Paratransit Operations Leader — Safe, Reliable Service

First Student; Cranford (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student in Cranford, NJ is seeking a Paratransit General Manager to lead daily paratransit operations, focusing on safe, reliable service, contract compliance, customer satisfaction, employee performance, and financial results.

The role requires 5+ years of operational leadership in transportation, experience with contract-based operations, ADA knowledge, and strong leadership and financial management skills. CDL/driver credentials may be required depending on location and needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of transportation, paratransit, transit, or related operational leadership experience.
• Experience managing a contract-based transportation operation preferred.
• Knowledge of ADA requirements and demand-response or paratransit operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading large teams and managing staffing, employee performance, and labor-related issues.
• Experience with collective bargaining, union environments, or union labor relations a plus.
• Strong financial and operational management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily paratransit operations and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service.
• Maintain compliance with contractual requirements, company policies, ADA requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with the customer and serve as a primary point of contact for operational matters.
• Lead, coach, and develop location leadership and frontline employees.
• Oversee staffing levels, scheduling, employee performance, attendance, and workforce planning.
• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions when service or performance expectations are not being met.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure established safety processes and procedures are followed.
• Partner with Safety, Maintenance, Human Resources, Recruiting, Finance, and other support functions.
• Manage location financial performance, including labor, operating expenses, productivity, and budget performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve service quality, efficiency, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Customer relations

Communication

Problem-solving

Financial acumen

Job description

First Student in Cranford, NJ is seeking a Paratransit General Manager to lead daily paratransit operations, focusing on safe, reliable service, contract compliance, customer satisfaction, employee performance, and financial results.

The role requires 5+ years of operational leadership in transportation, experience with contract-based operations, ADA knowledge, and strong leadership and financial management skills. CDL/driver credentials may be required depending on location and needs.