Operations Manager

Illinois Central School Bus, 624 W. Colfax, Palatine, Illinois, United States of America

If you’re looking for a career that will give you a strong sense of pride and purpose, this is the job for you. Getting over 1,000,000 children safely to and from school every day is one of the most important jobs you will ever have. Come work for North America Central where your skills are valued, and your contribution appreciated.

Provide daily leadership and management of one or more school bus facilities to ensure successful revenue contract fulfillment. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining a strong safety culture, fostering positive employee relations, and controlling costs. The Division Manager serves as the site safety leader, accountable for safety performance and results.

Operational Leadership & Performance

• Lead daily operations to ensure safe, reliable, and on‑time service
• Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability and continuous improvement
• Ensure passenger well‑being, including safe pick‑up and drop‑off procedures, placards, and student management
• Ensure adequate driver staffing and effective processes to cover absenteeism
• Serve as the primary liaison with contracted customers and maintain strong client relationships
• Attend School Board meetings as required
• Oversee revenue contract administration and compliance
• Accountable for location profit and loss, including monitoring monthly variances and developing action plans
• Participate in budget and forecast development
• Oversee financial operations, including:
  • Customer billing and collections
  • Labor costs (revenue and non‑revenue)
  • Fuel and maintenance expenses
  • Capital purchase recommendations and justifications
• Oversee time and attendance tracking for hourly staff and drivers, including overtime
• Develop and manage route labor standards

People & HR Management

• Oversee hiring, coaching, performance management, and terminations
• Assist with HR matters, labor relations, investigations, and employee relations processes
• Promote a respectful, professional, and safety‑focused workplace culture

Safety, Compliance & Asset Management

• Ensure compliance with all Company Safety Policies and Procedures
• Maintain compliance with DOT, federal, state, and local regulations
• Ensure driver credentialing and licensing compliance
• Oversee vehicle usage, inspections, certifications, and efficient use of spare buses
• Ensure compliance with company maintenance policies and procedures
• Manage ancillary equipment systems, including cameras, Zonar, Child Checkmate, crossing gates, radios, and GPS
• Ensure facilities are properly maintained in compliance with OSHA and ADA requirements, providing a secure, clean, and safe environment
• Ensure timely and accurate submissions to Corporate departments

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• CDL required
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in the transportation industry
• Managerial experience preferred
• Ability to work early morning hours as required by operations
• Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor with employees, customers, and the public
• Dress in a professional and appropriate manner for a business environment
• Perform all job duties safely, adhering to OSHA guidelines and applicable federal and state laws
• Follow all company policies and procedures
• Ability to use or learn internet‑based systems, additional required programs, and office equipment (phones, fax machines, and other electronic devices)

• Lead a mission‑driven operation supporting students and communities
• Play a key role in safety leadership and operational excellence
• Opportunity to impact financial performance and team development
• Stable, purpose‑driven industry with growth potential

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

North America Central School Bus is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.