Operations Manager, Via Student Transit

About the role

As an Operations Manager on Via’s Student Transit team, you are the force that keeps critical student transportation services running reliably for the communities that depend on them. This is a high-ownership, boots-on-the-ground role where you’ll lead daily operations, tackle real-time challenges, and continuously elevate the student, district, and driver experience in one of Via’s fastest-growing and most impactful business lines. This is a fully in-person position with the expectation that you will be onsite 4-5 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Run the daily onsite operations of our service, ensuring smooth operations to provide riders with safe, reliable, and accessible transportation.
• Make informed, real-time decisions about driver supply, compliance, student needs, and unexpected issues, stepping in quickly to ensure continuously excellent and dependable service.
• Guide and support drivers by building strong relationships, addressing concerns, and ensuring they feel equipped to deliver great service to students and families.
• Turn student and district feedback into tangible improvements, spotting patterns and collaborating with internal teams to make thoughtful and actionable operational improvements.
• Use data and technology to understand service performance, diagnose problems, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and rider experience.
• Act as a key operational bridge between school partners, drivers, and Via central teams to help deliver high-quality service and support growth across your market.

Requirements

• Operationally experienced, with a background in people management, logistics, customer service, or process-oriented work.
• Relationship-oriented, earning trust from drivers, school partners/districts, and teammates through clear communication and follow-through.
• Hands-on and proactive, preferring to be in the field, learning the service firsthand, and solving problems where they happen.
• Tactical and strategic, able to problem-solve issues as they come up but also think long-term about solutions to mitigate these occurrences.
• Mission-driven, understanding the value of student transportation in shaping people’s education and life trajectory.
• Based in the Sacramento, San Jose, or Santa Rosa area, ready to be onsite 4–5 days a week.

Pay

Final salary will be determined by the candidate’s experience, knowledge, and skills. Salary range: $65,000 - $75,000 per year.

Benefits

• Free medical plans
• 401K matching