Transportation Operations Manager

Description

DIVISION: Transportation

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Educational Services

SUPERVISES: Fleet Coordinator, Educational Services Coordinator, Drivers, Aides

EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: At BHA, the Transportation Operations Manager ensures the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of all transportation services. This leader directs drivers, aides, coordinators, and fleet operations while fostering collaboration, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Operations Manager ensures that every mile traveled and every system maintained reflects BHA’s mission and Transportation Core Values.

Grounded in Safety Through Structure, Compassion in Motion, Reliability That Builds Trust, Excellence in Every Detail, Innovation That Drives Us Forward, Teamwork Fuels the Journey, and Advocacy on the Road, this role drives operational excellence while championing safety, professionalism, and care.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employees must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Educational or Organizational Leadership, Business Management, or a related field is required OR 5 years of related experience.
• A minimum of 4 years of management experience is required.
• A minimum of a Missouri Class “E” license with an “S” endorsement, CDL with an “S” endorsement, or an out-of-state equivalent, with clean driving record; ability to maintain driver eligibility under company insurance.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Knowledge in vehicle procurement.
• Knowledge of driving safety measures and fleet management.
• Knowledge of vehicle maintenance standards and regulatory compliance.
• Organizational and time management proficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fleet tracking software.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and physical.
• Strong commitment to safety, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
• Strong attention to detail in vehicle inspections, documentation, and client support.
• Knowledge of defensive driving practices and vehicle safety checks.
• Training in crisis de-escalation or passenger assistance preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must participate in, prior to hire and annually thereafter, a Human Performance Evaluation conducted by a medical provider of the company’s choosing.
• Must pass all required background checks.
• This position is subject to random and annual drug and alcohol testing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety Through Structure

• Oversee daily transportation operations to ensure safety protocols are consistently followed.
• Implement and monitor routing, fleet inspections, and staff training to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Conduct audits and establish structured systems that create predictable, safe environments for students and staff.

Compassion in Motion

• Lead with empathy when addressing employee or student needs related to transportation.
• Promote a culture of patience, care, and respect in interactions with staff, students, and families.
• Ensure vehicles and processes reflect a welcoming and supportive experience.

Reliability That Builds Trust

• Supervise coordinators, drivers, aides, and fleet staff to ensure services are consistently delivered on time.
• Maintain accurate schedules, performance reviews, and compliance records to ensure operational dependability.
• Partner with leadership to address gaps in service delivery and ensure reliability across routes.

Excellence in Every Detail

• Develop policies, procedures, and training programs that promote operational excellence.
• Maintain oversight of all compliance documentation, audits, and quality assurance systems.
• Ensure financial stewardship through accurate tracking of costs, resources, and reporting.
• Collaborate and work with stakeholders to develop bids for new potential students/routes.
• Assist in developing and managing the transportation department budget, including forecasting operational costs and identifying potential funding sources.
• Monitor and manage vehicle inventory, ensuring proper maintenance and utilization of transportation resources.
• Ensure protection and management of company assets, determining the need for additional assets and coordinating procurement of new vehicles and capital expenses.
• Ensure efficient allocation of resources—including staff, materials, and technology—to optimize transportation operations.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of care.
• Implement strategies to control and reduce operational costs while maintaining compliance and quality.
• Monitor key financial performance metrics (cost per client, revenue per client, utilization of authorized units, staff productivity).
• Monitor and approve building operational expenditures weekly; prepare and submit monthly summaries to the Director.
• Responsible, either directly or indirectly, for filing expense reports and completing time reports in accordance with company policy.

Innovation That Drives Us Forward

• Introduce and monitor technologies (GPS, cameras, routing software) that enhance safety and efficiency.
• Identify cost-saving strategies and process improvements without compromising service quality.
• Research and recommend operational enhancements that strengthen long-term transportation outcomes.

Teamwork Fuels the Journey

• Foster collaboration among transportation staff, coordinators, and leadership.
• Host team meetings and trainings to build shared accountability and open communication.
• Serve as a liaison across BHA departments to ensure seamless integration of transportation services.

Advocacy on the Road

• Represent BHA’s mission by ensuring services respect the dignity, inclusion, and needs of all students and families.
• Partner with agencies and external stakeholders to advocate for compliance and equitable transportation services.
• Model professional advocacy in every decision and interaction tied to transportation.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and special projects to support various organizational initiatives as assigned.
• Responsible, either directly or indirectly, for filing all expense reports according to company policy.
• Directly or indirectly responsible for completing time reports on or before the defined due date.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, responsibilities and activities that are required of this employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• HSA & Flexible Spending Account options
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• PTO & Sick Time accrue starting Day 1
• $100 monthly wellness spending account after 90 days
• OnDemand Pay (access pay when needed)

Starting Pay: Our compensation is competitive within the market. The starting rate for this position begins at $67,454.40 annually, with your final offer based on a combination of your education, relevant experience, and overall qualifications.