Lead Truck Driver – Class A CDL in Madison, Wisconsin at District Council of Madison Inc., Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Full-time/Non-Exempt|40 hours per week – 8-10 hrs./day |Starting at $33.44/hr or commensurate with experience|

Schedule will align with operational needs, but typically Wednesday-Saturday, with occasional overtime. Daytime/Morning shift – no evenings or overnights

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead CDL Driver supports St. Vincent de Paul's mission by ensuring safe, efficient transportation of donated goods and inventory across locations. Combining driving expertise with leadership, this role helps maintain operations funding programs for those in need. It promotes safety, accountability, and compliance with DOT regulations, guiding drivers, managing routes, resolving issues, and maintaining documentation for operational excellence. Collaborating with warehouse, retail, and leadership teams, the driver maximizes donation value, improves efficiency, and keeps stores well-stocked for revenue and community access. The role demands professionalism, judgment, and service commitment, reflecting the organization’s core values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Transport trailers to and from retail stores, production facilities, warehouses, and service locations, ensuring timely, efficient, and incident-free operations.
• Safely operate commercial trucks and related equipment in full compliance with all traffic laws, DOT regulations, and company safety standards.
• Ensure full compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, including inspections, driver logs, hours-of-service regulations, and all required documentation.
• Demonstrate and reinforce defensive driving practices, safety standards, and company policies, including strict adherence to no handheld device usage while operating vehicles.
• Perform and review daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, safety lane checks, truck reports, and other required documentation for accuracy and completion.
• Maintain accurate records of services performed, deliveries completed, driver logs, and operational activities; ensure proper documentation is completed and stored within organizational systems (e.g., Google Drive and internal databases).
• Maintain responsibility for the condition of assigned vehicles, including cleanliness of cab interior and exterior, and overall operational readiness.
• Monitor tractor and trailer condition, coordinate preventative maintenance, and ensure timely repair scheduling with the Logistics Manager and approved service providers.
• Coordinate and follow up on repairs for tractors, trailers, and related equipment to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Ensure all loads are properly secured and transported safely, with doors closed and equipment protected from damage.
• Execute deliveries and pickups on schedule while adjusting to additional assignments or route changes based on business needs.
• Monitor trailer inventory and assist in balancing distribution needs across all locations.
• Collaborate with warehouse, production, and retail operation teams to streamline logistics processes and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Promote and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment across all transportation activities.
• Actively champion workplace safety by modeling compliance with safety protocols, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Partner with the Safety Manager to support safety training, hazard reporting, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives.
• Communicate facility maintenance or safety concerns to appropriate leadership to ensure compliance with all building, fire, and safety codes.
• Model professional, service-oriented behavior that promotes teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
• Represent the organization professionally in the community while operating company vehicles or wearing branded apparel, maintaining adherence to conduct and appearance standards.
• Actively contribute to a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging by building respectful relationships across diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Support organizational efforts to advance equity through collaboration, communication, and inclusive problem-solving.
• Comply with all organizational policies, including Safeguarding requirements, by completing mandatory trainings, maintaining certifications, and fulfilling background check requirements as applicable.
• Represent St. Vincent de Paul in the community when driving company vehicles and wearing company logos by maintaining SVdP standards of employee conduct, adhering to dress code policy requirements for retail employees.
• Actively contributes to a more equitable and inclusive organization.
• Build authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities.
• Play an integral role in fostering a culture of equity and inclusion within the organization.
• Support efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable organization. Participating in teamwork and collaboration, listening, fostering dialogue, and facilitating joint problem-solving while supporting an inclusive and equitable organization.
• Adhere to the Safeguarding Policy by ensuring timely completion of mandatory training, staying updated on relevant training modules, and undergoing the necessary background checks to maintain compliance in positions where required.

Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the primary point of contact for CDL drivers during daily operations, providing direction, support, and real-time problem-solving.
• Serve as a Lead Driver for the transportation team, providing day-to-day direction, support, and guidance to CDL drivers to ensure safe, efficient, and timely operations.
• Assist the Logistics Manager in coordinating daily routes, driver assignments, and coverage to ensure operational continuity.
• Support the Logistics Manager in coordinating daily driver assignments, route coverage, trailer movements, and schedule adjustments to meet operational needs.
• Monitor driver performance and adherence to safety, DOT, and company standards; provide coaching and escalate concerns when necessary.
• Lead by example in safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.

Training & Development

• Train, onboard, and mentor CDL drivers, ensuring understanding of routes, safety procedures, DOT requirements, and company expectations.
• Provide ongoing coaching and refresher training to ensure compliance with DOT regulations, hours-of-service, and safety practices.
• Support cross-training efforts to build team flexibility and coverage.

Operational Coordination

• Assist in route planning and optimization to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure timely service.
• Act as a liaison between transportation, warehouse, retail, and production teams to proactively address operational challenges.
• Serve as a liaison between drivers and leadership, communicating operational issues, delays, and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend solutions to leadership.

Compliance & Accountability

• Support oversight of DOT compliance across the driver team, including logs, inspections, and audit readiness.
• Review driver documentation for accuracy and completeness; ensure timely submission of logs, reports, and required records.
• Assist in incident investigations, including accidents, safety violations, or equipment issues, and help implement corrective actions.

