Senior Transit Operations Lead

Southeast Area Transit District; New London (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SEAT in Connecticut is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the safe, reliable, and customer-focused delivery of its fixed-route and demand-response services. The role directs daily operations, deploying and supervising operators, dispatchers, supervisors, and vehicles, in close collaboration with Maintenance and Administration.

The ideal candidate will balance safety with service reliability, workforce management, and compliance, while leading a professional, accountable team in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation, public administration, business, or related field.
• Five years of progressive public transportation or operations experience preferred.
• Supervisory or management experience in a transportation environment preferred.
• Experience in a unionized environment preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and transit scheduling/dispatch/reporting systems.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL may be required based on responsibilities.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and work irregular hours when needed.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily fixed-route and demand-response transit operations.
• Supervise Transit Supervisors, Dispatchers, Bus Operators, and other staff.
• Monitor service delivery, staffing, vehicle availability, and schedule adherence.
• Coordinate operator scheduling, daily assignments, overtime, and coverage.
• Respond to disruptions, accidents, emergencies, and detours.
• Coordinate with Maintenance on vehicle availability and service needs.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance processes.
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and policies.
• Investigate safety and customer-service concerns and implement corrective action.
• Promote safety procedures and ADA compliance; support reporting to GM.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Office

Adaptability

Ability to learn systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in transportation/public administration/business/related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Transit scheduling software

Dispatch systems

Fleet management software

Job description

SEAT in Connecticut is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the safe, reliable, and customer-focused delivery of its fixed-route and demand-response services. The role directs daily operations, deploying and supervising operators, dispatchers, supervisors, and vehicles, in close collaboration with Maintenance and Administration.

The ideal candidate will balance safety with service reliability, workforce management, and compliance, while leading a professional, accountable team in