Safety Operations Manager

About the role

Via is dedicated to transforming transportation on a global scale, aiming to improve individual commutes while reducing environmental impact. As the Safety Operations Manager, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing driver safety standards across various markets. Your responsibilities will include managing driver safety initiatives, conducting both in-person and virtual training sessions, and supporting operational teams to ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies. This position requires a proactive approach to safety management, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work closely with field teams to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the primary safety authority for the service, overseeing post-incident evaluations, conducting safety inspections, and riding along with drivers to observe service quality firsthand.
• Analyze safety data and incident reports to identify trends and areas for improvement, working collaboratively with central operations to develop targeted coaching and process enhancements.
• Support DOT compliance efforts by acting as the Designated Employer Representative (DER), managing necessary documentation, and ensuring timely follow-up on drug testing, incident reporting, and other regulatory requirements.
• Lead root cause investigations for accidents and safety incidents, developing corrective action plans and ensuring proper implementation to prevent recurrence.
• Design, implement, and continually refine comprehensive driver training programs that focus on safety, defensive driving, passenger assistance, and customer service. These programs include onboarding new drivers, remedial training for at-risk drivers, and periodic refresher courses.
• Wheelchair securement and passenger sensitivity training to ensure safety and comfort for all passengers.
• Defensive driving techniques to minimize risks and improve driving performance.
• De-escalation and customer interaction skills to handle challenging situations professionally.
• CPR, First Aid, and emergency procedures to prepare drivers for unexpected incidents.
• Conduct ride-alongs and performance evaluations to assess driver skills, adherence to safety protocols, and overall service quality. Offer constructive feedback and coaching to support driver development.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date training records, certifications, and compliance documentation to meet regulatory standards and internal policies.
• Regularly accompany drivers on rides to observe real-world service delivery, reinforce training concepts, and provide immediate coaching when necessary.
• Be a visible safety leader across various markets, promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning among drivers and operational staff.
• Collaborate closely with operations, safety, and compliance teams to ensure local practices align with corporate safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in scheduling driver training sessions, ensuring that all drivers receive necessary instruction in a timely manner to support operational readiness.
• Facilitate effective communication between field teams and central office, including reporting safety concerns, incidents, and training progress.
• Support ongoing safety initiatives and participate in safety meetings, audits, and reviews to foster a proactive safety environment.
• Contribute to the development of safety policies and procedures, ensuring they are practical, effective, and compliant with applicable regulations.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in driver training, operations management, or field supervision, ideally within fixed route and paratransit environments.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and manage performance among diverse driver teams.
• Strong knowledge of safety protocols, ADA regulations, and DOT compliance standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of delivering training and motivating adult learners effectively.
• Ability to balance fieldwork responsibilities with administrative tasks, including documentation and compliance reporting.
• Familiarity with digital tools such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), dashboards, spreadsheets, and other data analysis platforms.
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle sensitive safety-related issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Willingness to travel within various markets as needed to conduct training, ride-alongs, and safety inspections.

Nice to have

• Experience with passenger assistance training programs and related certifications.
• Familiarity with advanced safety technologies, such as collision avoidance systems, telematics, and data analytics tools.
• Prior experience working in a transportation or transit environment that emphasizes ADA compliance and passenger safety.
• Additional certifications in safety, emergency response, or related fields.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency with digital learning management systems and data analysis tools to track training progress and safety metrics.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to coordinate training schedules, safety inspections, and documentation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate safety policies and motivate drivers.
• Ability to analyze safety data and generate actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Competence in using spreadsheets, dashboards, and reporting tools to monitor safety performance and compliance.

Practical notes

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• The role offers comprehensive benefits, including medical insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
• Opportunities for ongoing certification, professional development, and career advancement are available within the company.
• This position requires on-site presence in Rochester, MN, and involves regular fieldwork, including ride-alongs and safety inspections.
• Candidates should be prepared for travel within various markets to support safety initiatives and driver training.
• The company values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• Candidates must be able to work flexible hours as needed to support training sessions, safety meetings, and operational demands.

Ready to join the ride?

Via is an equal opportunity employer.