Director Transportation

SALARY: $126,380 - $148,678

LOCATION: 1600 McKinley Ave. Columbus, OH

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

POSITION SUMMARY:

COTA's Director, Transportation performs highly responsible professional and supervisory work directing, developing and establishing departmental goals and objectives, and providing the day-to-day management of transit operations. Assures safe, on-time, and efficient customer-oriented transit service.

Perform other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and enforces operational policies and practices to ensure efficient and safe operation of the department and effective management of department staff;
• Oversees the development of new and revised training programs for bus/flex operators and other COTA employees required to drive transit vehicles; partners with TWU Local 208 and Sr. Manager, Transportation Training for any changes needed to current training programs.
• Provides guidance for the fair and consistent administration of rules and regulations governing Operator conduct, appearance and vehicle operation in accordance with the bargaining agreement;
• Provides support and guidance on maintaining a well-qualified workforce through the practice of sound general management principles including training, personnel management, performance monitoring, counseling and correction, and discipline, when necessary;
• Assures that labor disputes are avoided through the fair and equitable interpretation and application of all contract provisions by meeting regularly with management staff; supports counseling and/or disciplining employees up to and including discharge in accordance with established rules and regulations, ensuring that represented employees are functioning in accordance with contract provisions;
• In collaboration with Sr. Managers of Transportation, ensures Operators begin and maintain service on time daily, reviewing daily reports and system efficiency data concerning Operator's performance; meets with management staff and supervisors to support initiatives pertaining to on-time performance;
• Achieves maximum productivity and high employee morale through the practice of sound and effective communication with department leaders and employees at all levels of the organization;
• Supports the Deputy Chief Operating Officer in the development and execution of customer service improvement initiatives; leads the department staff in establishing a process of continuous improvement in operational practices to better serve our internal and external customers; and,
• Analyzes data surrounding Operator complaints, including at-risk behaviors, in an effort to mitigate concerns; along with Transportation Services Supervisors, reviews data and other content with Operator to determine root cause and recommend mediation tactics where applicable.
• Monitors and evaluates transportation requirements to ensure reliable and effective on-time performance and safety of service. Establishes and secures approval of goals and programs for department;
• Identifies the short- and long-term transportation needs of the organization to meet agreed upon levels and quality of service and overall goals of the agency;
• Collaborates with Demand-Response Operations to ensure coherent overall operation of COTA service; and
• Oversees the development and execution of innovative scheduling pilot programs (AM/PM boards, AWS program, etc.) designed to improve Operator schedules and service reliability.
• Identifies and provides training opportunities and support for mid-level management across the department;
• Partners with Risk and other departments to ensure safety of all services within the Operations division;
• Works closely with Scheduling to ensure resolution of route alignment issues and monitors on-time performance metrics;
• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Transportation or related field and ten (10) years' experience in transportation administration with five (5) of those years' in Transportation Management. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience will also be considered. Experience in public transit administration preferred.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status