The VP, Autonomous Transit Operations will plan, direct, coordinate, deliver, and oversee the day-to-day customer mobility services operation, safety planning and oversight, and general fleet readiness activities in the organization. 

This role will ensure the development and implementation of safe, efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet current and future needs of the business. A successful candidate will demonstrate ownership and be responsible for running the operation with a sense of quality and customer service. While the position will be headquartered in either Orlando or Jacksonville FL, this role will require travel, and work hours outside of normal business hours on occasion.  

This job requires on-site work in Orlando and Jacksonville.

The VP manages the operational resources and capital assets while providing safe, efficient, and reliable transportation within the communities we serve, and coordinates closely with key business units on alignment to successfully support those operations. This role is critical in leading the operations and functions of all Autonomous Shuttle services, ensuring they are safely operated at maximum efficiency and consistent quality service is provided.  

We are also looking for a leader to drive process improvement and lead positive change by bringing industry best practices to the company in the form of safety culture, operations, and fleet readiness.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Safety 

• Responds to incidents and coordinates investigation and remediation activities. 
• Leads the development of and/or maintenance of a continuous safety culture through the implementation of a Safety Management System:  
• Develops or assists with development of the organization’s Safety Policy, Safety Assurance activities, Safety Risk Management activities, and Safety Promotion activities. 
• Ensures vehicles comply with safety standards and are in working order.   
• Ensures employee certifications and qualifications are current. 
• Prepares and regularly updates Beep’s operations manual, SOPs, and policies. 
• Conducts safety audits and observations and institutes continuous improvement plans. 
• Interfaces with external oversight personnel and stakeholders from local, state, and federal organizations.  
• Establishes safety performance objectives, targets, and indicators.  
• Directs safety manager expectations and daily activities. 

Operations 

• Oversees the daily workflow of the department and directs activities to meet the changing demands of customer mobility services.  
• Establishes, implements, and communicates the safe and strategic direction of the organization’s operations department.  
• Supervises service operations including fleet planning, schedules, uptime, and proper documentation and procedure control. 
• Establishes, communicates, and implements operations-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent support and execution. 
• Presents periodic performance reports and metrics to the Leadership Team. 

People 

• Interviews, hires, and trains operations team members in the department.  
• Provides constructive and timely coaching and performance evaluations.   
• Identifies training needs and ensures proper training is developed and provided. 
• Motivates and engages team members by focusing on team accomplishments and recognition. 
• Manages disciplinary matters in accordance with Company policy.  

Finance 

• Assists with creation of departmental budget; ensures proper use and implementation of budgetary funds. 
• Provides service delivery revenue forecast updates and ensures resource availability to support commitments. 
• Ensures compliance with financial policies & procedures such as tracking hours of operation, ridership, damages, etc. 
• Understands the relationship between decision-making, safety, and profitability. 
• Closely manages team member working hours and activities to minimize overtime and meet or exceed productivity targets. 

Growth/Customer Experience 

• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop, regularly monitor, and meet company safety performance objectives, targets, and indicators, while supplying expertise and guidance on operations projects and systems. 
• Coordinates with other support departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Customer Success, and the Beep Command Center to ensure successful and safe operations activities. 
• Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for workforce planning, development, organization, resources, hardware acquisitions, and facilities are in line with the organization’s business plan and vision. 
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with customers; addresses complaints and works to resolve them quickly. 
• Understands the location-specific customer goals & objectives and work to meet and exceed these expectations daily. 
• Proactively collaborates with project management and technical operations to ensure timely execution of project related tasks and resolution of technical issues to ensure customer expectations are met. 

Fleet/Assets 

• Identifies, recommends, and implements new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources, while continuously maintaining a safe system and reducing organizational risk. 
• Works with the Beep Command Center, vendors, and suppliers to ensure equipment is properly maintained. 
• Ensures schedule of preventative maintenance is complete. 
• Develops and implements a strategic end to end asset management plan.  
• Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in operations management. 

 Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills. 
• Ability to effectively collaborate with others. 
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 
• Ability to multi-task and function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment. 
• Extensive knowledge of operational procedures, and recordkeeping systems. 
• Thorough understanding of traffic rules, policies, and procedures, DOT, NHTSA, OSHA, and EPA regulations.  
• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems and Safety Culture. 
• Ability to work independently.  

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, or other industry-related field required. Master’s degree desired.  

At least 7 years of industry-related experience including three years in leadership required.   

DOT or FTA experience desired.