Chief Operations Officer

Mid-South Transportation Management, Inc. • Memphis, TN

84d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operations Officer (COO) provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for all operational divisions of the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery across all transit modes, including fixed route, paratransit, maintenance, and facilities. This role oversees operational planning, performance management, and compliance with FTA, TDOT, and federal transit standards while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Transportation Management, or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible management experience in public transit or transportation operations, including at least seven (7) years in executive leadership.
• Strong knowledge of FTA, TDOT, and federal compliance requirements governing public transportation systems.
• Proven ability to lead large, complex teams and oversee multimodal transit operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets, service performance, and efficiency improvement programs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills with the ability to build consensus and foster organizational collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and operational reporting tools.
• Must comply with all MATA policies, including Drug and Alcohol Policy and Safety Protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership, direction, and coordination for all MATA transit operations, including Fixed Route, Paratransit (MATAplus), Maintenance, Facilities, and Safety and Security divisions.
• Implements operational strategies that enhance efficiency, service reliability, and overall customer satisfaction while aligning with MATA’s mission and strategic plan.
• Develops, monitors, and evaluates key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational success, service quality, and ridership growth.
• Ensures compliance with all FTA, DOT, TDOT, and OSHA regulations governing public transportation operations and safety standards.
• Leads and directs senior operational managers in setting goals, resolving service delivery challenges, and implementing performance improvement initiatives.
• Oversees the development and management of operating budgets for assigned departments, ensuring fiscal accountability and cost-effective service delivery.
• Coordinates with Human Resources and Labor Relations to manage staffing, labor agreements, and employee relations across operational units.
• Directs system safety, security, and emergency preparedness activities to ensure full regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
• Provides executive-level oversight for capital projects related to operations, maintenance, and facility upgrades.
• Implements innovative operational technologies and systems to improve service performance and efficiency.
• Promotes collaboration and communication among departments to strengthen operational alignment and support organizational goals.
• Represents MATA at public meetings, community events, and professional transportation forums as needed.
• Prepares and presents operational reports, updates, and strategic recommendations to the CEO and Board of Commissioners.
• Fosters a work environment that encourages employee engagement, development, and accountability.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission and strategic objectives of MATA.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree