Area Operations Manager

Assisted Student Transportation•Kansas City, KS

5d•$75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Area Operations Manager is a senior operations leader responsible for the daily performance of multiple contracts and transportation facilities within a defined market area. This role is accountable for operational execution, safety, employee engagement, customer satisfaction, financial results, and strategic growth. The Area Operations Manager provides direct leadership to Student Transportation Operations Managers (STOMs) and other operational leaders. This position requires proactive oversight, clear communication, and hands-on engagement to remove barriers, drive accountability, and ensure consistent execution of company standards. This role operates with an ownership mindset and a commitment to student safety, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.
Five (5) or more years of student transportation operations experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory role.
Ability to develop and execute detailed operational plans.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to organize, lead, and motivate teams across multiple locations.
Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment and meet tight timelines.
Proficiency with standard office tools and systems (including Microsoft Office).
Working knowledge of transportation, pupil management, and employment-related regulations.
Sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion when communicating with external parties.
Ability to observe, coach, and correct employee performance; apply discipline appropriately.
High initiative and accountability; committed to safety and contract performance.
Strong active listening and problem-solving skills; drives engagement and satisfaction.

Nice To Haves

Safety/training, shop, or dispatch experience preferred.
Non-student transportation leadership experience may substitute for up to two (2) years of overall experience.
Yellow school bus (pupil) transportation experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership Directly supervise STOMs and assigned operational leaders; drive operational, financial, and safety performance.
Oversee daily terminal operations (maintenance, dispatch, routing, training, payroll, and administrative functions).
Standardize processes across terminals to improve consistency, efficiency, and service delivery.
Monitor performance, remove roadblocks, and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Provide escalation oversight for major incidents, customer complaints, regulatory findings, or performance deficiencies; implement action plans.
Employee Engagement and Talent Development Oversee recruiting, staffing, and training efforts to ensure route and trip coverage with appropriate spare driver levels.
Hold regular meetings with staff and drivers to communicate mission, values, expectations, and gather feedback.
Coach and develop leaders and frontline employees; provide recognition and corrective feedback as needed.
Conduct development and career planning discussions to build capability and fill workforce needs.
Promote fair, respectful treatment of employees; drive engagement and retention.
Customer and Community Relations Maintain regular communication with district leadership to ensure satisfaction, contract compliance, and service quality.
Identify service improvements and opportunities for additional services or growth.
Ensure contract-required reporting and information are delivered timely and accurately.
Attend school board meetings when requested or required.
Engage in community outreach to support recruiting and strengthen district/community relationships.
Financial and Contract Accountability Maintain accountability for area and terminal-level P&L performance; support annual operating plans and budgets.
Review payroll and month-end financial reporting; analyze variances and implement budget action plans.
Read and understand district contracts, leases, and vendor agreements; ensure compliance with requirements.
Support business development with existing and neighboring districts; develop trip and summer revenue opportunities.
Compliance, Safety and Technology Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements impacting pupil transportation operations (e.g., DOT/FMCSA, DESE, NHTSA, ADA, OSHA, DOL, EPA, and state pupil transportation regulations).
Promote and enforce safety standards, regulatory adherence, and documentation requirements across assigned locations.
Utilize routing software, GPS/telematics, camera systems/video retrieval, fleet maintenance software, and KPI dashboards to support data-driven decisions.
Serve as a change agent to identify, support, and implement new technology that improves safety, efficiency, and engagement.
Other duties as assigned.