What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Operations Officer position at Mid-South Transportation Management, Inc.?
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 2025
FLSA: Exempt
JOB TITLE: Chief Operations Officer (COO)
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: CEO
FLSA: Exempt
JOB TITLE: Chief Operations Officer (COO)
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: CEO
JOB FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operations Officer (COO) provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for all operational divisions of the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery across all transit modes, including fixed route, paratransit, maintenance, and facilities. This role oversees operational planning, performance management, and compliance with FTA, TDOT, and federal transit standards while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides executive leadership, direction, and coordination for all MATA transit operations, including Fixed Route, Paratransit (MATAplus), Maintenance, Facilities, and Safety and Security divisions.
- Implements operational strategies that enhance efficiency, service reliability, and overall customer satisfaction while aligning with MATA’s mission and strategic plan.
- Develops, monitors, and evaluates key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational success, service quality, and ridership growth.
- Ensures compliance with all FTA, DOT, TDOT, and OSHA regulations governing public transportation operations and safety standards.
- Leads and directs senior operational managers in setting goals, resolving service delivery challenges, and implementing performance improvement initiatives.
- Oversees the development and management of operating budgets for assigned departments, ensuring fiscal accountability and cost-effective service delivery.
- Coordinates with Human Resources and Labor Relations to manage staffing, labor agreements, and employee relations across operational units.
- Directs system safety, security, and emergency preparedness activities to ensure full regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
- Provides executive-level oversight for capital projects related to operations, maintenance, and facility upgrades.
- Implements innovative operational technologies and systems to improve service performance and efficiency.
- Promotes collaboration and communication among departments to strengthen operational alignment and support organizational goals.
- Represents MATA at public meetings, community events, and professional transportation forums as needed.
- Prepares and presents operational reports, updates, and strategic recommendations to the CEO and Board of Commissioners.
- Fosters a work environment that encourages employee engagement, development, and accountability.
- Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission and strategic objectives of MATA.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Transportation Management, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible management experience in public transit or transportation operations, including at least seven (7) years in executive leadership.
- Strong knowledge of FTA, TDOT, and federal compliance requirements governing public transportation systems.
- Proven ability to lead large, complex teams and oversee multimodal transit operations.
- Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets, service performance, and efficiency improvement programs.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills with the ability to build consensus and foster organizational collaboration.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and operational reporting tools.
- Must comply with all MATA policies, including Drug and Alcohol Policy and Safety Protocols.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with regular visits to operational facilities, maintenance shops, and field locations. The role may require exposure to various weather conditions, transit environments, and moderate noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
DISCLAIMER:
The above description is intended to describe the general content, identify the essential functions, and set forth the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. MATA reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs.