Manager in Development
First Student is looking for a motivated, hands-on problem solver to join our Manager in Development (MID) program in the Danbury, CT region. This program prepares future leaders through hands-on operational experience, structured development, and direct mentorship from experienced managers.
About the role
The Manager in Development program is designed to prepare future First Student leaders. You'll gain exposure to the many moving parts that keep a student transportation operation running safely and efficiently, working alongside local and regional leaders while developing operational, leadership, and people-management skills. This is a fully on-site position, and candidates must be based in or able to reliably commute to the Danbury, CT region.
Upon successful completion of the program, candidates may be placed into a management opportunity at one of 12 First Student locations within the Danbury, CT region, based on business needs and available opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Learn the day-to-day operations of a First Student location from the ground up
- Participate in rotations across multiple departments, including dispatch, road supervision, safety, finance, human resources, and maintenance
- Work side-by-side with experienced managers to learn staffing, scheduling, employee relations, safety, compliance, and customer service
- Gain hands-on experience supporting daily transportation operations
- Assist with driver and staff performance, attendance, scheduling, and operational needs
- Build strong relationships with staff, drivers, and school district partners
- Lead projects, troubleshoot operational challenges, and identify opportunities for process improvement
- Learn First Student policies, procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
- Develop an understanding of location financial performance, budgeting, staffing, and operational metrics
- Support the Location Manager and leadership team with daily operational priorities
Requirements
- Leadership potential and a strong desire to learn, grow, and advance
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, people-focused environment
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational needs
- A hands-on leadership style and willingness to work alongside frontline teams
- Previous operations, transportation, supervisory, or management experience is a plus, but not required
- Ability to work Monday through Friday, with hours varying between 6:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Ability to work fully on-site in Danbury and remain flexible for future placement within the Danbury, CT region
Pay
$60,000 - $70,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
Schedule
Full-time, Monday-Friday | Hours will vary between 6:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. | On-site
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Structured leadership development
- Hands-on mentorship from experienced First Student leaders
- Exposure to multiple areas of transportation operations
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Career advancement opportunities throughout First Student
- Positive, team-focused work environment