Fleet & Resource Management

• Help track fleet maintenance schedules and ensure timely servicing of trucks and trailers.
• Coordinate with maintenance vendors and internal teams to minimize downtime.
• Monitor equipment usage and report inefficiencies or recurring issues.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to the Trucking Manager on operational performance, staffing needs, and risks.
• Serve as a communication bridge between drivers and leadership, ensuring alignment and clarity of expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS & KEYS TO SUCCESS

This position requires frequent communication and assistance among numerous departments. Therefore, this individual must:

• Prior experience in a lead driver, senior driver, or transportation coordinator role
• Experience in training, mentoring, or onboarding new CDL drivers
• Familiarity with fleet maintenance coordination and vendor communication
• Experience supporting logistics coordination in a multi-site operation
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions in real time under operational pressure
• Demonstrated ability to model professionalism and reinforce safety and compliance standards among peers
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Attention to detail and accuracy are required.
• Open to learning and performing various job tasks.
• Ability to work well with others and collaborate effectively.
• Capability to work with minimal supervision.
• Understand and accurately complete invoices, safety paperwork, and operational checkoff lists.
• Some computer and technology skills are needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Self-directed and action-oriented.
• Ability to identify objectives and recommend effective solutions.
• Demonstrate persistence and the ability to recover quickly from setbacks.
• Strong organizational and time management skills are necessary.
• A positive attitude towards problem-solving is essential.
• A safety-first mindset is crucial
• Be able to exercise superior judgment skills with the ability to work independently, manage and adapt to ever-changing needs and priorities
• Possess the ability to solve various problems of moderate scope and complexity
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, ethnicities, and races. Display a willingness to communicate and interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultures, varying abilities, ethnicities, and races
• Demonstrate the implementation of best practices as required by the SVdP Safeguarding policy when interacting with children and vulnerable adults

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with combination vehicle and air brake endorsements and a clean, insurable driving record (no more than 2 moving violations within the past 36 months)
• Minimum of 6+ years of commercial driving experience, preferably in multi-stop, multi-site distribution or retail supply environments
• Demonstrated expertise operating tractor-trailers across urban, rural, and warehouse dock environments, including varying weather conditions
• Strong working knowledge of DOT regulations and compliance requirements, including hours-of-service, driver logs, vehicle inspections, FMCSA Clearinghouse registration, and safety-sensitive protocols
• Ability to pass and maintain all DOT requirements, including drug screenings and physicals, and maintain a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Fed Med card)
• Proven ability to complete, maintain, and review accurate operational documentation (e.g., pre/post-trip inspections, route logs, delivery records) with a high level of accuracy and accountability
• Demonstrated leadership within a team-oriented environment, with the ability to coordinate across departments, support operational alignment, and model strong communication practices
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and operate with minimal supervision
• Commitment to continuous learning, skill development, and supporting the growth of team members
• Ability to operate material handling equipment as needed (forklift certification preferred or willingness to obtain through company training)
• Reliable personal transportation

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job:

• The employee must be able to follow instructions and work autonomously on assigned job duties
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit, talk, and/or hear, and/or use hands to type, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls
• Specific vision abilities this job requires include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• This position requires the ability to effectively communicate a wide variety of information to employees, customers, and clients. Good listening, verbal, and written skills are required
• This position requires the ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary to manage a retail business, the ability to prioritize and execute responsibilities, and the critical thinking skills necessary for good decision-making
• This employee must have the ability to work with a culturally and socially diverse population, as represented by the employees, customers, and clients of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
• Employees must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance and occasionally lift/move up to 150 lbs with assistance from equipment or another person
• Ability to twist, turn, crouch, stoop, and squat repeatedly throughout the workday
• Ability to sit for long periods of time while driving
• Employee must be able to fulfill schedule requirements and work assigned shifts consistently and reliably

An individual in this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The working environment of the Thrift stores and Processing Center may contain dust, debris, or allergens commonly associated with all manner of pre-owned clothing, furniture, and household goods. Certain areas of the facilities are only partially climate-controlled.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The District Council of Madison, Inc., Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not and shall not discriminate in our employment, services and volunteerism on the basis of age, race, color, disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, military service, or use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during non-working hours, or any characteristic protected by applicable local, state and federal law. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, and vendors. Although the District Council of Madison, Inc., Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not generally consider religion in either hiring or the services it provides, because we are a Catholic charity, requiring liaison with the Catholic Church and its members, certain positions involving such liaisons are reserved for members of the Catholic Church. The District Council of Madison, Inc., Society of St. Vincent de Paul reserves the right to consider whether the conduct reflected in a criminal conviction demonstrates an incompatibility with the responsibilities of the specific job for which an applicant is applying.

FULL-TIME JOB BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employer-paid long-term disability and term life insurance
• Voluntary short-term disability and life insurance coverage available
• Employee 403(b) retirement savings plan and an employer-sponsored SEP-IRA
• Employee assistance program
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid sick time off

EQUITY

St. Vincent de Paul has a vision for a deeply inclusive environment for our membership, staff, and volunteers. To foster a culture of belonging while providing equitable service delivery above and beyond Equal Opportunity requirements, SVdP candidates must be committed to cultural competency growth and work within diverse teams. SVdP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.