Peterson Technology Partners Looking for Senior Vice President, Operations at Greater Chicago Area Full Time

Job Description

We seek a dynamic and experienced Senior Vice President of Operations to lead our School Bus and Paratransit division in the newly expanded Central Region. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the SVP will oversee and optimize all aspects of our school bus and paratransit operations. This high-impact role involves strategic planning, operational excellence, team leadership, and customer relationship management.

The SVP will be accountable for overseeing all operations at the branch level within the region and driving the region’s strategic goals. Standardizing processes across different locations will be a key objective. Employing a metrics-driven approach, the SVP will lead improvements at the branch level and guide the team to execute strategic goals. An essential aspect of this role is fostering a team that prioritizes customer satisfaction, results, and data-driven decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have experience in high-growth environments, displaying a willingness to engage hands-on and delve into details. Operating effectively without relying on extensive teams, budgets, infrastructure, or resources is imperative. Collaborating closely with the COO, this leader will drive strategic initiatives and optimize performance across the business.

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute the region’s strategic plan, aligned with the company’s objectives.
• Apply knowledge of the business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goal.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the executive team regarding industry best practices and innovations.
• Establishing KPIs to track progress against business and functional goals.
• Engaging cross-functionally, managing diverse teams, and implementing innovative strategies for growth and value creation

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee all branch-level operations within the School Bus and Paratransit division.
• Standardize processes across different locations to ensure consistent and efficient operations.
• Implement metrics-driven approaches to measure and improve operational performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Implementing technological enhancements to drive operations goals forward.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, including direct and indirect reports.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and results-oriented thinking.
• Coach and mentor team members to achieve their full potential and contribute to the division’s success.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Build strong relationships with key customers, including school districts and paratransit agencies.
• Collaborate closely with customers to understand their needs, address concerns, and ensure exceptional service delivery.
• Act as a trusted advisor to customers, offering solutions to meet their transportation requirements.

Financial Management:

• Have full P&L responsibility for the School Bus and Paratransit division.
• Use key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
• Monitor financial performance and make data-driven decisions to enhance profitability.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry requirements.
• Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams to address any compliance issues promptly.

Professional Experience:

The successful candidate will be an accomplished operator and people leader. They should embrace a process-oriented approach, prioritize collaboration, and nurture a culture of accountability within their organization. Operating in high-growth environments while being adept at hands-on involvement is crucial. This leader should be both a creative problem solver and a relationship builder. They will embody an entrepreneurial, participative, and hands-on management style. Experience in managing multiple locations, with multiple lines of services and revenue responsibility of $200 million.

Additional requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Transportation Management, or related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the transportation industry, with a significant focus on school bus and paratransit operations.
• Proven track record of leading large teams and driving operational excellence. Strong coaching, mentoring, and team-building abilities.
• Experience in managing a P&L budget of $200 million in transportation, logistics, or related service industries emphasizing safety and operational excellence.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills, along with executive presence.
• Manages ambiguity operating effectively, even when things are uncertain, or the way forward is unclear.
• Track record of adopting and coaching new practices and technology.
• Demonstrated ability to build formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside of the organization.
• Successfully maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.
• Experience in managing key customer relationships and delivering exceptional service.
• Familiarity with challenges in service-centric, field-based businesses.
• Experience in leading multi-site, operationally intensive businesses focusing on continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology for service enhancement and asset optimization.
• Ability to collaborate with an executive team and function across departments.
• Metrics-driven management approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
• High integrity, customer service orientation, patience, resilience, and adaptability.
• Ability to represent the company effectively to stakeholders and government agencies.
• Travel required up to 40% throughout the region. Candidate must live in the Chicago area.