Location Ops Leader – Transportation, Startups & Growth

Zum; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Holidays

Wellness

Vacation

and more

Job summary

Zūm is seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations in Kansas City, MO. You will own the complete lifecycle—from startup to daily management—building high-performing teams, managing P&L, and delivering operations that meet safety and service targets.

This role partners with HR, Safety, and Maintenance to drive hiring, fleet readiness, route execution, and regulatory compliance. You will guide electrification projects and champion a safety-first culture while building

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 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
• 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
• 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

Job description

Zūm is seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations in Kansas City, MO. You will own the complete lifecycle—from startup to daily management—building high-performing teams, managing P&L, and delivering operations that meet safety and service targets.

This role partners with HR, Safety, and Maintenance to drive hiring, fleet readiness, route execution, and regulatory compliance. You will guide electrification projects and champion a safety-first culture while building