Manager In Development

First Student, Inc.; Chattanooga, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student, Inc. in the Greater Chattanooga area offers a Manager in Development (MID) program. This full-time role provides structured training, hands-on operational experience, and mentorship to prepare for future leadership in transportation and logistics.

You will rotate through key departments, gain visibility into daily operations, and build leadership and analytical skills to drive safe, efficient service delivery with growth opportunities within North American operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience in transportation/logistics or supervision is valued.
• Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through Operations, Safety, Logistics, Maintenance, HR, Finance, and Dispatch.
• Learn core processes related to service delivery, routing, fleet performance and compliance.
• Work with supervisors to develop leadership capability.
• Support daily operations to ensure safe, reliable transportation services.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Safety, Fleet Maintenance, HR, and Finance.

Skills

Transportation experience

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Analytical skills

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Manager in Development (MID) - Student Transportation Leadership Program

Location: Greater Chattanooga, TN Area (could be in or around)

Salary: $65,000 - $70,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time

About the Opportunity

The Manager in Development (MID) program at First Student prepares high-potential talent for future leadership roles in transportation and logistics. Based in Canton, MS, this full-time role offers structured training, hands-on operational experience, and mentorship from seasoned leaders-all designed to help you transition into a management position.

You'll rotate through key operational departments, gain visibility into daily transportation functions, and build the leadership and analytical skills needed to drive safe, efficient service delivery.

What You'll Do

• Rotate through Operations, Safety, Logistics, Maintenance, HR, Finance, and Dispatch.
• Learn core processes related to service delivery, routing, fleet performance, and compliance.
• Work directly with supervisors and managers to develop leadership capability.
• Support daily operations to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant transportation service.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Safety, Fleet Maintenance, HR, and Finance.

What We’re Looking For

• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• 3-4 years transportation/logistics experience or 1-2 years supervisory experience
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to changing operational needs, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work varied hours (mornings, evenings, weekends, overtime)
• Valid state driver's license

Career Path Opportunities

Graduates of the MID program commonly advance into roles such as:

• Operations Supervisor
• Dispatch Supervisor
• Transportation Manager
• Safety Supervisor
• Fleet Operations Manager
• Assistant General Manager

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and benefits (vary by role/location), including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Mental and physical wellness initiatives

Professional Growth

Our 3-5 month MID program is designed to develop future leaders, and we strongly promote from within across our North American operations.

Training

Gain expertise in safety, security, technology, equipment, and operational efficiency.

Diversity & Inclusion

We strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone belongs.

Community Impact

As the face of First Student, you'll play an important role in supporting and serving your community.

Disclaimer

Management may adjust job duties or responsibilities at any time. This description outlines primary functions but does not limit additional assignments.

Language Requirement

This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.

First for a reason

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.