Transportation Operations Leader

Crawford Thomas Recruiting; Butler (Butler County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Crawford Thomas Recruiting is seeking an experienced Operations Leader to oversee the daily operations of a student transportation facility. This role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services while supporting employees and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Responsibilities include leading dispatch and drivers, coordinating with school districts, recruiting and training staff, ensuring route coverage, compliance with regulations, and contributing to budgeting and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, may be substituted for up to two years of related experience.
• Three or more years of experience in student transportation operations.
• Experience in dispatch, safety, training, maintenance, or transportation leadership is preferred.
• Leadership experience in a related industry may be considered.
• Ability to obtain a CDL with Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Air Brake endorsements within six months of hire.
• Ability to pass all required background screenings, drug testing, and physical examinations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the transportation facility and assigned teams.
• Lead, coach, and support dispatch, operations staff, and drivers to achieve performance goals.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate company goals, initiatives, and operational updates.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with school district representatives to ensure exceptional service and customer satisfaction.
• Assist with driver recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention to maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Monitor route coverage and ensure all daily routes and extracurricular trips are staffed.
• Observe employee performance and provide coaching, recognition, and corrective action when appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assist with payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, and month-end financial reporting.
• Support contract compliance by providing required reports and documentation to customers.
• Review transportation contracts, leases, and vendor agreements to ensure operational compliance.
• Promote community engagement and assist with recruiting initiatives.
• Champion new technologies and process improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, and customer service.
• Maintain the qualifications necessary to operate a school bus and provide route coverage when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Multitasking

Regulatory knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Operations Leader to oversee the daily operations of a student transportation facility. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services while supporting employees, maintaining strong customer relationships, and driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the transportation facility and assigned teams.
• Lead, coach, and support dispatch, operations staff, and drivers to achieve performance goals.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate company goals, initiatives, and operational updates.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with school district representatives to ensure exceptional service and customer satisfaction.
• Assist with driver recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention to maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Monitor route coverage and ensure all daily routes and extracurricular trips are staffed.
• Observe employee performance and provide coaching, recognition, and corrective action when appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assist with payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, and month-end financial reporting.
• Support contract compliance by providing required reports and documentation to customers.
• Review transportation contracts, leases, and vendor agreements to ensure operational compliance.
• Promote community engagement and assist with recruiting initiatives.
• Champion new technologies and process improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, and customer service.
• Maintain the qualifications necessary to operate a school bus and provide route coverage when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred and may be considered in place of up to two years of related experience.
• Three or more years of experience in student transportation operations.
• Experience in dispatch, safety, training, maintenance, or transportation leadership is preferred.
• Leadership experience in a related industry may be considered.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Air Brake endorsements within six months of hire.
• Ability to pass all required background screenings, drug testing, and physical examinations.

Preferred Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.
• Working knowledge of transportation and employment regulations, including DOT, OSHA, EPA, DOL, and applicable state requirements.
• Ability to maintain professionalism during high-pressure situations.
• Commitment to safety, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to foster an inclusive, respectful, and positive workplace culture.

Why Join Our Team?

Leadership opportunity with meaningful community impact. Collaborative and supportive work environment. Opportunity to develop employees and improve transportation operations. Competitive compensation and benefits package. Career growth and professional development opportunities.