Operations Manager

NOTE: The following position is for a proposed new business within First Transit. Only candidates meeting the work experience requirements will be considered.

First things First: Who are we? 

First Transit Inc. is a leading public transportation contracting and management services, provider. For over 60 years, we have supplied precision, efficiency, innovation, and all-around expertise to both public and private transportation systems. Today, we operate in 335 locations, carrying more than 350 million passengers annually throughout the United States in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. 

About the Position 

Become a part of our First Transit team as an Operations Manager in the Greater Chicago area. This position assists the General Manager in supervising daily operations. In addition, the Operations Manager monitors employee performance, identifies safety issues, and addresses operational needs. We hire individuals who make safety and customer service their top priorities. We are looking for you if you have the drive, confidence, and determination to succeed!

 Operations Manager's major responsibilities:

• Assumes first-line supervision of location employees. Ensures company policies and procedures are followed.
• Assists the General Manager in the day-to-day operational oversight of location operations, including Safety, Human Resources, and Finance
• Ensures drivers are mentally and physically prepared for their day.
• Coordinates the dispatching, in-service monitoring, and turn-in activities involved in daily transit operations. 
• Have direct involvement in hiring, developing, and disciplining drivers and staff.
• Focus on safety, accidents, and customer complaint resolution.
• Completes necessary daily and/or weekly reports for company and customer
• Tracks and maintains employee attendance system and processes driver and operations staff vacation requests. Maintains/orders necessary driver and staff uniforms.
• Monitors and evaluates Operations activities. Includes: vehicle on-time statistics, missed runs, customer complaint data, accident data, road call data, and other operations-related functions
• Performs all other duties as assigned and may assist with other areas based on location needs

 Operations Manager requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations of FTA DOT ADA regulations pertaining to paratransit service and other federal and state laws and regulations
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, the functions and capabilities of Trapeze, all specialized software used in their respective area(s) of responsibility, and the telephone and mobile communications systems needed for operations
• Knowledge of the geography and street network of the DuPage and Kane County service area, including the locations and characteristics of major trip generators and transfer points.
• Minimum of five years of recent experience managing paratransit operations or similar position 
• Experience overseeing schedulers, dispatchers, and drivers
• Excellent organization and planning skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks accurately and effectively; and
• Proficiency in Trapeze.

First for a Reason  

Benefits 

We offer competitive compensation and benefits (based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation. 

Diversity & Inclusion 

Because we're stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We're committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day. 

Professional Advancement 

Start here. Go far. Thanks to our strong presence across North America, we believe in promoting from within, which means tremendous opportunities for you. In addition, our 18-month Aspiring Manager Program prepares future leaders at First Transit. 

Extensive Training 

Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency. 

Community Service & Impact 

Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First Transit and First Vehicle Services in your community, you'll positively impact others. 

About First Transit

First is the largest passenger transportation company in North America. We provide passenger transport and maintenance services to municipalities, school districts, and the general public in the U.S. and Canada. Our 4.8 billion operation is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, and employs more than 96,000 employees at 1,200 locations in 38 states and 7 Canadian provinces.  

Apply today and get your career on the road with First Transit! 

We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, 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. For candidates applying to positions in San Francisco or Los Angeles, California, First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance or Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance. First is an equal opportunity employer, and by doing so, we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all.