Safety and Compliance Manager - Freight Brokerage 3PL
Roots Logistics is seeking a Safety & Compliance Manager to own the implementation, and continuous improvement of our regulatory and risk framework across freight brokerage and 3PL operations. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role at the intersection of compliance, operations, and people—built for a professional who can translate regulatory complexity into practical, executable programs.
You will serve as the company’s primary subject matter expert on FMCSA, OSHA, and DOT state-level transportation regulations. You’ll build programs that protect our people, our carrier relationships, our shipper commitments, and our license to operate—while enabling, not obstructing, growth.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Regulatory Compliance & Policy
▪ Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety policies aligned with FMCSA, OSHA, and DOT regulations for freight brokerage and 3PL environments
▪ Monitor federal and state transportation law changes (FL) and translate updates into actionable policy revisions with a clear effective-date cadence
▪ Manage all regulatory filings, incident reporting, and agency correspondence—ensuring nothing falls through the cracks
▪ Maintain broker authority, surety bond compliance, and carrier vetting standards in partnership with Operations
Risk Assessment & Audits
▪ Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments across freight operations, TMS configurations, carrier qualification records, and documentation workflows
▪ Build and maintain a risk register; proactively identify exposure areas and present mitigation recommendations to leadership
▪ Lead post-incident investigations—root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and follow-through to closure
Training & Culture
▪ Design and deliver compliance and safety training programs for logistics staff, operations teams, and new hires—practical, engaging, and retained
▪ Partner with HR on role-specific training content and new hire onboarding to embed compliance expectations from day one
▪ Champion a safety-first mindset without creating friction that slows down freight movement
Carrier & Supply Chain Compliance
▪ Oversee carrier qualification, insurance verification, and ongoing compliance monitoring—CSA scores, alerts, authority status
▪ Collaborate with carrier sales and operations teams to ensure load planning and tendering decisions account for regulatory requirements
Reporting & Leadership Support
▪ Produce a recurring compliance dashboard with key metrics: audit findings, incident trends, training completion rates, and open corrective actions
▪ Present risk and compliance status updates to the COO and executive team; escalate material exposures immediately
▪ Maintain complete, audit-ready documentation for all compliance activities, carrier files, and incident records
WHAT YOU BRING
Required
▪ 3–7 years of compliance, safety, experience in freight brokerage, 3PL preferred
▪ Working knowledge of FMCSA regulations, DOT requirements, OSHA standards, and FDA guidelines as applied to freight handling and food transport
▪ Demonstrated experience building and managing carrier compliance programs, including CSA monitoring and insurance verification
▪ Skilled communicator—can write a clear policy, run an effective training, and brief the C-suite without jargon overload
▪ Self-starter with strong organizational instincts; can manage multiple regulatory workstreams without dropping details
▪ Must be authorized to work in the United States
Preferred
▪ Experience in a high-growth startup or scaling brokerage environment
▪ Familiarity with TMS platforms and how compliance intersects with system configuration and load documentation
▪ Multi-state operational experience, particularly Florida regulatory environments
▪ Certifications: CDS (Certified Director of Safety), HazMat, or equivalent preferred; OSHA 30-hour General Industry a plus
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Base Salary Range
$68,500 – $75,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
Salary offers are determined based on qualifications, experience, internal equity, and market data. The range above reflects the anticipated compensation for this role at Roots Logistics.
Bonus Eligibility
Discretionary annual performance bonus
Health Insurance
Medical, dental, and vision coverage (United Healthcare)
PTO
Accrual-based PTO program (1.54 hrs/week, begins day one)
Retirement
401(k) — plan details provided upon offer
Other Benefits
Paid company holidays; professional development support
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is an office role performed in a professional office environment. The position requires regular use of a computer, keyboard, and phone. Occasional travel to company offices (Miami, FL) and carrier or shipper locations may be required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local law.
WHO THRIVES HERE
Roots Logistics is a fast-moving freight brokerage headquartered in Chicago, with operations in Miami, and a global team built on accountability, transparency, and an ownership mentality.
If you’re energized by compliance, comfortable with coaching, and know how to make safety part of the culture - you’ll do well here.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Roots Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Roots Logistics complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Candidate Resumes Only; All qualified members of the Pride community, Minorities, and Women are ENCOURAGED to apply.
Pay: $68,500.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
