Fast Facts

The Area Safety Manager at First Student in Toronto ensures the safety of operational activities across multiple locations through effective change management and data analysis. This leadership role focuses on continuous safety improvement and compliance with regulatory standards while supporting teams in driving safety initiatives.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include conducting safety audits, collaborating with location teams on compliance and incident investigations, and developing safety training programs for new leaders.

Skills: Required skills include strong leadership, decision-making, computer proficiency, excellent communication, and the ability to perform data analysis.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include 7 years of safety/transportation experience, safety certifications, and provincial instructor certification.

Location: The job is located in Toronto, ON, Canada, with no additional travel requirements specified.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between CAD 75,000 - CAD 100,000.

First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. he Area Safety Manager (ASM) plays a key role in ensuring the safety of designated locations across all operational, facility, and shop activities within the assigned geographic area. Reporting directly to the Area General Manager, the ASM is responsible for driving behavioral and organizational change through effective influence and change management strategies. By analyzing data and implementing targeted risk mitigation strategies, the ASM fosters continuous improvement in safety practices. This role ensures the seamless integration of division safety initiatives and processes into area operations while monitoring compliance with strategic and program objectives. Additionally, the ASM upholds adherence to federal, and provincial regulations, as well as company policies. Major Responsibilities Works with the RSD, LSM, LM and the Maintenance Manager, to ensure safety provisions are developed and deployed in accordance to budget and guidance. Identifies underperforming locations to established targets, perform analysis and work with location team to develop, recommend, and implement continuous improvement processes. Conduct comprehensive incident investigations for all serious events. Assists to develop actions and ensures lessons learned are communicated and implemented. Share best practices and innovative approaches for problem solving at locations managed by the position. Provide support to RSD and Risk Management on claims management and in litigation. Complete Root Cause Analysis with operations and maintenance as required. Work closely with the workers’ compensation third-party administrator to proactively manage claims. Has direct responsibility to ensure proper driving trainer staffing levels. Work closely with operations and HR to identify trainer needs and effectively administer driver onboarding. Assist locations to determine and implement proper remedial actions for safety events and review disciplinary actions with HR and Operations. Multiple location oversight to guide locations on compliance with First Student policies and SOPs, as well as applicable laws and regulations, provide visibility of location compliance scores to regional and senior team. Prepare monthly reports and safety performance analysis for locations. Identify trends and corrective actions and communicate to AGM and management team. Assess location safety performance by utilizing Daily Dispatch, Driver Mobile Manager, and other applicable tools. In partnership with LM, will participate in the recruiting process for selection and on-boarding of new LSM’s. Provide safety training for new LMs and LSMs; develop LSM competencies and skills and support Regional train the trainer workshops. Ensure operational efficiencies at a location level by utilizing Focus, Zonar, and the Safety Care database Perform location Safety Wellness Checks at least annually, at high risk locations this may require more frequent inspections and safety reviews. Assists HR/LM with driver recruitment, retention, and training activities Supplements the site safety review process by conducting safety audits. Additionally, the ASM works with the locations and RVPs/AGMs to properly close Site Safety Review actions. ASM manages the BeSafe process, including Safety Leadership course delivery, identifying and onboarding BeSafe Coaches and monitor debrief quality. Works with RVP, AGM and LM regarding the communication and execution of divisional wide activities and actions. . Provides technical oversight to the LSM, as needed, while the requests from LM’s will be prioritized and in partnership with the ASM to support the Operations and Safety function. Verification of location compliance with PDDP, EDTP, Non- Conforming Vehicles standards and conduct quality assurance by auditing elements of training programs being conducted at a location level. Ensures that all Training Standards are being carried per Company guidelines. Support the execution of kickoff/safety meetings by working closely with location staff. Provides the appropriate level of startup support. Other responsibilities as requested or required. Minimum Education or Certifications Required 2 years of College preferred or equivalent education/experience CCOHS , safety/transportation certifications, etc.. Minimum Experience or Skills Required 7 Years of Safety/Transportation Experience Strong commitment to Safety Demonstrate leadership, decision-making and team building skills Strong proficiency in computer literacy essential with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Experience with other software such as timekeeping and payroll systems is preferred. Advanced skills in technology used to manage the operation to include but not limited to First Student approved Smart technology, Apps, encrypted drives, shared drives and other Smart technology. Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to interpret data and perform root cause analysis and assist others Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with others in a team setting Demonstrated ability to train, coach and provide leadership Collision Investigation training Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one province within the region. Certified Smith System Defensive Driving Instructor First for a Reason Benefits We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, and paid holiday/vacation. Professional Advancement Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 3 to 5 month Manager-In-Development program prepares future leaders at First Student. Extensive Training Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency. Diversity & Inclusion Because we’re stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day. Community Service & Impact Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First in your community, you’ll have a positive impact on others. Apply today and get your career on the road with First Student! MISSION Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential. FOCUS ON SAFETY Safety is at the heart of everything we do CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure SURPASS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities FOSTER TEAMWORK Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence