Operations Manager, AV Projects

Via•New York, NY

12h•$70,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Operations Manager, Autonomous Vehicle Projects on Via’s Operations team, you are the force that keeps our services running reliably for the communities that depend on them. This is a high-ownership role where you’ll lead daily operations, optimize accessible transit networks, and support initiatives for Via’s growing portfolio of autonomous and specialized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) fleets. This is a field position with an expectation that you will be onsite at local services several days per week. There will also be monthly travel to services located across the United States.

Requirements

Operationally experienced, with a background in people management, logistics, customer service, or process-oriented work (experience with paratransit, Non-emergency Medical Transport, or WAV fleets is a strong plus).
Relationship-oriented, earning trust from riders, accessibility advocates, teammates, and external partners through empathetic, clear communication and follow-through.
Hands-on and proactive, eager to understand the end-to-end WAV rider journey firsthand and solve mobility challenges right where they happen.
Tactical and strategic, capable of triaging live operational issues while building long-term processes that safeguard service quality and accessibility compliance.
Mission-driven, deeply motivated by expanding equitable transit access and transforming how communities move.
Based in the NYC area, able to be on-site and in-office when needed.

Nice To Haves

Excited to bring about the future of transit and the opportunity to travel

Responsibilities

Run the daily onsite operations of our service, ensuring our fleets operate smoothly to provide riders with safe, reliable, and fully accessible transportation.
Make informed, real-time decisions regarding fleet availability, WAV compliance, rider accessibility needs, and unexpected issues—stepping in quickly to ensure continuously excellent, dependable service.
Turn rider, mobility-advocate, and community feedback into tangible operational improvements, addressing accessibility friction points and collaborating with internal teams to enhance the WAV rider experience.
Use data and technology to analyze ridership trends, service performance, and fleet utilization, spearheading operational solutions that maximize transit efficiency and rider independence.
Act as the operational bridge between local partners, safety drivers, third-party operators, and Via central teams to elevate accessible mobility standards across all markets.
Serve as the primary operational point of contact for Via’s AV partners and local operators, maintaining proactive, ongoing communication to deliver on service goals and resolve operational issues as they arise.
Travel to key markets to lead driver onboarding and specialized WAV safety/securement training, while establishing strong operational relationships with local disability advocate groups and transit partners.