Position: Transit Safety and Procurement Director
Reports to: Rural Transit Director
*****Interested applicants should submit a resume AND cover letter.*****
All current SETHRA employees must submit internal interest form to HR Dept.
The Transit Safety and Procurement Director is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing and managing the fleet operations and safety programs of a public transportation agency. This role requires a combination of strategic planning, operational expertise, and a strong focus on safety.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Safety and Compliance:
- Develop and enforce safety policies, procedures, and programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and investigations to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with training departments to provide safety education and training programs for employees.
2. Risk Management:
- Assess operational risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Implement an effective incident reporting and investigation process to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
- Collaborate with legal and insurance teams to manage claims and ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
3. Budgeting and Resource Management:
- Develop and manage the annual budget for fleet safety programs.
- Monitor expenses, analyze variances, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Coordinate with procurement teams to ensure the timely acquisition of vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
5. Vendor and Contract Management:
- Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and contractors to ensure the provision of quality services and adherence to contractual agreements.
- Conduct performance evaluations and negotiate contracts for fleet-related services.
6. Technology and Innovation:
- Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in fleet management and safety.
- Evaluate and implement technological solutions to enhance fleet operations, safety monitoring, and reporting.
7. Staff Supervision:
- Lead, supervise, and support direct reports.
- Conduct performance evaluations in line with agency policy.
- Establish and maintain a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with policies and regulations.
- Recruit, interview, and select staff with the appropriate technical and personal abilities to help further the mission of the organization.
- Ensure direct reports receive agency and job orientation and that appropriate training is provided.
- Coach, mentor, and empower staff as appropriate.
- Discipline staff when necessary, using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary, using appropriate procedures.
- Provide backup or coordinate backup for staff in their absence.
- Encourage and model healthy self-care practices.
- Review and submit timesheets, travel, and other documents in a timely manner.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and other Attributes
- Knowledge of Federal Transit Authority, DOT, TDOT, ADA, and mental health conditions.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the elderly and those who suffer from mental health conditions.
- Knowledge of vehicle and lift operations.
- Emergency evacuation procedures relevant to transportation.
- Thorough understanding of safety functions and goals.
- Apply effective system policies and procedures.
- Interact effectively with staff and the public.
- Ability to work as a team and independently.
- Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control.
- Ability to handle sensitive matters and exercise sound judgement, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Ability to adapt to changes in daily schedule.
- Exceptional public speaking and training facilitator skills.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving.
- Proficient computer skills as well as the ability to learn and operate relevant software.
- Ability to create PowerPoint and/or Prezi presentations.
- Ability to interact with people of different cultures.
- Willingness to work early mornings and late evenings when needed.
- Willingness to travel.
- Ability to take direction from supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., transportation management, logistics, engineering) or equivalent experience.
- Extensive experience in fleet safety, preferably in the public transportation industry.
- In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to fleet operations and safety.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage teams and develop collaborative relationships.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficient in using fleet management software, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office suite.
- Effective communication skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
Note: The above job description is a general outline of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Transit Safety and Procurement Director in public transportation.
Additional Work Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Required Class D Driver’s License with an F endorsement.
- Pre-employment background check.
- Ability to become certified as a trainer in First Aid and CPR procedures.
- Must maintain clean Motor Vehicle Record.
- Employees in this job position are subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, drug and/or alcohol screenings.
- Must obtain and maintain a TDOT (Tennessee Department of Transportation) medical card throughout employment with SETHRA.
- Must wear glasses or contact lenses if a requirement on license.
- Must wear hearing aids, if applicable.
- Must attend and complete regular scheduled training sessions.
Work Environment
- The position operates in an office and a mobile environment.
- Must be able to use mobility devices for training in office and outside conditions.
- Ability to perform physical demands of the position.
- Able to lift 50 pounds.
- Speak, stand, and sit for extended periods of time.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but hours may vary depending on travel to counties.
Travel
Some travel is expected for this position.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
SETHRA provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected category. The equal-employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of application for employment and the employment relationship.
Agency Overview
The Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA) is one of nine Human Resource Agencies in the State of Tennessee serving primarily 10 counties in the southeast region. SETHRA provides a plethora of community services to vulnerable populations serving 50,000+ people each year. Our programs include everything from public transportation, justice services, and aging and disability services to food, utility, and housing assistance.
At SETHRA, our work is rooted in service, collaboration, and compassion. We believe meaningful change happens when talented, purpose‑driven people come together to support one another and the communities we serve. Our team culture values integrity, open and healthy dialogue, mutual respect, and shared accountability—while still making room for laughter, connection, and celebrating wins along the way. If you are passionate about helping others, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want your work to make a real impact every day, SETHRA offers a rewarding place to grow and serve.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $58,000.00 - $67,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
