Safety Operations Manager

Job description

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. Via has partnered with 100+ cities and public transit agencies around the world to deploy our mobility technology. As the **Safety Operations Manager,** you will oversee driver safety programs, lead in-person and virtual training, and support market operations to ensure our drivers meet the highest standards of safety and service. **What You’ll Do:** - Serve as the primary safety lead for the service - conducting post-incident reviews, safety audits, and ride-alongs to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards. - Monitor trends in safety data and collaborate with central operations to identify opportunities for proactive coaching or process improvements. - Support and occasionally act as the Designated Employer Representative (DER) for DOT compliance, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and timely follow-up on testing or incidents. - Lead root cause analyses for accidents and incidents and develop corrective action plans. - Design, deliver, and continually improve driver training programs - including onboarding, remedial, and refresher sessions - with a strong focus on safety, defensive driving, and passenger assistance. - Provide hands-on instruction in: - Wheelchair Securement & Passenger Sensitivity - Defensive Driving - De-escalation & Customer Interaction - CPR/First Aid & Emergency Procedures - Evaluate driver performance through ride-alongs, skills assessments, and feedback sessions. - Maintain training documentation, certifications, and compliance records. - Conduct regular ride along’s to observe service quality, reinforce training, and coach drivers in real-world conditions. - Serve as a visible leader across markets - fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and support. - Partner with operations, safety, and compliance teams to align local practices with company-wide goals. - Assist in driver scheduling for trainings and ensure operational readiness. - Support reporting and communication between field teams and central operations **Who You Are:** - Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement required. - 3+ years of experience in driver training, operations management, or field supervision, preferably in fixed route and paratransit settings. - Proven ability to coach, motivate, and manage performance among diverse driver teams. - Strong understanding of safety protocols, ADA requirements, and DOT regulations. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to train and inspire adult learners. - Comfort balancing field work with administrative and compliance tasks. - Proficiency with digital tools (LMS platforms, dashboards, spreadsheets, etc) **Certifications & Professional Development:** We will support continued professional development and certification renewal, including: - PASS (Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity) - LLLC Defensive Driving - CPR/First Aid - De-escalation Training - Other state- or service-specific certifications as needed. **Compensation and Benefits:** - Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 / year - Final salary will be determined based on experience, knowledge, and skills. - Comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage, paid time off, and 401(k) matching. - Opportunities for certification, advancement, and leadership development. Ready to join the ride? *Via is an equal opportunity employer.*