Senior Operations Leader - Community Transit & Impact

SouthWest Transit (MN); Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SouthWest Transit is seeking a hands-on Senior Manager of Operations to shape the future of a community-focused transit agency in Minnesota. You will lead and coach a team, optimize daily operations, and drive improvements across processes, systems, and ways of working to maximize community impact.

Responsibilities include managing budgets, analyzing ridership data, coordinating with departments and vendors, and developing long-term operational strategies that align with agency goals and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, operations, or related field.
• 7+ years progressively responsible experience in Operations Management with at least 5 years leading teams.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams.
• Demonstrates initiative and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team to ensure continuous communication and smooth daily operations.
• Manage daily transit operations ensuring system-wide adherence to KPIs.
• Analyze ridership trends and operational data to improve service efficiency and reduce costs.
• Prepare operational reports, service performance metrics, and grant proposals.
• Collaborate with internal departments, vendors, and external stakeholders to improve services.
• Assist in incident investigations and take corrective action as needed.
• Manage budgets, staffing resources, and priorities while identifying process improvements.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term operational strategies aligned with goals.
• Monitor on-time performance, productivity, service reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate fleet maintenance and facilities planning.
• Lead 10-year CIP planning for facilities and growth.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Operations leadership

Team mentoring

Process improvement

Data-driven decisions

Budget management

KPI tracking

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration

Job description

SouthWest Transit is seeking a hands-on Senior Manager of Operations to shape the future of a community-focused transit agency in Minnesota. You will lead and coach a team, optimize daily operations, and drive improvements across processes, systems, and ways of working to maximize community impact.

Responsibilities include managing budgets, analyzing ridership data, coordinating with departments and vendors, and developing long-term operational strategies that align with agency goals and