Senior Manager of Operations

Eden Prairie, Minnesota, This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, forward-thinking Senior Manager of Operations to help shape the future of a community-focused transit agency, SouthWest Transit. With a broad scope of responsibility and significant opportunity to influence how the agency operates, this role is ideal for a leader who thrives on solving problems, challenging the status quo, and turning ideas into meaningful improvements. From strengthening day-to-day operations and improving organizational effectiveness to developing better processes, systems, and ways of working, the Senior Manager will play a pivotal role in driving change, building operational excellence, and maximizing the agency’s impact on the community it serves. This is an opportunity to do more than manage operations—it’s a chance to make a lasting difference in the organization, its team, and the people who depend on its services. Mission: We provide a premium experience for the southwest Twin Cities through safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit that builds community and connects our customers from where they are to where they want to go. Vision: SouthWest Transit is the leading provider of innovative transit solutions that improve livability and enhance economic opportunity in the communities we serve.

Essential Roles & Responsibilites: · Lead, coach, and develop a team to ensure continuous communication and smooth daily operations. · Manage daily transit operations ensuring system-wide adherence to SouthWest Transit’s commission-approved KPIs. · Analyze ridership trends and operational data to improve service efficiency, reduce cost, and identify service gaps and opportunities. · Prepare operational reports, service performance metrics, and grant proposals for transit development funding. · Partner with internal departments, vendors, and external stakeholders to improve public transit services and implement new technologies. · Assist in incident investigations, respond to difficult and sensitive issues, identify and report findings and take necessary corrective action as needed. · Manage budgets, staffing resources, and operational priorities while continuously identifying opportunities for process improvement. · Develop and implement short- and long-term operational strategies that align with agency goals and community needs. · Monitor and improve on-time performance, productivity, service reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Utilize data analytics to support operational decision-making and continuous process improvement. · Prepare and manage operating budgets and monitor expenditures to identify cost-saving opportunities. · Collaborate with the Safety and Risk Specialist to minimize incidents and improve safety in and around the facilities and vehicles. · Partner with Transit Planning to align operations and deliver efficient services. · Be the liaison between SWT and the driver contractors. Establish regular meeting cadence to ensure open communications, clear expectations, and alignment with KPI’s and contract requirements. · Manage fleet performance metrics, fuel consumption, and operational costs using maintenance management software. · Ensure all vehicles comply with federal, state, and local safety and regulatory standards. · Manage the Vehicle Maintenance Manager and oversee all operations and processes in the shop including but not limited to stock levels, PMs, third-party repairs, etc. · Manage the Facilities Manager and oversee routine and preventative maintenance for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. for facilities. · Manage the dispatch to ensure effective delivery of dispatch services with an eye to continuous improvement in processes. · Develop a 10-year CIP to address long-term facility growth, space utilization, renovations, and/or new construction. · All other duties as assigned. Minimum Skills & Experience Required: · Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, operations, or related technical field. · 7+ years progressively responsible experience in Operations Management with at least 5 years leading teams. · Proven ability to lead and mentor teams. · Demonstrates initiative, continuous improvement, and is a self-starter. · Excellent planning and follow through. · Embraces the SWT Values of purpose, integrity, innovation, learning and belonging. Preferred Skills & Experience: · Expertise in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations · Experience in Transportation, Logistics, Transit, or related industry