United Petroleum Transports
Job Description
Title: Director of Safety Date: May 21, 2026
Department: Safety Location: OKC Corporate Office
Reports To: VP, Safety and Compliance FLSA: Exempt
Purpose
Embrace, promote, and achieve the Vision, Values, and Mission of United Petroleum Transports (UPT). UPT is committed to the Guiding Principles of the Responsible Care initiative and maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.
The Director of Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading enterprise-wide safety strategies, policies, programs, and initiatives that support the safe transportation of petroleum products, chemicals, and dry bulk commodities. This position provides leadership and oversight for all safety-related activities across the organization, ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and customer-specific regulations while fostering a proactive safety culture focused on accident prevention, risk reduction, and continuous improvement.
Essential Job Functions
Safety Leadership & Strategy
* Develop and execute the company's strategic safety vision, goals, and initiatives across all operating locations.
* Lead the organization's safety culture by promoting employee engagement, accountability, and continuous safety improvement.
* Establish annual safety objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and performance measurement systems.
* Partner with executive leadership to align safety initiatives with overall business objectives.
* Provide regular safety performance updates and recommendations to executive leadership.
Regulatory Compliance
* Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations including:
* Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
* Department of Transportation (DOT)
* Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
* Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
* Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
* Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
* Responsible Care requirements
* State and local transportation regulations
* Monitor regulatory changes and implement operational modifications as required.
* Maintain company safety policies, procedures, and manuals to ensure regulatory compliance.
Accident Prevention & Risk Management
* Direct all accident investigation processes involving vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, spills, releases, cargo incidents, and near misses.
* Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective action plans.
* Analyze safety trends, claims activity, CSA scores, violations, and incident data to identify risk areas and develop preventive measures.
* Lead enterprise-wide risk assessment programs and mitigation strategies.
* Collaborate with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and legal counsel regarding claims management and loss prevention initiatives.
Driver & Employee Safety Programs
* Oversee driver safety initiatives for fuel, chemical, and dry bulk transportation operations.
* Ensure effective implementation of:
* Defensive driving programs
* Smith System and safe driving principles
* Hazardous materials handling procedures
* Cargo securement programs
* Fatigue management initiatives
* Behavioral-based safety programs
* Develop recognition programs that reward safe performance and reinforce desired safety behaviors.
* Support recruiting and onboarding initiatives to ensure safety expectations are established from day one.
Training & Development
* Lead the development and delivery of company-wide safety training programs.
* Ensure all employees receive required regulatory, operational, and customer-specific training.
* Oversee Certified Driver Trainers (CDTs), safety trainers, and field safety personnel.
* Evaluate training effectiveness and continuously improve curriculum and delivery methods.
* Develop leadership safety training programs for supervisors, managers, and terminal leadership teams.
Field Operations Support
* Conduct regular terminal audits, facility inspections, ride-alongs, and field observations.
* Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Driver Recruiting, Human Resources, and Terminal Management to address safety concerns and improve operational performance.
* Support new customer implementations, acquisitions, and expansion initiatives by evaluating safety risks and compliance requirements.
* Assist terminal leadership with safety-related employee coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions.
Environmental & Emergency Response
* Oversee environmental compliance programs related to fuel, chemical, and dry bulk operations.
* Maintain spill prevention and response procedures.
* Coordinate emergency response planning and incident management activities.
* Serve as a member of the company's emergency response and crisis management team.
* Ensure appropriate reporting and documentation of environmental incidents.
Auditing & Continuous Improvement
* Develop and maintain comprehensive safety audit programs.
* Conduct internal audits and coordinate external regulatory audits.
* Ensure corrective actions are completed and verified.
* Utilize safety analytics and performance metrics to drive operational improvements.
* Benchmark industry best practices and implement innovative safety initiatives.
Leadership & Team Development
* Provide leadership, coaching, and development for safety personnel across the organization.
* Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.
* Foster collaboration between safety, operations, maintenance, and support departments.
* Develop succession planning and career development opportunities within the safety organization.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May directly supervise:
* Regional Safety Managers
* Safety Managers
* Safety Specialists
* Safety Coordinators
* Certified Driver Trainers (CDTs)
* Environmental, Health & Safety personnel
* Other safety and compliance staff as assigned
Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and development of assigned team members.
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