Location Manager

Zūm•Shawnee, KS

About The Position

Zūm is seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations in Shawnee, Kansas. The role covers the full operational lifecycle, from contract bid development and site startup through day-to-day management and continuous improvement. The manager builds high-performing teams, maintains profit-and-loss accountability, and establishes transportation operations that meet or exceed customer expectations. The successful candidate is a decisive, resilient leader who balances operational urgency with safety discipline, builds trust through reliable communication and follow-through, and invests in employee development. The role requires both financial and hands-on operational leadership, including reviewing reports, working with drivers, and presenting to school district administrators. The Location Manager leads site startups, contract operations, safety and performance management, staffing and scheduling, team development, fleet readiness, facilities, customer and community relationships, and union matters as applicable. The role also plans and delivers school bus yard electrification projects, coordinating schedules, budgets, contractors, district staff, utilities, and authorities having jurisdiction while maintaining safety and environmental compliance. The targeted base salary range is $125,000–$145,000. Additional compensation may include a bonus, equity, or commissions. Benefits listed for full-time salaried or hourly workers include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), holidays, wellness, vacation, and more.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience managing full P&L accountability, operational oversight, and KPI responsibility.
At least 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.
At least 5 years of experience maintaining client-facing relationships and managing customer accounts in an operational environment.
Demonstrated ability to deliver customer service to external clients and internal stakeholders.
Experience managing salaried leaders and/or coordinating across multiple departments.
Career progression supported by relevant certifications or continuing education.
Demonstrated success developing direct reports and building high-performing teams.
Comprehensive understanding of and demonstrated experience with safety practices, protocols, processes, compliance requirements, and regulatory standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing in a unionized environment governed by a collective bargaining agreement.
Prior leadership in a transportation startup or new district launch, including sourcing facilities, implementing IT systems, building teams, and onboarding fleet vehicles.
Demonstrated experience managing through rapid organizational growth or major management or structural changes.
Proficiency with Microsoft or Google Workspace applications, including Sheets, Docs, and Slides.

Responsibilities

Execute complete site startups for newly awarded contracts, including hiring teams, setting up facilities, and implementing IT.
Develop location training and hiring programs that meet or exceed state, federal, and district guidelines.
Develop and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships through proactive communication and service delivery.
Manage assigned contract operations and ensure consistent, high-quality service.
Use Zūm’s IT infrastructure to monitor, analyze, and exceed balanced-scorecard KPIs across operational areas.
Promote a behavioral safety culture that protects employees, students, and the community.
Oversee Safety Department compliance with state, federal, and DOT regulations, RFP requirements, and record-keeping obligations.
Review incident reports, ensure proper accident and incident reporting, and submit required documentation.
Maintain P&L accountability in accordance with company financial guidelines.
Coordinate hiring plans with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Safety teams.
Develop and coach employees through mentoring and growth opportunities.
Partner with Maintenance leaders to ensure fleet readiness and accurate inventory that meets regulatory and contractual requirements.
Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, staffing, field trips and charters, route awards, and trip execution.
Work with Payroll to ensure timely, accurate processing and promptly resolve discrepancies.
Manage union relationships in accordance with collective bargaining agreement guidelines.
Maintain safe, clean, organized, and efficient operational facilities.
Partner with the Safety Manager on accident investigations and workers’ compensation cases, coordinating with insurance adjusters and claims administrators for accountability and timely resolution.
Build and maintain relationships with school district partners and the community to ensure service excellence.
Plan, execute, and complete school bus yard electrification projects on time, within budget, and to specification.
Manage electrification project plans, schedules, and budgets, coordinating with contractors, school district staff, utilities, and authorities having jurisdiction.
Monitor project progress and report status, risks, and issues; resolve project-related conflicts.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards throughout electrification projects.