Location Operations Lead — School Transport & Startups

Zūm; Shawnee (AL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Holidays

Wellness program

Paid vacation

Job summary

Zūm seeks an experienced Location Manager to lead Shawnee transportation operations. You will oversee end-to-end lifecycle from startup to daily management, build teams, manage P&L, and drive service excellence for school transportation contracts.

You’ll balance urgency with safety, foster relationships with districts and stakeholders, and ensure compliance while scaling operations and electrification projects. This role offers growth and impact within a fast-paced mobility company.

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

Responsibilities

• 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
• Utilize IT infrastructure to monitor, analyze, and exceed KPIs across all operational areas
• Spearhead a behavioral safety culture that protects employees, students, and the broader community
• Oversee Safety Department compliance with regulations and record keeping
• Review all incident reports and ensure proper reporting procedures
• Maintain P&L accountability in alignment with financial guidelines
• Collaborate with HR, Recruiting, and Safety teams to strategize and execute hiring plans
• Develop and coach Zum employees to become next generation of leaders
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure fleet readiness and inventory compliance
• Oversee daily operations including scheduling, staffing, field trip processes, route awards, and trip execution
• Coordinate payroll processing and reconciliations
• Manage union relationships per CBA guidelines
• Maintain safe, clean, and efficient facilities
• Coordinate accident investigations and workers’ compensation with insurers
• Build strong relationships with school district partners and the community
• Plan, execute, and complete electrification projects on time and within budget
• Manage project plans, schedules, budgets, and coordination with contractors and districts
• Monitor progress, report risks, and resolve conflicts
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance throughout projects

Skills

P&L accountability

Operations leadership

Scheduling & staffing

Client relationships

Team development

Safety compliance

Union environment

Start-up / launch experience

IT systems familiarity

Job description

Zūm seeks an experienced Location Manager to lead Shawnee transportation operations. You will oversee end-to-end lifecycle from startup to daily management, build teams, manage P&L, and drive service excellence for school transportation contracts.

You’ll balance urgency with safety, foster relationships with districts and stakeholders, and ensure compliance while scaling operations and electrification projects. This role offers growth and impact within a fast-paced mobility company.