Strategy & Operations Principal

Strategy & Operations Principal

Via is using technology to transform transportation around the world. From changing a single person's daily commute to reducing humanity's collective environmental footprint — we've got huge goals.

This is a transformation role in a fast-paced tech company. We are rebuilding a transit service from the ground up in Tulare, and we need a Strategy & Operations Principal who can do three things simultaneously: think strategically about what this service needs to become, operate with discipline in the day-to-day, and lead a team through the ambiguity that comes with real change.

You will own the end-to-end performance of Via's transit operation in Tulare: the service quality, partner relationship, financial outcomes, team culture, and long-term trajectory. You will be making foundational decisions that define how this service operates for years to come.

This role requires someone to be onsite daily in our Tulare, CA location.

What You'll Do:

Lead the Transformation

• Develop and own a clear vision for what this transit service should look like, partnering with Via's central functions, and lead your team through the work of getting there.
• Build new operating systems, staffing models, and service cadences that don't yet exist, and establish the culture and accountability structures to sustain them.
• Communicate a compelling change narrative to your team, your partner, and community stakeholders so they understand where you're going and why.

Drive Service Performance and Operational Excellence

• Own the end-to-end operating strategy of Via's service, including on-time performance, rider experience, safety, and cost efficiency.
• Define and manage against a clear set of KPIs; translate weekly and monthly performance data into operational decisions, not just reports.
• Design and continuously refine staffing models and scheduling strategies that ensure service reliability across a 24/7 operation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, local, and company policies and regulations.

Lead and Develop Your Team

• Build, coach, and manage a frontline operations team, from hiring through performance management and culture setting.
• Lead by example: be present in the field, visible to drivers, and known as someone who holds themselves and their team to a high standard.
• Develop frontline leaders within your team who can grow into expanded roles as the service scales.

Manage the Partner Relationship

• Earn and maintain the trust of your partner through consistent communication, reliable execution, and transparency about challenges.
• Represent Via to community stakeholders, local officials, and riders as the face of the operation.

Who You Are:

• Strategic leader with 5+ years of experience leading complex operations
• Bachelor's degree required
• Independent self-starter, you thrive in fast-paced environments and feel comfortable with a very high level of responsibility
• Savvy and tactful communicator: you intuitively find the right tone in every situation
• Foster a culture deeply committed to providing a world class customer service experience
• Strong analytical thinker who uses data to guide strategy, not just report outcomes.
• Experienced and exceptional leader: people love working with you and for you, and you have extensive experience leading teams
• Flexible and adaptable: you love the challenge of adapting to change rapidly and making things work on the fly
• Effective at managing multiple tasks simultaneously; you can delegate, prioritize, and take responsibility
• Problem solver; you don't accept the status quo and are always looking for creative solutions

Compensation and Benefits:

• Final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience, knowledge, and skills. Salary reflected does not include equity or variable pay, where applicable
• Salary Range: $140,000 - $175,000 / year
• We are proud to offer a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including free medical plans and 401K matching.

There has never been a more exciting time to be on the cutting edge of public mobility. Ready to join the ride?

Via is an equal opportunity employer.