Location Manager

Zum is a rapidly expanding Series E startup backed by industry leaders Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Spark Capital, and GIC, with a bold mission to transform the stagnant school transportation industry. Operating in over 15 states across the United States—with flagship hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle—we are actively extending our reach to the East Coast and Midwest regions. As a technology-driven company, we deploy cutting-edge solutions to manage and operate school district transportation systems while also launching our own charter platform and developing proprietary SaaS offerings. Additionally, we are spearheading a nationwide initiative to electrify school transportation fleets, simultaneously supporting local utilities by feeding much-needed energy back into the grid. We have been recognized as CNBC 50 disruptor, Financial Times 500 fastest growing companies, Fast Company World Changing Ideas.

We're seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations in Shawnee, KS. This role encompasses the complete operational lifecycle—from bid development and startup to daily management and continuous improvement. You'll build high-performing teams, manage P&L accountability, and establish best-in-class transportation operations that exceed customer expectations.

You're a decisive leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments where every day brings new challenges. You balance operational urgency with safety discipline, never compromising on what matters most. You're a natural relationship builder who earns trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders through consistent follow-through. You see potential in people and invest in their growth, building teams that take ownership and deliver results. You're equally comfortable reviewing financial reports, walking the yard with drivers, and presenting to school district administrators. You take pride in building something from the ground up and have the resilience and initiative to overcome obstacles without waiting for permission.

Operational Leadership & Start-Up 

● Execute complete site start-ups for newly awarded contracts, team hiring, facility setup, IT implementation

● Develop training and hiring programs for location that meets or exceeds state, federal, and district guidelines

● Develop and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships, consistently exceeding expectations through proactive communication and service delivery

● Manage assigned contract operations, ensuring consistency and excellence

● Utilize Zum's IT infrastructure to monitor, analyze, and exceed balanced scorecard KPIs across all operational areas

● Spearhead a behavioral safety culture that protects employees, students, and the broader community

● Oversee Safety Department compliance with state, federal, DOT regulations, RFP requirements, and meticulous record keeping

● Review all incident reports, ensure proper accident/incident reporting procedures, and submit documentation as required

● Maintain P&L accountability in alignment with company financial guidelines

● Collaborate with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Safety teams to strategize and execute hiring plans that support operational needs

● Develop and coach Zum employees to become our next generation of leaders through mentoring and growth opportunities

● Partner with Maintenance leaders to ensure complete fleet readiness and maintain accurate inventory meeting all regulatory and contractual requirements

● Oversee daily operations including scheduling, staffing, field trip/charter processes, route awards, and trip execution

● Work with the payroll department to ensure timely, accurate processing and resolve discrepancies promptly

● Manage union relationship according to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) guidelines

● Maintain organized, safe, clean, and efficient operational facilities

● Partner with Safety Manager to coordinate accident investigations and workers' compensation cases, working with insurance adjusters and claims administrators to ensure accountability and timely resolution

● Build and maintain strong relationships with school district partners and community to ensure service excellence

Electrification Project Management 

● Plan, execute, and complete school bus yard electrification projects on time, within budget, and to specification

● Manage project plans, schedules, budgets, and coordinate with contractors, school district staff, utilities, and AHJs

● Monitor progress, report on status, risks, and issues, and resolve project-related conflicts

● Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards throughout project lifecycle

QUALIFICATIONS: 

● Demonstrated experience managing full profit and loss (P&L) accountability with operational oversight and KPI responsibility

● 5+ years of experience managing day-to-day operations in complex, time-sensitive environments such as transportation, field services, logistics, hospitality, or similar industries

● Experience with scheduling, staffing, planning, and operational execution

● 5+ years of experience maintaining client-facing relationships and managing customer accounts in an operational environment, with demonstrated ability to deliver customer service to both external clients and internal stakeholders

● Experience managing salaried leaders and/or coordinating across multiple departments

● Track record of career progression supported by relevant certifications or continuing education, with demonstrated success in developing direct reports and building high-performing teams

● Comprehensive understanding of and demonstrated experience with safety practices, protocols, processes, compliance requirements, and regulatory standards

● Experience managing in a unionized (CBA) environment

● Prior leadership in transportation start-up or new district launch, including sourcing facilities, implementing IT systems, building teams, and intaking fleet vehicles

● Demonstrated experience successfully managing through periods of rapid organizational growth or major management/structural changes

● Proficiency with Microsoft or G Suite applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides)

The targeted base salary range for this role is listed in the compensation section below. Actual salary may be above or below this range based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience. In addition, this position may include additional compensation in the form of bonus, equity, or commissions. If you are a full-time salaried or hourly worker, we offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Holidays, Wellness, Vacation, and more.

The targeted pay range for this role in is: $125,000 - $145,000