Director of Transportation

The Director of Transportation is responsible for the daily performance and reliability of Lextran’s fixed-route system. This position is part of the senior leadership team and oversees transportation services, including scheduling, dispatch, field supervision, and day-to-day operations.

The Director of Transportation leads a frontline, unionized workforce and is accountable for delivering safe, reliable, and on-time service. This role requires strong leadership, sound judgement, and the ability to make effective and consistent real-time operational decisions. The Director of Transportation must ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Code of Conduct, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Service Delivery

• Direct and manage daily fixed-route transportation operations, including dispatch, road supervision, and service delivery.
• Ensure reliable service through effective real-time decision-making, particularly during service disruptions, staffing shortages, and emergencies.
• Monitor system performance including on-time performance, missed trips, service interruptions, and operator availability; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Establish and enforce standard operating procedures that promote safety, consistency, and service quality.

Labor Relations & Compliance

• Administer and enforce the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) consistently and fairly.
• Investigate work rule violations and manage discipline in accordance with the CBA and organizational policies.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to respond to and resolve grievances at appropriate steps; participate in grievance hearings, arbitrations, and related proceedings.
• Maintain productive working relationships with Union leadership.

Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead, coach, and hold accountable transportation supervisors, and frontline staff.
• Continuously monitor employee morale and offer suggestions on improvement.
• Establish clear expectations and ensure consistent supervision and response in the field.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of transportation staff.
• Coordinate and communicate with all departments on fixed-route service delivery. Ensure timely and accurate internal communication during service disruptions and major incidents.

Scheduling & Service Coordination

• Oversee development and implementation of operator schedules, run cuts, and daily staffing plans.
• Ensure alignment between scheduled service and available resources, including workforce and fleet availability.
• Coordinate closely with Planning & Community Development to support service changes and ensure smooth implementation.
• Coordinate inclement weather response with transportation team, evaluate roads for safe vehicle operation during inclement weather.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators related to service delivery and workforce performance.

• Identify root causes of service issues and implement corrective action plans.

• Drive improvements in reliability, efficiency, and customer experience.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains trust, confidence and protects the organization by keeping information confidential and disclosing only on a need to know basis; ensuring high ethical standards for self and staff; and upholding the organization’s reputation in the community.
• Prepares reports and serves as project manager for a variety of special projects by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends; facilitating project activities and resolving issues; developing, and sharing data with key staff.
• Stay up to date on changes to policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and other issues related to providing fixed-route transit services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Knowledge of the labor union environment (i.e., labor relations, collective bargaining, staff development, etc.)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Excellent judgment and decision-making, particularly in real time.
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent supervisory and management skills.
• Ability to plan, review, assign, evaluate and delegate work.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and problems that arise.
• Ability to implement short- and long-term strategies to meet organization goals.
• Ability to strategically plan ahead to meet future company needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Planning or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience of progressive responsibility related to this role.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Possesses a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Possesses a valid commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire. Commercial driver’s license must remain in good standing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE JOB

• Frequently communicates with personnel, visitors, and customers.
• Frequently remains in a sitting position at a desk.
• Frequently uses the computer with fingers and hands.
• Frequently works in a well-lit, tempered room.
• Frequently drives a motor vehicle.
• Occasionally exposed to outside elements, particularly during inclement winter weather response.
• Occasionally lifts objects weighing up to Twenty Five (25) pounds.
• May be required to stoop, bend, or kneel.