Senior Vice President, Operations

We seek a dynamic and experienced Senior Vice President of Operations to lead our School Bus and Paratransit division in the newly expanded Central Region. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the SVP will oversee and optimize all aspects of our school bus and paratransit operations. This high-impact role involves strategic planning, operational excellence, team leadership, and customer relationship management.

The SVP will be accountable for overseeing all operations at the branch level within the region and driving the region's strategic goals. Standardizing processes across different locations will be a key objective. Employing a metrics-driven approach, the SVP will lead improvements at the branch level and guide the team to execute strategic goals. An essential aspect of this role is fostering a team that prioritizes customer satisfaction, results, and data-driven decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have experience in high-growth environments, displaying a willingness to engage hands-on and delve into details. Operating effectively without relying on extensive teams, budgets, infrastructure, or resources is imperative. Collaborating closely with the COO, this leader will drive strategic initiatives and optimize performance across the business.

Strategic Leadership:

• Establishing KPIs to track progress against business and functional goals.
• Engaging cross-functionally, managing diverse teams, and implementing innovative strategies for growth and value creation
• Apply knowledge of the business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goal.
• Develop and execute the region’s strategic plan, aligned with the company's objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the executive team regarding industry best practices and innovations.

Operational Excellence:

• Implement metrics-driven approaches to measure and improve operational performance.
• Oversee all branch-level operations within the School Bus and Paratransit division.
• Implementing technological enhancements to drive operations goals forward.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Standardize processes across different locations to ensure consistent and efficient operations.

Team Leadership:

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and results-oriented thinking.
• Coach and mentor team members to achieve their full potential and contribute to the division's success.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, including direct and indirect reports.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Act as a trusted advisor to customers, offering solutions to meet their transportation requirements.
• Build strong relationships with key customers, including school districts and paratransit agencies.
• Collaborate closely with customers to understand their needs, address concerns, and ensure exceptional service delivery.

Financial Management:

• Monitor financial performance and make data-driven decisions to enhance profitability.
• Have full P&L responsibility for the School Bus and Paratransit division.
• Use key financial indicators to make better business decisions.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry requirements.
• Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams to address any compliance issues promptly.

Professional Experience:

The successful candidate will be an accomplished operator and people leader. They should embrace a process-oriented approach, prioritize collaboration, and nurture a culture of accountability within their organization. Operating in high-growth environments while being adept at hands-on involvement is crucial. This leader should be both a creative problem solver and a relationship builder. They will embody an entrepreneurial, participative, and hands-on management style. Experience in managing multiple locations, with multiple lines of services and revenue responsibility of $200 million.

Additional requirements include:

• High integrity, customer service orientation, patience, resilience, and adaptability.
• Experience in managing a P&L budget of $200 million in transportation, logistics, or related service industries emphasizing safety and operational excellence.
• Ability to collaborate with an executive team and function across departments.
• Travel required up to 40% throughout the region. Candidate must live in the Chicago area.
• Manages ambiguity operating effectively, even when things are uncertain, or the way forward is unclear.
• Successfully maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to build formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside of the organization.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology for service enhancement and asset optimization.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Transportation Management, or related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Familiarity with challenges in service-centric, field-based businesses.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills, along with executive presence.
• Ability to represent the company effectively to stakeholders and government agencies.
• Metrics-driven management approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience in leading multi-site, operationally intensive businesses focusing on continuous improvement.
• Experience in managing key customer relationships and delivering exceptional service.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the transportation industry, with a significant focus on school bus and paratransit operations.
• Track record of adopting and coaching new practices and technology.
• Proven track record of leading large teams and driving operational excellence. Strong coaching, mentoring, and team-building abilities.