Location Manager

Zūm•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

Zūm is seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations in Kansas City, Missouri. The role covers the full operational lifecycle, from bid development and contract startup through daily management and continuous improvement. The Location Manager is responsible for building high-performing teams, maintaining P&L accountability, and establishing transportation operations that meet and exceed customer expectations. The successful candidate is a decisive leader comfortable in a fast-paced environment who balances operational urgency with safety discipline. They build trusted relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders; invest in employee development; and can move between financial reviews, yard operations, and presentations to school district administrators. The position requires initiative and resilience in establishing and improving operations. The role also includes planning and managing school bus yard electrification projects, coordinating with contractors, school districts, utilities, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and ensuring projects meet schedule, budget, specifications, safety regulations, and environmental standards. The targeted base salary range is $125,000–$145,000. The position may also include 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 profit-and-loss 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, or hospitality.
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, with demonstrated 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, with 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 transportation startup or new district launch, including sourcing facilities, implementing IT systems, building teams, and intaking fleet vehicles.
Demonstrated success managing through rapid organizational growth or major management or structural changes.
Proficiency with Microsoft or G Suite applications, including Sheets, Docs, and Slides.

Responsibilities

Execute complete site startups for newly awarded contracts, including team hiring, facility setup, and IT implementation.
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, excellent 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 requirements.
Review incident reports, ensure proper accident and incident reporting, and submit required documentation.
Maintain P&L accountability in alignment with company financial guidelines.
Coordinate hiring plans with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Safety teams to meet operational needs.
Develop and coach employees through mentoring and growth opportunities.
Partner with Maintenance leaders to ensure fleet readiness and maintain accurate inventory that meets regulatory and contractual requirements.
Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, staffing, field trip and charter processes, route awards, and trip execution.
Work with Payroll to ensure timely and accurate processing and resolve discrepancies.
Manage union relationships in accordance with collective bargaining agreement guidelines.
Maintain organized, safe, clean, 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 AHJs.
Monitor project progress and report status, risks, and issues; resolve project-related conflicts.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards throughout electrification project lifecycles.