Operations Director

Qualifications

OATS Transit is seeking a strategic, results-driven Operations Director to lead, optimize, and scale our statewide transit network. Serving a critical mission across an 87-county service area in Missouri, with an office in Columbia, MO, this role directly oversees fleet management, safety compliance, and comprehensive operational support.

As a key member of our executive leadership team, you will ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation to thousands of community members. If you are a transit professional with a passion for public service and community impact, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities

Fleet Management & Maintenance

• Asset Lifecycle: Oversee the procurement, deployment, maintenance, and disposal of a large, decentralized transit fleet.
• Vendor Operations: Manage relationships with maintenance vendors and fuel suppliers across the 87-county footprint to ensure minimal vehicle downtime.
• Capital Planning: Assist in budget forecasting for vehicle replacements and technology upgrades.

Safety, Risk & Compliance

• Regulatory Oversight: Ensure 100% compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and state regulations.
• Safety Programs: Develop, implement, and enforce robust safety protocols, driver training programs, and accident prevention strategies.
• Incident Response: Lead investigations into operational incidents and oversee the resolution of risk management claims.

Operational Support & Leadership

• Regional Logistics: Provide strategic direction to 6 Regional Directors and regional staff to optimize scheduling, routing, and daily performance.
• Technology Integration: Champion the use of transit software, AVL/GPS tracking, and data analytics to improve operational efficiency.
• Budget Accountability: Manage the operations budget, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to control costs while maintaining high service standards.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in transit operations, logistics, or large-scale fleet management.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Public Administration, or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Sector Knowledge: Prior experience in non-profit, public transit, or rural transit systems is highly preferred.
• Compliance Expertise: Deep familiarity with DOT and FTA regulations, transit asset management (TAM), and transit safety management systems (SMS).
• Skills: Exceptional leadership, analytical problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to manage a highly decentralized workforce across a vast geographic area.
• Salary: Beginning salary is $80,000 but is based on experience and knowledge.

Benefits & Compensation

• Health Insurance after the 90th day (plus excellent rates for spouse & family coverage) 
• Dental Insurance- Employee premium as low as $5/month.
• Vision Insurance - Employee premium as low as $8/month.
• Life Insurance- company paid life.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Retirement plan with 3% Employer Match plus a top-hat executive retirement plan.
• Employee Assistant Program
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education including an annual bonus for acquiring and maintaining the CTAA-sponsored Certified Community Transit Manager (CCTM) certification/