Strategy & Operations Principal

Via is using technology to transform transportation around the world. From changing a single person’s daily commute to reducing humanity’s collective environmental footprint — we’ve got huge goals.

This is a transformation role in a fast-paced tech company. We are rebuilding a transit service from the ground up in Tulare, and we need a Strategy & Operations Principal who can do three things simultaneously: think strategically about what this service needs to become, operate with discipline in the day-to-day, and lead a team through the ambiguity that comes with real change.

You will own the end-to-end performance of Via's transit operation in Tulare: the service quality, partner relationship, financial outcomes, team culture, and long-term trajectory. You will be making foundational decisions that define how this service operates for years to come. 

• Develop and own a clear vision for what this transit service should look like, partnering with Via’s central functions, and lead your team through the work of getting there.
• Build new operating systems, staffing models, and service cadences that don't yet exist, and establish the culture and accountability structures to sustain them.
• Communicate a compelling change narrative to your team, your partner, and community stakeholders so they understand where you're going and why.

• Own the end-to-end operating strategy of Via's service, including on-time performance, rider experience, safety, and cost efficiency.
• Define and manage against a clear set of KPIs; translate weekly and monthly performance data into operational decisions, not just reports.
• Design and continuously refine staffing models and scheduling strategies that ensure service reliability across a 24/7 operation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, local, and company policies and regulations.

• Build, coach, and manage a frontline operations team, from hiring through performance management and culture setting.
• Lead by example: be present in the field, visible to drivers, and known as someone who holds themselves and their team to a high standard.
• Develop frontline leaders within your team who can grow into expanded roles as the service scales.

• Earn and maintain the trust of your partner through consistent communication, reliable execution, and transparency about challenges.
• Represent Via to community stakeholders, local officials, and riders as the face of the operation.

• Strategic leader with 5+ years of experience leading complex operations
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Independent self-starter, you thrive in fast-paced environments and feel comfortable with a very high level of responsibility
• Savvy and tactful communicator: you intuitively find the right tone in every situation
• Foster a culture deeply committed to providing a world class customer service experience
• Strong analytical thinker who uses data to guide strategy, not just report outcomes.
• Experienced and exceptional leader: people love working with you and for you, and you have extensive experience leading teams
• Flexible and adaptable: you love the challenge of adapting to change rapidly and making things work on the fly
• Effective at managing multiple tasks simultaneously; you can delegate, prioritize, and take responsibility
• Problem solver; you don’t accept the status quo and are always looking for creative solutions