Fleet Senior Manager - Barnett Bus Repair

JOB SUMMARY

The Fleet Senior Manager is a key operational leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective performance of Houston ISD’s transportation fleet, which includes school buses, service vehicles, and support equipment. This role supports HISD’s high-performance culture by ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, managing preventative maintenance, and optimizing logistics to guarantee safe, on-time student transportation services.

Through strategic planning, team leadership, and continuous improvement, the Fleet Senior Manager directly contributes to the district’s ability to serve schools reliably. This role requires operational expertise, proactive problem-solving, and a strong commitment to safety, fiscal stewardship, and service excellence.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Oversee daily fleet operations, ensuring the timely, safe, and reliable transportation of students by maintaining high standards of vehicle readiness and route execution.
2.    Partner with Terminal Directors to ensure that all buses are fully operational before the start of each school day and confirm route readiness for the following day by the end of each shift.
3.    Lead and manage fleet operations staff, fostering a high-performance culture rooted in professionalism, collaboration, and accountability. Conduct evaluations, coach team members, and support ongoing professional development.
4.    Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance fleet reliability, reduce operating costs, and drive continuous improvement across maintenance and logistics functions.
5.    Ensure full compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state and local school bus safety regulations.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

6.    Maintain accurate records and reporting systems related to vehicle inspections, driver certifications, and preventative maintenance schedules, supporting transparency and accountability.
7.    Monitor and manage the department’s operational budget, ensuring optimal use of resources in alignment with district financial guidelines and strategic priorities.
8.    Oversee staff development in alignment with departmental goals and HISD’s broader expectations. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate team members to ensure operational excellence.
9.    Drive cost-efficiency efforts, including monitoring fuel consumption, parts inventory, and maintenance costs, and identifying opportunities to reduce expenses without compromising safety or service quality.
10.    Implement cost-saving initiatives and fleet innovations that align with HISD’s high expectations for safety, sustainability, and operational performance.
11.    Prepare and present regular reports to district leadership on fleet performance, compliance, budget status, and service impact.
12.    Perform other job-related duties as assigned, contributing to HISD’s commitment to serving schools with excellence and reliability.
 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree, preferred

*Applicants who do not meet these education qualifications may be considered if they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.
 

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    5-7 years of experience in fleet management, school transportation, or a related field.
•    Strong knowledge of school bus regulations, fleet maintenance, and safety compliance.
•    Obtain a Texas commercial driver’s license (Class B or A) with “P” and “S” endorsements within 6 months of date of hire.
•    Texas Department of Public Safety School Bus Driver Certification.
•    Familiarity with GPS tracking, routing software, and fleet telematics.
•    Excellent leadership, problem-solving and communication skills.
 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Microsoft Office
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages. Accomplishes the majority of work objectives through the management of direct reports. Provides day-to-day directions to staff; may become directly involved, as required, to meet schedules and resolve problems. Responsible for assigning work, meeting completion dates, interpreting and ensuring application of policies and procedures. Receives assignments in the form of objectives, with goals and the process by which to meet goals. Provides input to hiring, performance and budget.
 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities.
 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Compiles and organizes data and figures.
 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.
 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses.
Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.
 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Collaborate and solve problems – works with others to resolve problems, clarify or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, and managers.
 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems.
Monitors customer service standards.
 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. 
•    Valid Texas driver’s license with applicable insurance coverage. 
•    Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals. 
•    Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. 
•    Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
•    Ability to carry and/or lift up to 15 to 44 pounds.
•    Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel.
•    Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced.