Corporate Fleet & Safety Manager

About Vermeer Southeast

Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service, Inc, founded in 1967 is a heavy equipment sales and services dealer with locations in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. In 2018 VSE became a 100% employee-owned company.

“From the beginning, we wanted the culture of Vermeer Southeast to be based on the biblical principles of honesty and integrity. We wanted to be fair about everything, treat our employees well, and treat our customers well.”

Merle Den Besten and Mel Bokhoven
Vermeer Southeast Co-founders

About the role

The Safety and Fleet Manager is responsible for overseeing all safety programs, compliance initiatives, and fleet

operations for the dealership. This role ensures a safe working environment for employees, maintains compliance

with OSHA and DOT regulations, and manages the efficient operation and maintenance of company vehicles and

equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of vehicles, industrial equipment (forklifts), safety

practices, and fleet management systems.

What you'll do

Safety Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain safety policies, programs, and procedures in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulations.
• Conduct regular safety training, toolbox talks, and employee orientations.
• Lead accident investigations and root cause analyses; implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Perform regular safety audits and inspections across all departments (shop, field service, parts, etc.).
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and oversee hazardous materials handling and reporting.

Fleet Management

• Manage and maintain the company’s fleet of service vehicles, delivery trucks, trailers, support equipment (forklifts), and mobile equipment.
• Coordinate vehicle acquisition, leasing, registration, insurance, and disposal.
• Schedule and track preventative maintenance and repairs to minimize downtime.
• Monitor GPS/telematics systems for usage, performance, and driver behavior.
• Maintain fleet records, including inspections, service logs, and compliance documentation.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with DOT/FMCSA regulations including driver qualification files, hours of service, and vehicle inspections.
• Manage licensing, certifications, and renewals for fleet and operators.
• Submit required regulatory reports and maintain documentation for audits or inspections.

Budget Management

• Assist in the development and management of the budget for safety and fleet operations.
• Identify cost-effective solutions for fleet management and safety improvements.

Leadership & Communication

• Act as a liaison between departments to support safety and operational goals.
• Provide leadership and coaching to drivers, technicians, and field personnel on safety and compliance standards.
• Serve as a key contact for third-party safety and fleet vendors.

Qualifications

Desired minimum experience, education and skills required:

Education and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in safety, fleet, or operations management; industrial or heavy equipment industry experience preferred.
• Certifications such as OSHA 30, DOT Compliance, or Certified Fleet Manager (CFM) are a plus.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and EPA regulations.
• Experience with fleet management software and GPS tracking systems.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.