Operations Manager

Operations Manager GENERAL INFORMATION Title: Operations Manager Department: Transportation Salary Grade: Classified Grade G
FLSA Status: Exempt Site/Location: Transportation Reports to: Director of Transportation Date: 06/01/2026 POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations Manager works under the direction of the Director of Transportation to support the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of transportation services for all students. This position serves as a key operational leader within the Transportation Department and assists in overseeing daily transportation operations, routing efficiency, staffing coordination, regulatory compliance, customer service, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Operations Manager supervises and coordinates transportation functions including bus routing, driver assignments, transportation technology systems, fleet operations coordination, staff development, operational performance monitoring, and data analysis. This position plays a critical role in evaluating operational effectiveness through the analysis and disaggregation of transportation data, including on-time performance, route efficiency, ridership trends, driver attendance, fuel consumption, maintenance expenditures, and other operational metrics to support informed decision-making and strategic planning. The Operations Manager assists with the implementation of transportation procedures, driver training programs, emergency response coordination, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position also supports the development of long-range transportation plans and operational goals aligned with district priorities. The Operations Manager must possess strong leadership, organizational, analytical, communication, customer service, and conflict resolution skills and demonstrate the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and coordinate daily transportation operations, including bus routes, scheduling, dispatching, and driver assignments to ensure safe, efficient, and timely transportation services.
• Monitor daily operational performance, including on-time performance, route efficiency, staffing levels, and service reliability, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze and interpret transportation data, operational trends, and performance metrics to support informed decision-making, operational improvements, and strategic planning.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor transportation performance indicators and operational reports related to routing, ridership, driver attendance, fuel usage, maintenance costs, and service effectiveness.
• Assist the Director of Transportation in developing and implementing short and long-range operational goals, transportation plans, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review and optimize bus routes, stop locations, resource allocation, and operational procedures to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service.
• Ensure the safe and timely transportation of students and compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and district transportation regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate transportation personnel, including drivers, monitors, dispatchers, and other transportation staff.
• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, and evaluation of transportation personnel.
• Assist with monitoring employee performance, attendance, professionalism, and compliance with transportation policies, procedures, and safety expectations.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of standard operating procedures, safety programs, and operational protocols for transportation staff.
• Assist with investigating transportation accidents, incidents, complaints, disciplinary matters, and safety concerns and complete all required documentation and reports including the timely review of bus video surveillance as applicable.
• Coordinate emergency response efforts related to transportation operations, including inclement weather, vehicle breakdowns, route disruptions, and staffing shortages.
• Assist with coordinating and conducting roadway and weather condition assessments throughout the division during inclement weather events to support operational and student transportation safety decisions including the openings, delays, or closures of school(s)
• Oversee and support the effective use and implementation of transportation technology systems, including routing software, GPS tracking systems, fleet management systems, student ridership systems, and onboard camera systems.
• Coordinate vehicle maintenance schedules, inspections, and fleet operational readiness in collaboration with the maintenance department.
• Monitor fuel consumption, fleet utilization, maintenance expenditures, and other operational costs to support responsible fiscal management and budget efficiency.
• Assist with budget planning, resource management, and cost-control efforts within the Transportation Department.
• Prepare operational reports, data summaries, compliance documentation, and presentations for the Director of Transportation and district leadership.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with school administrators, parents, staff, community members, and the public regarding transportation services, concerns, and operational matters.
• Respond promptly and professionally to service and performance concerns and work collaboratively to resolve transportation issues and conflicts.
• Assist in coordinating transportation services for special programs, extracurricular activities, field trips, summer programs, and other district events.
• Maintain accurate records related to transportation operations, employee performance, safety training, compliance requirements, routing information, and operational data.
• Conduct operational reviews and audits to ensure compliance, accountability, efficiency, and quality service delivery.
• Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment focused on safety, accountability, customer service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation

LYNCHBURG CITY SCHOOLS COMPETENCIES Personal Competencies

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Ethical
• Equity Minded
• Emotional Intelligence
• Cultural Competence
• Safety
• Quality

Leadership Competencies

• Models Excellent Customer Service
• Thinks Strategically
• Shows Initiative
• Acts Decisively
• Communicates Effectively
• Works Collaboratively
• Resolves Conflict Proactively

Functional Competencies

• Technical Capabilities
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis and Management
• Fiscal Planning and Management
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED diploma required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• College coursework in transportation, management, or other related fields, preferred.
• Extensive progressively responsible experience preferred, including but not limited to human resource management experience and experience in the scheduling, routing, and safe operation of a fleet of school buses or similar fleet transportation systems.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license required
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (w/air brake, passenger, and school bus endorsements) within 1 month of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the scheduling, routing, and safe operations of school buses or other fleet vehicles.
• Knowledge of the state-mandated safety requirements and procedures.
• Ability to plan and maintain effective student transportation programs.
• Ability to analyze student transportation problems and programs and to recommend or implement corrective actions designed to improve student transportation operations.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with school officials, parents, VDOE officials, executive staff, city leaders, community groups, and others.
• Ability to supervise, directly or indirectly, employees, including several layers of employees.
• Excellent oral and written communications and human relations skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and evaluate staff.
• Ability to prepare and oversee the preparation of complex reports and analyses.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• The Operations Manager oversees the operations of the transportation office and may be required to directly supervise the dispatchers, mechanics, fuel attendants, secretaries, bus drivers, and bus assistants.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Reliable transportation, necessary
• Minimal travel within the City of Lynchburg as needed
• Minimal travel outside of the City of Lynchburg as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently stand; sit; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, type, or feel; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Sufficient physical strength and stamina to lift objects weighing up to 100 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, and complete work requiring considerable physical exertion. Exposure to inclement weather is possible. OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. AAP/EEO STATEMENT LCS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. SALARY: Please refer to LCS Employee Pay Scales found here: . DAYS: 260 START DATE: 2026-2027