AT-CDL Area Manager

Job Summary

The Area Manager-CDL is the subject matter expert and recognized leader on all matters related to the CDL program for Ancora Training. This person is responsible for the administration of a best-in-class CDL program that adheres to all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state regulatory agency regulations, develops and trains CDL program directors and instructors on best practices and policies to run an efficient CDL program, and drives fleet management and scheduling to ensure profitable, safe programs system-wide. He/She will work closely with the Regional Program Director-CDL to set standards and training and roll them out to the campuses for implementation. This person will work closely with regional and campus leadership, where applicable, to problem-solve issues in the CDL program and prescribe solutions for implementation.  The Area Manager-CDL assists CDL Leadership in meeting and/or exceeding its CDL revenue and profitability goals, fleet management, and instructor and scheduling goals while ensuring adherence to institutional, state, and federal guidelines and is respected by the field for their program knowledge. The Area Manager-CDL applies expertise in driving, training, regulations, and knowledge of the market to identify growth opportunities and business risks to enhance this company's revenue stream.

Key Responsibilities

•  Develop, organize, and administer Program Director and Instructor training programs. 

  • Provide subject matter expertise on all aspects of running a successful, high-quality, compliant and safe  CDL program. 

  • Visit, understand, and direct program directors and instructors on compliance and operational best practices for all aspects of CDL. 

  • Develop and administer program director and instructor training programs; work with other corporate CDL  staff to scale training efforts.

  • Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training of new CDL staff.  

  • Reviews daily/weekly/monthly reports and tailors training and discussions with CDL teams on results. 

• Manage operational compliance for the CDL program.

  • Oversee and operationalize safety and compliance programs mandated by FMCSA, State and Local Regulatory and Law Enforcement Agencies. 

  • Ensure compliance to drug and alcohol, road safety, administrative, and all other relevant regulations and laws by identifying best practices, training teams, and escalating and documenting issues. 

  • Review and maintain accident policy and develop safety initiatives such as defensive driving courses.      Administer audit process and scorecard system and report on compliance at each location. 

  • Implement remediation plans as a result of testing in conjunction with leadership and the CDL program director. 

• Manage fleet activities, including acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of vehicles.

  • Work with your Regional CDL Program Director to understand all fleet-related metrics and implement plans to maximize truck efficiency. 

  • Train CDL program directors and instructors on how best to maintain their trucks and ensure efficient truck operations; ensure program directors understand fleet efficiency drivers to ensure optimized fleet management. 

• Develop, recommend, and implement cost-saving measures through labor, equipment, and fuel programs. 

  • Regularly review, understand, and make recommendations to improve efficiency across all aspects of the  CDL business. 

  • Balance CDL schedule demands with businesses' cost drivers. 

• Leads and Develops Others

  • Recognized and respected as the subject matter expert on all operational and compliance aspects of CDL. Demonstrates ability to take regulatory concepts and apply them in a compliant, practical way.                                 Holds others accountable to established performance levels to achieve individual and group goals.                    Conducts regular check-ins with CDL program staff to review performance versus goal, discuss and resolve issues, and provide the overall support needed to ensure success. 

  • Manages resources and people processes (e.g., Performance Management, Career Development,  Training, Staffing, etc.) to ensure optimal performance. 

  • Identifies individual and team skill gaps and developmental opportunities (e.g., training, special assignments, conferences, projects, etc.) to facilitate individual and team development. 

  • Coaches and mentors staff to develop the careers of others and improve individual and team performance. 

  • Resolves individual and group performance issues promptly to motivate and foster teamwork.

  • Identifies opportunities to involve others in new and challenging work assignments that advance the skills and capabilities of individuals and the organization. 

  • Recommends employees for lateral rotations and promotions to provide them with opportunities to develop new skills and take on more responsibility. 

Experience and Education Required

• High school degree 

• 5 years of work experience in CDL driving and training 

• Multi-site oversight experience  

• Management experience 

• Working knowledge of FMCSA regulations  

• Demonstrates an understanding of maintenance. 

• Ability to drive results in a matrix organizational structure. 

• Ability to translate complex regulatory details into compliant and practical programs. 

• Demonstrated ability to establish and execute a detailed operating plan on schedule and within budget.      

• Demonstrated ability to navigate a rapidly changing business environment and align internal and external stakeholders. 

• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, executives, peers, and subordinates. Good decision-making skills. 

• Ability to prioritize and solve problems. 

• Effective and impactful leadership skills. 

Experience and Education Preferred

• Bachelors

• 15 years of progressive work experience in CDL driving and training 

• Knowledge of multi-state regulations for CDL 

• Experience with CDL employers, specifically trucking companies 

• Track record of growing leaders and independent thinkers 

Physical Demands

• Mobility & Balance: Ability to frequently  climb in/out of the cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist and reach to perform pre/post-trip inspections and navigate tight spaces.

• Strength: Ability to crank trailer landing gear (often 100+ lbs), handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading/unloading (if applicable).

• Endurance: Ability to sustain physical activity and be alert during extending driving and instructional periods, including exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, rain, ice or snow.

• Sensory Acuity and Overall Health: Must possess and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by Federal regulations.

Specific Tasks & Considerations:

• Demonstrating Skills: Physically showing students how to couple/uncouple trailers, perform inspections, and maneuver the large vehicle.

• Environmental Exposure: Working outdoors in various conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow while training.

Work Environment  

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually not exposed to weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Note

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, or requirements associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change. 

I have read and understand the above job description.  I further understand that this is not an all-inclusive list and does not constitute a contract.  My employment remains at will as with all employees of Ancora Education.