Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Position SummaryThe Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports directly to the CEO. This position is responsible for building and running the operating systems that make growth repeatable, profitable, and sustainable. This role owns the day-to-day performance of all operational departments, drives EBITDA and location growth, and develops the leaders who run them.About Our CompanyDriving Academy is a fast-growing, multi-state CDL training organization, built on corporate and franchise locations that share one standard. What began as a single school has grown into a network with the same purpose: giving people a real path through a skill that puts them on their road to freedom. We lead with Integrity, hold ourselves Accountable, and stay Results Oriented.Performance ObjectivesOversees the day-to-day operations of all operational departments — Human Resources, IT, Site Development, Franchising Operations, and Corporate Location OperationsBuilds repeatable, scalable operating systems that open new locations, grow revenue, protect margin, develop leaders, and support franchiseesSets targets for and drives Year-over-Year location growth, and reviews and executes growth strategies including new-location development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A)Establishes, monitors, and improves Key Performance Indicators across the company in categories such as sales, operations, and financial performancePerforms regular site visits to corporate and franchise locations to observe teams, review performance, identify bottlenecks, and advise corrective actionAssesses location performance via standardized rubric to identify key methods of increasing successCoordinates with regional management staff in developing strategies and implementation to address performance deficiencies and capitalize on gainsConducts regular meetings with direct reportsTravels between a local base and corporate & franchise locationsDelivers reports to key stakeholders regarding performance of the designated regionOther related duties as assignedKey CompetenciesThe requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to be successful in this role, but are not necessarily all inclusive.Written and oral communication skills.Leadership and coaching skillsKnowledge of business principles; understanding of function and use of operational departmentsProblem solving, including identifying root causes and optimal solutionsFinancial, Data, and Technological LiteracyStrong interpersonal skills to tailor training needsAbility to hold oneself and others accountableAbility to work under pressureExcellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skillsEducation and ExperiencePrior experience as a Chief Operating Officer or in another senior executive (C-suite) operational role (required)Demonstrated success leading operations across multiple locations or units, including multi-state operations (required)Experience developing new locations and/or executing M&A or new-market expansion (required)Bachelor's Degree in business or related field; MBA or Master's Degree (Preferred)Executive or senior leadership experience in a Private Equity backed organization (preferred)Experience in Education management or related field (preferred)Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google SuiteMust possess or be able and willing to earn a Commercial Driver's LicensePhysical RequirementsAbility to spend prolonged periods of time standing, speaking, walking, driving, writing, and/or sitting at a desk and working on a computerMust be able to lift at least 15 pounds at a timePerform work with OSHA required PPEReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirementsBenefitsBonus tied to EBIDTAStock Options/EquityPaid Vacation DaysPaid HolidaysPaid Sick DaysHealth Insurance Stipend401K with 4% MatchingEmployee DiscountProfessional Training & Development OpportunitiesCommitment to DiversityAs an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Driving Academy recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.