The Area Safety Manager (ASM) plays a key role in supporting safety across operational, facility and shop activities at designated locations within the Greater Toronto Area. Reporting directly to the Area General Manager, the ASM drives behavioural and organizational change through effective leadership, influence and change management. The ASM analyzes safety data, identifies risks and partners with location leadership to implement targeted improvements.

This role supports the integration of divisional safety initiatives into area operations and monitors compliance with applicable federal and provincial regulations, company policies and safety standards. Partner with the Regional Safety Director (RSD), Location Safety Managers (LSMs), Location Managers (LMs) and Maintenance Managers to develop and implement safety measures in accordance with approved budgets and company guidance. Identify locations performing below established safety targets, analyze contributing factors and work with location teams to develop and implement improvement plans.

Share safety best practices and effective approaches to problem-solving across assigned locations. Support the RSD and Risk Management with claims management and litigation matters. Work closely with the workers' compensation third-party administrator to support proactive claims management.

Provide safety-related guidance to location leadership, the Area Training Manager and Recruiting to support driver onboarding, where appropriate. Trainer staffing, recruitment, onboarding administration and training coordination remain with location leadership and the responsible training and recruiting teams. Help locations identify and implement corrective actions following safety events.

Provide oversight across multiple locations to support compliance with First Student policies, standard operating procedures and applicable laws and regulations. Communicate compliance results to regional and senior leadership. Prepare monthly safety reports and performance analyses, identify trends and recommend corrective actions to the Area General Manager and location management teams.





Assess location safety performance using current company-approved systems, including Samsara where applicable. Partner with Location Managers in the recruitment, selection and onboarding of new Location Safety Managers. Provide safety training for new Location Managers and Location Safety Managers, develop LSM competencies and support regional safety workshops, as appropriate.

Use applicable company systems, including Focus and Samsara where appropriate, to monitor safety performance, support compliance and identify opportunities to reduce operational risk. Conduct location Safety Wellness Checks at least annually, with more frequent inspections and reviews at higher-risk locations, as needed. Provide safety-related input to location leadership and the Area Training Manager when incident trends or identified risks indicate a need for additional driver coaching or training.

Conduct safety audits to supplement the Site Safety Review process. Work with locations, Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) and Area General Managers (AGMs) to ensure identified actions are completed. Partner with RVPs, AGMs and LMs to communicate and implement divisional safety initiatives and actions.

Provide technical safety guidance to LSMs, as needed. Coordinate priorities with Location Managers to support operational and safety needs. Communicate safety and compliance concerns related to driver practices or vehicle operations to location leadership and the Area Training Manager.

Support corrective actions within the Safety function's scope, while training-program administration, compliance verification and quality assurance remain with location leadership and the Area Training Manager.



Support the planning and delivery of kickoff and safety meetings in partnership with location staff. Provide safety support for operational startups, as required.

Relevant safety or transportation certifications, including training through the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Seven years of safety or transportation experience. Knowledge of Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) rules and regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

Ability to interpret and apply safety key performance indicators (KPIs) and conduct risk assessments. Strong commitment to safety and thorough incident investigation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Strong ability to use company-approved technology, applications and shared systems to manage information and monitor performance. Ability to analyze data, conduct root cause analysis and guide others through the process.

Experience working in a unionized workplace is an asset. Demonstrated ability to train, coach and provide leadership. Collision investigation training.

About First

StudentFirst Student is a leading provider of school transportation services across Canada and the United States. Our teams work with school districts to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation, with safety at the centre of everything we do. Our employees support continuous improvement through training, technology and a shared commitment to the students, passengers and communities we serve.

We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and members of visible minorities. We provide reasonable accommodation at all stages of the hiring process.

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 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. #

📌 Area Safety Manager (Winnipeg)
🏢 First Student
📍 Winnipeg