Associate General Manager

About the role

Via is committed to revolutionizing transportation on a global scale by creating innovative mobility solutions that improve the daily commute for individuals while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. The company's mission centers on building smarter, more efficient transit services that serve communities effectively. This particular position is critical as Via embarks on rebuilding a transit service in Tulare, California. The successful candidate will serve as the strategic leader responsible for managing daily operations, developing operational plans, and guiding a team through a period of significant transformation. The role requires a proactive, hands-on leader who can coordinate with central teams, foster a positive team culture, and ensure that the service meets performance, safety, and customer satisfaction goals. The Associate General Manager will be instrumental in establishing operational frameworks, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. This is an on-site role based in Tulare, CA, and it offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a meaningful public mobility project that aims to serve the community effectively while setting a standard for innovative transit solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for the transit service in Tulare, working closely with Via's central teams to ensure alignment with company standards and strategic objectives.
• Establish new operational frameworks, including staffing models, service schedules, and operational procedures, to support a reliable, efficient, and safe transit service.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance within the team, setting clear expectations and providing ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Communicate the vision and upcoming changes effectively to team members, partners, community stakeholders, and riders to ensure understanding and buy-in.
• Oversee the entire operational strategy, focusing on key performance metrics such as on-time performance, rider satisfaction, safety, and cost management.
• Set and monitor KPIs, analyzing performance data regularly to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Design staffing and scheduling strategies that ensure service reliability around the clock, balancing operational efficiency with rider needs.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations, as well as internal policies, to maintain safety and legal standards.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of frontline operations staff, building a motivated and high-performing team.
• Lead by example through active presence in the field, maintaining high standards of safety, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Identify potential future leaders within the team and support their development through mentorship and growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, local officials, and stakeholders through transparent communication and reliable service delivery.
• Represent Via in community meetings, public forums, and stakeholder engagements, embodying the company's mission and values.
• Manage daily operational issues, troubleshoot problems proactively, and implement solutions swiftly to minimize service disruptions.
• Collaborate with central teams on strategic planning, project management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare reports on operational performance, challenges, and achievements for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed rigorously and promote a safety-first culture across all operations.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation to meet financial targets.
• Stay informed about industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to keep the service innovative and compliant.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing complex transportation or transit operations.
• Bachelor's degree is required; advanced degrees or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate vision, expectations, and operational details to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing operational frameworks, staffing models, and service schedules.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, monitor KPIs, and translate insights into actionable improvements.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and solve problems creatively.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and a commitment to delivering high-quality service.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and public relations is desirable.
• Proficiency in using relevant operational tools and basic data analysis software.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including team building, mentorship, and performance management.
• Ability to work on-site in Tulare, CA, and be actively present in the field as needed.

Nice to have

• Previous experience working in public transit or government-funded transportation programs.
• Familiarity with transit technology systems, scheduling software, or fleet management tools.
• Experience managing budgets and controlling costs in a transportation setting.
• Knowledge of community engagement strategies and public relations.
• Bilingual skills, especially in Spanish, to better serve diverse communities.

Skills & tools

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Data analysis and KPI monitoring capabilities.
• Ability to develop operational frameworks and staffing models.
• Knowledge of transportation safety standards and compliance.
• Proficiency in basic software tools related to operations and reporting.

Practical notes

• This is an on-site role based in Tulare, CA; candidates must be willing to work in the Tulare office and in the field as needed.
• The salary range is $95,000 to $115,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
• The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including free medical plans and 401K matching.
• The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's experience, knowledge, and skills; the stated range is indicative.
• The role involves managing a team and engaging with community stakeholders, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.
• The candidate should be prepared to handle operational challenges proactively and adapt to evolving project needs.
• This is a pivotal role in a transformative public mobility project, offering an opportunity to make a meaningful community impact.
• Via is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.