture and full regulatory compliance. 

Essential Position Functions: 

1. Serve as the subject matter expert on DOT, FMCSA, and applicable state transportation regulations. 

2. Maintain all required compliance documentation, retention, and audit readiness programs. 

3. Manage regulatory audits, interventions, and compliance reviews (e.g., DOT audits).

4. Monitor and respond to regulatory changes and implement required process updates. 

5. Develop, implement, and oversee company-wide safety programs for drivers and fleet operations. 

6. Lead driver safety training, onboarding, and ongoing education programs. 

7. Track, report, and improve key safety metrics (accident frequency, CSA scores, violations, etc.).

8. Lead safety investigations including accidents, injuries, and incidents; perform root cause analysis and corrective actions.

9. Promote a proactive safety culture across all drivers and transportation staff.

10. Oversee driver qualification processes.

11. Ensure compliance with all driver-related regulatory requirements and recordkeeping.

12. Partner with Driver Managers and Operations to ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory standards.

13. Design and implement internal audit programs for transportation compliance and safety. 

14. Monitor compliance metrics and KPIs with a data-driven approach.

15. Prepare reports for leadership on compliance status, risks, and corrective actions.

16. Ensure readiness for external audits (DOT, state agencies, insurance audits).

17. Ensure full compliance with all transportation-related tax requirements.

18. Oversee process accuracy, documentation, and timely submission of all filings.

19. Partner with Finance/Accounting to ensure proper accruals, payments, and audit support.

20. Lead support for tax audits or regulatory inquiries related to fleet operations.

21. Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and external compliance stakeholders.

22. Drive alignment across departments to ensure consistent compliance practices.

23. Identify gaps in compliance and safety processes and implement corrective actions.

24. Benchmark industry practices and implement best-in-class compliance programs. 

25. Leverage technology (TMS, telematics, ELD systems) to improve compliance visibility and performance. 

26. Establishes and communicates strategic plans and clear performance objectives for the team to achieve, ensuring understanding and buy-in. Ensures team members have the resources, information, and support needed to achieve objectives.

27. Supports the development and career growth of team members by providing opportunities to learn, regular and timely performance feedback and coaching, ensuring succession planning is in place for the team.

28. Managerial responsibility for staff employment decisions in accordance with company policy.

29. Performs special projects and other related duties, as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 3 – 5 years of experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of DOT, FMCSA, & OSHA regulations.

• Strong analytical and reporting skills; ability to design and monitor.

• High attention to detail and strong documentation discipline.

• Excellent cross-functional communication and leadership ability. 

• Ability to influence safety culture in a driver-centric environment. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer required while in the office.

• Prolonged periods performing repetitive actions.

• Repetitive hand, wrist, and finger activities. 

• Requires the ability to travel to various work locations by car or plane up to 10% of time.

• Office environment.

• Flexible schedule may be required based on business needs.

Exempt only: This position is eligible for a bonus based on company goals/performance.