Asst. Student Transportation Ops Manager

Krise Transportation, Inc.•Lower Paxton Township, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Student Transportation Operations Manager is a people leader who assists with the daily operations of one or more transportation facilities, typically within a single school district or contract. The position is accountable for employee engagement and development, operational safety and efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. It coordinates and assists with facility functions including maintenance, dispatching, training, administration, routing when applicable, and internal and external communications. The role requires clear, accurate, and timely communication with the Regional Manager, Company President, corporate staff, customers, and community contacts. The manager is expected to engage employees, address operational obstacles, seek improvements, and support safe student transportation and customer service. The position works mainly indoors in an operations environment, with periodic outdoor work in all weather conditions and work in garage and repair-shop environments. Travel to company facilities and locations throughout Pennsylvania may include overnight stays; occasional travel elsewhere in the United States may be required. The role routinely involves more than 40 hours per week and requires evening and weekend availability as business needs dictate. It involves daily contact with company personnel and external parties, and access to confidential and proprietary information that must be protected.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least three years of experience in student transportation operations.
Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver License with P, S, and air brake endorsements and pass a school bus driver physical within six months of hire.
Ability to develop detailed operational plans.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to organize, lead, and motivate employees involved in operations.
Ability to adapt in a changing, sometimes chaotic environment and consistently meet tight timelines.
Proficiency with standard office computer systems and software, including the Microsoft Office suite.
Knowledge of general transportation, student management, and employment-related state and federal regulations applicable to the business, including PUC, DOT, EPA, OSHA, and DOL regulations.
Ability to act respectfully and professionally in stressful situations.
Ability to observe and coach employee and driver behavior and skills, and to determine when discipline is appropriate.
High motivation to succeed and meet contract and operational requirements.
Ability to treat employees fairly and equally, with dignity and respect.
Active listening and problem-solving skills, and ability to promote employee engagement and satisfaction.
Ability to use judgment, diplomacy, and discretion and communicate clearly, accurately, and promptly.
Ability to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of confidential and proprietary information.
Availability to work in excess of 40 hours per week and evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to travel, including overnight travel within Pennsylvania and occasional travel elsewhere in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two years of experience.
Two to three years of experience in a staff safety/training, shop, or dispatch role is preferred.
Previous non-student transportation leadership experience may substitute for up to two years of staff experience.

Responsibilities

Provide oversight and direction for the daily operations of assigned facilities and operations.
Meet regularly with staff and drivers to communicate company mission, vision, values, and news; gather feedback; and work with local and corporate staff to solve problems and remove roadblocks.
Visit school district contacts to assess satisfaction, identify needs, and explore opportunities for additional services or service improvements.
Assist in coordinating and continuously executing driver recruitment and training programs to cover daily home-to-school routes and extracurricular trips, with a reasonable surplus of spare drivers.
Identify opportunities for additional staffing to support business expansion.
Coach and provide performance feedback to operations staff and drivers, using recognition and corrective feedback to improve performance.
Review standard work processes and documentation to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures; coach employees or take corrective disciplinary action when necessary.
Assist with oversight and review of payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and month-end financial reporting.
Execute action plans and initiatives at the Terminal Manager’s direction to keep the terminal budget on target.
Ensure the school district and its administrators and staff receive contract-required reports and information.
Help district staff and administrators solve problems and optimize safe, reliable student transportation operations.
Read and understand school district contracts, property and equipment leases, and vendor contracts, and ensure compliance with relevant requirements.
Engage with the community to foster good relations, support driver recruiting, and encourage employees to support the communities served.
Identify, support, and implement new technology to improve operational efficiency, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.
Maintain credentials required to drive a school bus and be prepared to drive when needed to ensure students are transported safely.
Perform other duties as assigned.