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Transportation, Logistics, Trucking

Driver Development Manager

Phoenix, AZOnsiteFull TimeManager / Head$50,900–$72,700 /yrPosted 1 month ago

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Required skills

  • safety
  • trucking industry
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excel
  • oral communication
  • influence others
  • collaborative skills
  • interpersonal relationships

Nice to have

  • truck driver

Role summary

Knight Transportation is seeking a Driver Development Manager to enhance the driver onboarding experience, improve safety, and boost retention. This role involves evaluating and coaching driver managers, overseeing the Driver Qualification Process, and maintaining compliance with DOT regulations. The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of experience in trucking operations or safety, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and strong communication and interpersonal skills. This is an onsite, full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Work with the Industry Leader!

As the most profitable and fastest growing truckload carrier, we are driven to innovate the transportation industry. Knight is a career destination for passionate and talented people seeking growth and opportunity with an industry leader.
What do we live by? The answer is simple…OUR PEOPLE! Knight Transportation is powered by people. We are committed to a culture of high expectations and exceptional performance. At Knight, we hire good teammates who share our values, unselfishly take personal accountability for results, and bring innovative ideas to the table. Our people are passionate about continual learning, display honesty and mutual respect, and give their best every day.

Join our Knight Family as we offer results-driven people a place to make a difference in a stable and maturing industry.

Job Responsibilities: What you will do

Lead improvements that enhance on-boarding experience for all drivers. Evaluate driver managers' ability to effectively plan, guide and coach new drivers and provide recommended courses of action to Terminal Managers. Provide high level analytical support to Terminal Managers, focusing on on-going driver development initiatives that support safety and retention goals.

  • Oversee assigned Driver Qualification Process (DQP) Facilitators ensuring appropriately staffed and operating within budget constraints.
  • Ensure assigned employees have career development plans that provide the organization with strong bench strength for future leaders and specialized individual contributors.
  • Track specific metrics for each DQP Facilitator and provide guidance on how each DQP Facilitator can improve their ability to support each New Hire Driver's progression through training to solo driver status.
  • Ensure all activities related to completion of driver files, verification of references, adherence to compliance related testing, and other pre-hire activities are done promptly and effectively to facilitate the hiring process.
  • Maintain the organizations Road Examination process including developing the group of qualified examiners.
  • Maintain status of a DOT and non-DOT qualified collector for both hair and/or urine sample collections.
  • Proactively work to build relationships with Driving Associates, support and recognize excellent performance while assisting team in achieving the organization's objectives.
  • Develop strategies and sponsor key initiatives to foster a culture of positive driver support and improve driver retention and as needed assist in the onboarding of new drivers.
  • Evaluate Driver satisfaction, retention and turnover and assist in increasing Driver retention and reducing overall turnover.
  • Review various reports on driver safety, and directs activities to effect positive safety outcomes while actively coaching Driving Associates to ensure that the terminal meets company safety expectations.
  • Promote good relations with internal and external customers by coaching and supporting employees on how to find the best solution to safety problems.
  • Gather, organize, and analyze information on breakdowns and procedures, and develop solutions to facilitate on-time completion of equipment services within the shop.
  • Counsel driving associates on high risk behaviors including items on risk analysis scoring. Consult and recommend corrective action; up to and including whether to terminate driver's employment.
  • Proactively work to assist others in achieving the organization's objectives.

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Qualifications: What you need to bring

  • 4+ years' experience in operations field and/or safety in trucking industry required.
  • Previous experience as a truck driver preferred.
  • Associates degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience required.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite especially excel.
  • Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be able to build consensus and influence others.
  • Must possess great collaborative skills and demonstrated development of strong interpersonal relationships.


Pay Range: $50,900.00 - $72,700.00 Annual

What we offer:

  • Competitive starting salary commensurate with experience and geographic location.
  • Potential bonus pay based on company performance.
  • Opportunities to volunteer and give back to local communities.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package which includes:
    • 401(K)
    • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Supplemental and Life Insurance
    • Paid Time Off
    • Employee Stock Purchase Plan


The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, military status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. The Company does not sponsor employment visas.

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