Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Student Transportation Company

We are a dedicated special needs children's transportation company committed to providing safe, reliable, and compassionate transit solutions. Our mission is to ensure every student travels in a secure, supportive, and punctual environment, tailored carefully to their unique needs and accommodation requirements.

Job Summary

The Operations Manager oversees the daily logistical execution, strategic routing, and personnel management for student transportation operations. This role is responsible for designing highly efficient cross-regional routing plans, balancing van capacity constraints, and leading a team of drivers to ensure safe, punctual transit. The Operations Manager acts as the primary leadership point of contact, resolving complex operational issues and maintaining seamless communication with parents, corporate logistics, and school district special needs transportation personnel.

Shift & Schedule Details

Hours: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Break: Includes a 1-hour lunch break during the shift.

Key Responsibilities

Daily & Weekly Operations:

Daily Route Management: Oversee and adjust active routes in real time to accommodate traffic, vehicle issues, or scheduling changes, ensuring zero disruption to student transit. Weekly Route Planning: Design and optimize weekly cross-regional routing loops, analyzing student location data to minimize transit times and maximize fleet efficiency.

Capacity Management: Enforce strict fleet utility guidelines, ensuring passenger counts never exceed the maximum van capacity of 4 students per vehicle.

Personnel Management & Recruitment Driver Recruitment: Oversee the end-to-end talent acquisition process for new drivers, including sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and ensuring a robust talent pipeline.

Credential Verification: Manage strict compliance during hiring by verifying candidates hold a valid V endorsement on their driver's license and a current DOT medical card. Safety Screening: Coordinate all pre-employment and random screening processes, including comprehensive background checks and drug testing.

Personnel Management: Lead, mentor, and supervise the driving team. Conduct briefings, enforce safety compliance, and manage driver performance and accountability. Scheduling & Dispatch: Match specific drivers to optimal routes and vehicles. Generate and maintain a ready-to-print daily dispatch book and detailed driver checklists. Administration & Payroll

Payroll Processing: Manage and execute the end-to-end payroll workflow for all driving personnel utilizing ADP. Track daily hours, reconcile time cards, verify accurate wage calculations, and approve final submissions. Operational Reporting: Compile, analyze, and submit regular operational reports covering key performance indicators, fleet utility, safety metrics, and route efficiency. Stakeholder Coordination & Issue Resolution

Multi-Party Issue Resolution: Act as the primary escalation point to promptly investigate and resolve transit safety, behavioral, or scheduling issues directly with parents, students, and school districts. District Liaison: Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with school districts, coordinating closely with special needs transportation personnel to fulfill specific student accommodations. Qualifications and Requirements

Experience:

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in logistics, fleet operations, or student transportation management, with demonstrated leadership experience in personnel management and hiring.

Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency with ADP payroll software, digital mapping platforms, time-tracking systems, and routing software.

Compliance Knowledge: Thorough understanding of student transportation compliance, driver credentialing (V endorsement rules), and DOT medical regulations. Communication: Exceptional conflict-resolution and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate empathetically and professionally with parents, students, drivers, and district officials.

Problem-Solving: Proven ability to manage multi-variable routing constraints, optimize schedules, and make critical decisions under pressure.

Pay: $59,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person