First things First: Who are we?

Twice the size of our next largest competitor, First Student is the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America. Every day, we complete 5 million student journeys, moving more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, route optimization and scheduling, maintenance, and charter services for 1,100 school district contracts

Job Overview: As the IT Manager for Electric Vehicle Software and Charger Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our electric school bus fleet. You will be responsible for managing and maintaining the software systems that control these buses, as well as overseeing the charging infrastructure. Your role will involve a combination of technical expertise, project management, and collaboration with various teams to optimize our electric vehicle operations. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Software Management (Charge Management System/Charge Management Software/EV Fleet Management Software): 

• Implement, maintain, and update the software systems used to charge electric school buses. 
• Troubleshoot and resolve software-related issues promptly. 

• Collaborate with vendors to implement integrations, updates and enhancements. 

1. Charging Infrastructure: 

• Collaborate with implementation team to ensure proper selection, procurement, implementation, and configuration of charging stations.    
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging station firmware. 
• Monitor charging infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and reliability. 

• In conjunction with all appropriate business partners, develop the appropriate troubleshooting and repair responsibility matrix between IT, Operations and Maintenance.    

1. Data Analysis and Reporting: 

• Collect and analyze data from electric school buses, charge management Systems, charge station management software. 
• Collaborate with central Data and analytics team to generate regular reports, dashboards and data integrations with vendor systems on vehicle performance, energy consumption, predictive analytics and charging efficiency.  
• Identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings. 

1. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: 

• Oversee Implementation and maintenance of cybersecurity measures to protect vehicle and charging data. 
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and company policies. 

1. Project Management 

• Demonstrated robust experience in effectively managing diverse projects and stakeholders.   Responsible for overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to successful completion.    

1. Team Collaboration: 

• Work closely with the Electric Vehicle Program Manager. 
• Collaborate with the operations team to schedule bus charging and maintenance. 
• Work with the IT team to integrate electric vehicle systems with existing IT infrastructure. 
• Coordinate with training functions to deliver proper training on all EV related software. 

1. Budget Management: 

• Develop and manage the budget for electric vehicle software and charger support. 
• Track expenses, engage procurement for contract negotiations, and seek cost-effective solutions. 

General requirements of an IT Manager: 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Manage IT teams and services. 
• Contribute to the development of IT and business strategies. 
• Manage complex projects and initiatives with multiple stakeholders 
• Manage or support the IT budget, track expenditures, and oversee procurement of IT equipment, software, and services. Identify opportunities for asset optimization. 
• Hire, mentor, and manage an expanded team of personnel. Forecast resource needs. 

• Direct IT systems and services to ensure optimal performance and compliance 
• Define IT policies, governance models, and procedures for the team. 
• Support and/or lead acquisition activities and manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and licensing 
• Provide briefings on emerging technologies and industry trends. Identify opportunities for POCs. 
• Manage business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management programs 

• Develop reports, dashboards, and recommendations for leadership to inform decision making 
• Ensure IT is compliant with all legal, regulatory, and data governance requirements 
• Conduct research on emerging technologies and industry trends to identify innovation opportunities 
• Promote collaboration between IT and business units to deliver technology-enabled business solutions 

Minimum Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience 

Minimum Education: 

• 5+ years of IT management experience 
• Expert knowledge of one or more IT domains 
• Demonstrated management of one or more teams 

• Excellent leadership, project management, vendor management, and analytical skills. Ability to communicate at multiple levels within the organization (internal & external) 
• Experience managing budgets 
• Experience managing vendors and/or employees 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and resolve issues. Experience developing stakeholder relationships. 
• Experience with IT frameworks (ITIL, PRINCE 2, TQM, Six Sigma, SCRUM, etc.) 

• Passion for technology innovation with knowledge of industry best practices 
• Ability to understand business needs and translate them to IT activities 

First for a Reason  

Benefits 

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

Professional Advancement 

Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 3 to 5 month Manager-In-Development program prepares future leaders at First Student. 

Extensive Training 

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

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. 

Community Service & Impact 

Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First in your community, you’ll have a positive impact on others. 

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

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.