Occupational Health Program Mgr

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Occupational Health Program Manager oversees compliance with Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations and Fitness for Duty programs. Serving as the certified Designated Employer Representative, this role ensures adherence to company and contractor policies while managing vendor relationships with occupational health providers and regulatory partners. Acting as a strategic advisor, the manager influences safety culture and wellness initiatives across all organizational levels. This position is critical for maintaining regulatory compliance and promoting a culture of health and safety within the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day insight and recommendations to business partners, uphold organization and implement record retention schedules, keep financial control to ensure we are within budget allotment, analyze/calculate risk in regards to Federal mandate, assess gaps and maintain lean practices.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance for fitness-for-duty cases to minimize liability.
• Collaborate with Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), supervisors, drug testing facilities, and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) to manage cases efficiently. Oversee and schedule SAP-mandated follow-up testing, ensuring tests are unannounced and conducted without any predictable pattern.
• Responsible program manager for Occupational Health contract with vendor. Accountable contact to ensure drug testing, Fitness For Duty and other programs are designed to meet all the compliance and regulatory requirements. Partner to create an effective occupational health program to meet the needs of our coworkers and Company.
• Interpret regulatory requirements and develop comprehensive written policies and procedures. Exercise independent judgment to make decisions and implement effective solutions. Stay current with regulatory updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Serve as the accountable subject matter expert for Fitness for Duty regulations, analyze critical data (e.g., drug and alcohol results, incidents, regulatory updates), provide independent guidance to stakeholders, and remain available 24/7 for emergent situations.
• Develop strategic communications and change management plans to drive workforce performance and culture, resolving complex, cross-functional issues and leading initiatives tied to regulatory changes, safety culture, and well-being programs. Partner with all levels of the organization including Officers on communications, direction and compliance with regulatory law.
• Engage and guide occupational health vendors to ensure federal compliance, prevent Public Interest Exclusion, and deliver high-performance results, including oversight of random testing, MIS data review, and implementation of critical incident counseling and regulatory updates.
• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong communication skills
• Proficiency in data analysis, risk assessment, and decision-making under pressure
• Ability to build partnerships and influence at all organizational levels
• Ability to manage vendors, budgets, and ensure operational compliance
• Regulatory knowledge of DOT regulations and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• Strong ability to interpret regulations and develop compliant policies and procedures
• Knowledge and application of Lean methods and processes

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree with at least 7 years in experience in occupational health and/or DOT regulatory program management

OR

• Associates degree with at least 9 years in experience in occupational health and/or DOT regulatory program management

OR

• High school diploma/GED with at least 11 years in experience in occupational health and/or DOT regulatory program management