Location Manager

Zūm • Shawnee, KS

8d • $125,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Zūm is seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations in Shawnee, Kansas. The role covers the full operational lifecycle, including bid development, contract startup, daily 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 Location Manager oversees site launches, hiring and training, facility and IT setup, contract operations, safety and regulatory compliance, performance metrics, fleet readiness, scheduling, staffing, payroll coordination, union relations, and customer and community relationships. The role also includes leading school bus yard electrification projects, coordinating project stakeholders, and ensuring completion on time, within budget, and to specification.

Zūm describes the successful candidate as a decisive, resilient leader who balances operational urgency with safety, builds trust with customers and employees, develops future leaders, and is comfortable with both financial oversight and hands-on operational work.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience managing full P&L accountability, operational oversight, and KPIs.
• 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 ability to serve 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 under a collective bargaining agreement.
• Prior leadership in transportation startup or new district launch, including sourcing facilities, implementing IT systems, building teams, and receiving fleet vehicles.
• Demonstrated success managing 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 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 performance.
• 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, DOT, and RFP requirements, including record keeping.
• Review incident reports, ensure accident and incident reporting procedures are followed, and submit required documentation.
• Maintain P&L accountability in accordance with company financial guidelines.
• Coordinate with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Safety teams to develop and execute hiring plans.
• 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 trip and charter processes, route awards, and trip execution.
• Coordinate 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Holidays
• Wellness benefits
• Vacation
• The position may include additional compensation in the form of bonus, equity, or commissions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed