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Johnston, Rhode Island, United States
Onsite
About the Role
We're seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations at Johnston, RI. This role encompasses the complete operational lifecycle—from bid development and startup to daily management and continuous improvement. You'll build high-performing teams, manage P&L accountability, and establish best-in-class transportation operations that exceed customer expectations.
What Makes You Successful in This Role
You're a decisive leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments where every day brings new challenges. You balance operational urgency with safety discipline, never compromising on what matters most. You're a natural relationship builder who earns trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders through consistent follow-through. You see potential in people and invest in their growth, building teams that take ownership and deliver results. You're equally comfortable reviewing financial reports, walking the yard with drivers, and presenting to school district administrators. You take pride in building something from the ground up and have the resilience and initiative to overcome obstacles without waiting for permission.
Execute complete site start-ups for newly awarded contracts, team hiring, facility setup, IT implementation
Develop training and hiring programs for location that meets or exceeds state, federal, and district guidelines
Develop and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships, consistently exceeding expectations through proactive communication and service delivery
Manage assigned contract operations, ensuring consistency and excellence
Utilize Zum's IT infrastructure to monitor, analyze, and exceed balanced scorecard KPIs across all operational areas
Spearhead a behavioral safety culture that protects employees, students, and the broader community
Oversee Safety Department compliance with state, federal, DOT regulations, RFP requirements, and meticulous record keeping
Review all incident reports, ensure proper accident/incident reporting procedures, and submit documentation as required
Maintain P&L accountability in alignment with company financial guidelines
Collaborate with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Safety teams to strategize and execute hiring plans that support operational needs
Develop and coach Zum employees to become our next generation of leaders through mentoring and growth opportunities
Partner with Maintenance leaders to ensure complete fleet readiness and maintain accurate inventory meeting all regulatory and contractual requirements
Oversee daily operations including scheduling, staffing, field trip/charter processes, route awards, and trip execution
Work with the payroll department to ensure timely, accurate processing and resolve discrepancies promptly
Manage union relationship according to collective bargaining agreement (CBA) guidelines
Maintain organized, safe, clean, and efficient operational facilities
Partner with Safety Manager to coordinate accident investigations and workers' compensation cases, working with insurance adjusters and claims administrators to ensure accountability and timely resolution
Build and maintain strong relationships with school district partners and community to ensure service excellence
Plan, execute, and complete school bus yard electrification projects on time, within budget, and to specification
Manage project plans, schedules, budgets, and coordinate with contractors, school district staff, utilities, and AHJs
Monitor progress, report on status, risks, and issues, and resolve project-related conflicts
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards throughout project lifecycle
Demonstrated experience managing full profit and loss (P&L) accountability with operational oversight and KPI responsibility
5+ years of experience managing day-to-day operations in complex, time-sensitive environments such as transportation, field services, logistics, hospitality, or similar industries
Experience with scheduling, staffing, planning, and operational execution
5+ years of experience maintaining client-facing relationships and managing customer accounts in an operational environment, with demonstrated ability to deliver customer service to both external clients and internal stakeholders
Experience managing salaried leaders and/or coordinating across multiple departments
Track record of career progression supported by relevant certifications or continuing education, with demonstrated success in developing direct reports and building high-performing teams
Comprehensive understanding of and demonstrated experience with safety practices, protocols, processes, compliance requirements, and regulatory standards
Experience managing in a unionized (CBA) environment
Prior leadership in transportation start-up or new district launch, including sourcing facilities, implementing IT systems, building teams, and intaking fleet vehicles
Demonstrated experience successfully managing through periods of rapid organizational growth or major management/structural changes
Proficiency with Microsoft or G Suite applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides)