Bus Operations Division Director

King County•Seattle, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

King County Metro is seeking a Bus Operations Division Director to improve processes, make data-driven decisions, and implement innovative initiatives. This senior leader will report to Metro’s Deputy General Manager and partner with the Bus Operations Deputy Director to provide strategic direction and leadership to the Bus Operations Division. The division operates Metro Transit buses 24/7 on over 200 routes, carrying approximately 286,400 riders on an average weekday. The division is organized into Base Management, focusing on transit operators, and Service Management, providing support services. This role is pivotal as the division is expanding service, investing in zero-emission fleet conversion, and advancing safety and workforce initiatives. The goal is to provide safe, clean, reliable, and equitable public transportation services to improve regional mobility and quality of life.

Requirements

A successful track record in senior leadership within a transit agency, particularly in service delivery and operations, and experience navigating complex policies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
High-level management experience in operations and/or service delivery.
Responsible stewards.
Demonstrate financial acumen and a commitment to cost control.
Expertise and knowledge about managing operations to conform with established labor regulations.
Demonstrable ability to lead the delivery of smooth operations through political and organizational change.
Experience providing oversight through the innovation and testing of new mobility service delivery models.
Able to see clearly ahead, anticipate future consequences, effectively set priorities, and have the broad knowledge and perspective to articulate possibilities and spend time on what is important.
Ownership: Facilitates difficult conversations and creates a culture of accountability; owns commitments and outcomes even when circumstances are difficult.
Partnership: Is an outstanding colleague who strengthens the team; partners effectively with unions, Sound Transit, the City of Seattle, and other stakeholders to get results.
Delivery: Takes a results-oriented, data-driven approach to building operational excellence and delivering on commitments as the organization and its service grow.
Systems Thinking: Thinks holistically about how systems function; solves complex operating challenges and develops strategic solutions that move the needle.
People Leadership: Inspires action in others and leads by example; cultivates employee engagement and creates developmental opportunities across a diverse workforce.
Communication: Understands and manages the technical aspects of passenger service and communicates clearly with both internal and external stakeholders.
Integrity: Demonstrates transparency and builds trust; shows the strength of character to lead through change with resilience and endurance.
Equity in Action: Courageously and consistently acts upon a strong set of core values aligned with King County Metro Transit’s values, including those related to equity, race and other protected classes, safety, and sustainability.

Nice To Haves

Current Metro Transit employees only.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Bus Operations Division and deliver results.
Guide the Division in executing its four strategic priorities: Operations, Workforce Development, Strategy and Planning and Alignment with King County Executive’s Focus Areas.
Align the work performed with the vision and strategic goals of the Metro Transit Department.
Build teams and foster a positive environment in diverse work environments while creating strong morale, instilling vision and purpose, and fostering open dialogue within the Bus Operations Division.
Cultivate employee engagement and create developmental opportunities for all employees.
Lead employees and maintain the highest level of service for customers in a growing organization while managing the expansion of facilities, infrastructure, fleet size, and service.
Work with a variety of stakeholders including internal Metro staff, Sound Transit executive leadership and staff, the City of Seattle, elected officials, law enforcement, other governmental agencies, transit customers, and the broader community.
Partner and collaborate with Metro divisions and across King County service divisions with the ultimate goal of providing and maintaining the highest quality of customer service.
Develop and foster a commitment to safety and security across Bus Operations and the organization as a whole, including continued implementation of the SaFE Reform initiative.
Solve complex operating challenges and develop strategic solutions to uphold the organization’s commitment to customer experience.
Understand and manage the technical aspects of passenger service and communicate technical details with both internal and external stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
Develop relationships and treat all employees and customers equitably, with respect and dignity, and solve problems for the good of all.
Partner with unions to resolve problems and address labor-management issues in a collaborative manner.
Develop and oversee the division budget; determine and allocate resources.
Continue to demonstrate the value of public transit to grow capacity and resources, resulting in more service and measurable outcomes.