General Manager, Midwest Region

About the role

Via is dedicated to revolutionizing transportation on a global scale. As the General Manager for the Midwest Region, you will hold a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's intermodal transit services within this geographic area. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong operational expertise, capable of managing a complex, fast-paced environment. You will be the driving force behind regional growth, operational excellence, and team development, ensuring that Via's innovative transportation solutions meet the needs of local communities and partners. The position involves working closely with senior management, external stakeholders, and internal teams to implement regional strategies, optimize daily operations, and foster a culture of safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee and manage all daily operations for Via's services across the Midwest region, ensuring high levels of service quality and operational efficiency.
• Act as the primary operational contact for drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and support staff, resolving issues promptly and effectively to maintain smooth service delivery.
• Develop and implement effective scheduling and routing strategies to optimize fleet utilization and ensure 24/7 service availability.
• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team of operational personnel, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performance work environment.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with driver partners, local government agencies, community organizations, and customers to promote Via's services and expand regional partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with Via's senior management team to align regional goals with overall company strategy, providing regular updates on operational performance and challenges.
• Establish clear performance metrics and KPIs, tracking progress and implementing corrective actions as needed to meet or exceed targets.
• Analyze operational data and generate reports to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvements.
• Lead initiatives to improve safety standards, compliance, and regulatory adherence in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Manage budgeting, resource allocation, and cost control measures to ensure financial sustainability of regional operations.
• Coordinate with external vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure quality standards and operational requirements are met.
• Represent Via at community events, industry conferences, and local meetings to enhance the company's visibility and reputation within the region.
• Drive continuous improvement by staying informed about industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes impacting transportation services.
• Ensure all operations comply with company policies, safety protocols, and legal requirements, including ITAR regulations if applicable.
• Support recruitment efforts to attract skilled operational staff and participate in onboarding and training processes.
• Maintain a focus on customer satisfaction by addressing client concerns and implementing service enhancements.
• Foster a safety-first culture, emphasizing training, adherence to safety protocols, and incident prevention.
• Prepare and present weekly reports on operational performance, challenges, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
• Lead problem-solving efforts during operational disruptions or emergencies, ensuring minimal service impact.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing operations in a transportation, logistics, or related industry.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, logistics, or a related field; advanced degrees are a plus.
• Proven track record of managing large teams and complex operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and support diverse teams.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, generate reports, and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience in developing and implementing operational strategies and process improvements.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation regulations and compliance standards.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Resilience and adaptability to handle changing operational demands and unforeseen challenges.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to operational issues.
• Willingness to be based near one of Via's operational sites or relocate as needed (e.g., Sioux Falls, SD; Rochester, MN).
• Self-motivated with a high level of initiative and accountability.
• Familiarity with operational management software and data analysis tools.

Nice to have

• Prior experience working in the transportation or tech industry.
• Knowledge of ITAR regulations if applicable to the region or operations.
• Experience working with government agencies or community organizations.
• Background in safety management and regulatory compliance.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with operational management software and scheduling tools.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Practical notes

• The salary range for this position is from $110,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates willing to move near one of Via's operational sites.
• The benefits package includes comprehensive health coverage, free medical plans, and 401K matching.
• This role is based on-site at one of the designated regional locations, with no remote work options.
• Candidates must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple priorities, and respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Via is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment.
• Candidates should be prepared to participate in an interview process that may include multiple stages, including assessments and meetings with senior leadership.
• The company values innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction as core principles guiding regional operations.
• The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the company's standards and contribute to its mission of transforming transportation services in the Midwest.