General Manager - School Bus Operations

Position Overview

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, safety compliance, and financial health of the school bus operation. This role oversees daily transportation services, ensures adherence to state and federal regulations, manages staff, drives customer satisfaction, and leads strategic initiatives to support safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily routing, scheduling, dispatch, and on-time performance.
• Ensure fleet readiness, maintenance scheduling, and vehicle inspections.
• Implement and monitor KPIs related to safety, reliability, and service quality.
• Lead emergency response planning, weather-related decisions, and incident management.

2. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with DOT, state pupil-transportation regulations, and school district contract requirements.
• Maintain rigorous driver qualification files, drug/alcohol testing programs, and safety training standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits, ride-alongs, and incident reviews.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

3. Financial & Business Management

• Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Control operational costs including labor, maintenance, and fuel.
• Oversee contract compliance and support bid proposals, renewals, and negotiations.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or service.

4. Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team that may include dispatchers, supervisors, trainers, mechanics, and drivers.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for drivers and staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement accountability systems.
• Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented workplace culture.

5. Fleet & Maintenance Oversight

• Oversee maintenance operations to ensure all vehicles meet legal and company safety standards.
• Approve and review maintenance schedules, repair orders, inspection results, and out-of-service buses.
• Monitor fuel usage, parts inventory, and maintenance expenditures to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Coordinate with mechanics and technicians to minimize downtime and maximize fleet availability.

6. Customer & Community Relations

• Serve as the primary contact for school district administrators and community partners.
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally.
• Attend school board meetings, safety committees, and community events as needed.
• Build strong relationships that enhance trust and service satisfaction.

7. Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze operational data to improve routing efficiency, fleet utilization, and staffing levels.
• Lead projects related to technology upgrades, fleet modernization, and process improvements.
• Ensure the operation is prepared for long-term growth, regulatory changes, and seasonal demands.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, transportation management, logistics, or related field (preferred).
• 5–10 years of transportation or fleet operations experience; school transportation experience strongly preferred.
• 3 years of leadership or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of safety regulations and compliance requirements
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills
• CDL with P/S endorsements preferred or willingness to obtain

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, and state-specific school transportation regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, analysis, and cost-management.
• Ability to manage complex operations in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.
• Proficiency in routing/dispatch software, fleet management systems, and Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with frequent time spent in the yard, garage, and on buses.
• Must be available for early mornings, occasional evenings, and emergency response situations.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL with P/S endorsements preferred or willingness to obtain.

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000 to $100,000 per year

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, AFLAC
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Salary : $80,000 - $100,000