Location Manager

Location Manager

Zūm is revolutionizing mass mobility with its Connected Mobility Experience (Zūm CMX™) system that connects and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time. In the $50 billion student mobility market – the largest segment of the mass mobility industry – Zūm CMX is transforming a daily source of anxiety and disruption into a reliable, transparent, and efficient mobility experience for students and families. Today, more than 6,500 schools rely on Zūm CMX. Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zūm has been named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies, CNBC Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times' Fastest Growing Companies lists. Zūm is backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, TPG, and Softbank.

We're seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations in Oakland, CA. This role encompasses the complete operational lifecycle—from bid development and startup to daily management and continuous improvement. You'll build high-performing teams, manage P&L accountability, and establish best-in-class transportation operations that exceed customer expectations.

You're a decisive leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments where every day brings new challenges. You balance operational urgency with safety discipline, never compromising on what matters most. You're a natural relationship builder who earns trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders through consistent follow-through. You see potential in people and invest in their growth, building teams that take ownership and deliver results. You're equally comfortable reviewing financial reports, walking the yard with drivers, and presenting to school district administrators. You take pride in building something from the ground up and have the resilience and initiative to overcome obstacles without waiting for permission.

Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Start-Up

Execute complete site start-ups for newly awarded contracts, team hiring, facility setup, IT implementation

Develop training and hiring programs for location that meets or exceeds state, federal, and district guidelines

Develop and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships, consistently exceeding expectations through proactive communication and service delivery

Manage assigned contract operations, ensuring consistency and excellence

Performance Management & Safety

Utilize Zum's IT infrastructure to monitor, analyze, and exceed balanced scorecard KPIs across all operational areas

Spearhead a behavioral safety culture that protects employees, students, and the broader community

Oversee Safety Department compliance with state, federal, DOT regulations, RFP requirements, and meticulous record keeping

Review all incident reports, ensure proper accident/incident reporting procedures, and submit documentation as required

Maintain P&L accountability in alignment with company financial guidelines

Team Development & Operations

Collaborate with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Safety teams to strategize and execute hiring plans that support operational needs

Develop and coach Zum employees to become our next generation of leaders through mentoring and growth opportunities

Partner with Maintenance leaders to ensure complete fleet readiness and maintain accurate inventory meeting all regulatory and contractual requirements

Oversee daily operations including scheduling, staffing, field trip/charter processes, route awards, and trip execution

Work with the payroll department to ensure timely, accurate processing and resolve discrepancies promptly

Manage union relationship according to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) guidelines

Maintain organized, safe, clean, and efficient operational facilities

Partner with Safety Manager to coordinate accident investigations and workers' compensation cases, working with insurance adjusters and claims administrators to ensure accountability and timely resolution

Build and maintain strong relationships with school district partners and community to ensure service excellence

Electrification Project Management

Plan, execute, and complete school bus yard electrification projects on time, within budget, and to specification

Manage project plans, schedules, budgets, and coordinate with contractors, school district staff, utilities, and AHJs

Monitor progress, report on status, risks, and issues, and resolve project-related conflicts

Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards throughout project lifecycle

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

Demonstrated experience managing full profit and loss (P&L) accountability with operational oversight and KPI responsibility

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

5+ years of experience maintaining client-facing relationships and managing customer accounts in an operational environment, with demonstrated ability to deliver customer service to both external clients and internal stakeholders

Experience managing salaried leaders and/or coordinating across multiple departments

Track record of career progression supported by relevant certifications or continuing education, with demonstrated success in developing direct reports and building high-performing teams

Comprehensive understanding of and demonstrated experience with safety practices, protocols, processes, compliance requirements, and regulatory standards

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing in a unionized (CBA) environment

Prior leadership in transportation start-up or new district launch, including sourcing facilities, implementing IT systems, building teams, and intaking fleet vehicles

Demonstrated experience successfully managing through periods of rapid organizational growth or major management/structural changes

Proficiency with Microsoft or G Suite applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides)

The targeted base salary range for this role is listed in the compensation section below. Actual salary may be above or below this range based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience. In addition, this position may include additional compensation in the form of bonus, equity, or commissions. If you are a full-time salaried or hourly worker, we offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Holidays, Wellness, Vacation, and more. The targeted pay range for this role in US CA is: $128,000 - $136,000