Zūm 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.
About the Role
We're seeking an experienced Location Manager to lead transportation operations at Nashville, TN. 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.
What Makes You Successful in This Role
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.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Start-UpExecute complete site start-ups for newly awarded contracts, team hiring, facility setup, IT implementationDevelop training and hiring programs for location that meets or exceeds state, federal, and district guidelinesDevelop and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships, consistently exceeding expectations through proactive communication and service deliveryManage assigned contract operations, ensuring consistency and excellence
Performance Management & Safety
Utilize Zum's IT infrastructure to monitor, analyze, and exceed balanced scorecard KPIs across all operational areasSpearhead a behavioral safety culture that protects employees, students, and the broader communityOversee Safety Department compliance with state, federal, DOT regulations, RFP requirements, and meticulous record keepingReview all incident reports, ensure proper accident/incident reporting procedures, and submit documentation as requiredMaintain P&L accountability in alignment with company financial guidelinesCollaborate with Human Resources, Recruiting, and Safety teams to strategize and execute hiring plans that support operational needsDevelop and coach Zum employees to become our next generation of leaders through mentoring and growth opportunitiesPartner with Maintenance leaders to ensure complete fleet readiness and maintain accurate inventory meeting all regulatory and contractual requirementsOversee daily operations including scheduling, staffing, field trip/charter processes, route awards, and trip executionWork with the payroll department to ensure timely, accurate processing and resolve discrepancies promptlyManage union relationship according to collective bargaining agreement (CBA) guidelinesMaintain organized, safe, clean, and efficient operational facilitiesPartner with Safety Manager to coordinate accident investigations and workers' compensation cases, working with insurance adjusters and claims administrators to ensure accountability and timely resolutionBuild and maintain strong relationships with school district partners and community to ensure service excellence
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Qualifications
Demonstrated experience managing full profit and loss (P&L) accountability with operational oversight and KPI responsibility5+ years of experience managing day-to-day operations in complex, time-sensitive environments such as transportation, field services, logistics, hospitality, or similar industriesExperience with scheduling, staffing, planning, and operational execution5+ 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 stakeholdersExperience managing salaried leaders and/or coordinating across multiple departmentsTrack record of career progression supported by relevant certifications or continuing education, with demonstrated success in developing direct reports and building high-performing teamsComprehensive understanding of and demonstrated experience with safety practices, protocols, processes, compliance requirements, and regulatory standards
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing in a unionized (CBA) environmentPrior leadership in transportation start-up or new district launch, including sourcing facilities, implementing IT systems, building teams, and intaking fleet vehiclesDemonstrated experience successfully managing through periods of rapid organizational growth or major management/structural changesProficiency with Microsoft or G Suite applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides)The targeted pay range for this role: $100,000 - $110,000Zūm Services, Inc. and all its subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.Apply for this job
