Operations Manager, AV Projects

Via is on a mission to create public transportation systems that provide greater access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Our platform serves as the technology backbone for modern transit networks, transforming antiquated and siloed public transportation systems into smart, data-driven, and efficient digital networks. With hundreds of agency partners around the world, Via is recognized as the leading transportation technology and service provider globally. As an Operations Manager, Autonomous Vehicle Projects on Via’s Operations team, you are the force that keeps our services running reliably for the communities that depend on them. This is a high-ownership role where you’ll lead daily operations, optimize accessible transit networks, and support initiatives for Via’s growing portfolio of autonomous and specialized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) fleets. This is a field position with an expectation that you will be onsite at local services several days per week. There will also be monthly travel to services located across the United States. What You’ll Do: • Run the daily onsite operations of our service, ensuring our fleets operate smoothly to provide riders with safe, reliable, and fully accessible transportation. • Make informed, real-time decisions regarding fleet availability, WAV compliance, rider accessibility needs, and unexpected issues—stepping in quickly to ensure continuously excellent, dependable service. • Turn rider, mobility-advocate, and community feedback into tangible operational improvements, addressing accessibility friction points and collaborating with internal teams to enhance the WAV rider experience. • Use data and technology to analyze ridership trends, service performance, and fleet utilization, spearheading operational solutions that maximize transit efficiency and rider independence. • Act as the operational bridge between local partners, safety drivers, third-party operators, and Via central teams to elevate accessible mobility standards across all markets. • Serve as the primary operational point of contact for Via’s AV partners and local operators, maintaining proactive, ongoing communication to deliver on service goals and resolve operational issues as they arise. • Travel to key markets to lead driver onboarding and specialized WAV safety/securement training, while establishing strong operational relationships with local disability advocate groups and transit partners. Who You Are: • Excited to bring about the future of transit and the opportunity to travel • Operationally experienced, with a background in people management, logistics, customer service, or process-oriented work (experience with paratransit, Non-emergency Medical Transport, or WAV fleets is a strong plus). • Relationship-oriented, earning trust from riders, accessibility advocates, teammates, and external partners through empathetic, clear communication and follow-through. • Hands-on and proactive, eager to understand the end-to-end WAV rider journey firsthand and solve mobility challenges right where they happen. • Tactical and strategic, capable of triaging live operational issues while building long-term processes that safeguard service quality and accessibility compliance. • Mission-driven, deeply motivated by expanding equitable transit access and transforming how communities move. • Based in the NYC area, able to be on-site and in-office when needed. Compensation and Benefits: • Final salary will be determined by the candidate’s experience, knowledge, and skills. Salary reflected does not include equity or variable pay, where applicable. • Salary Range: $70,000–$90,000 / per year. • We are proud to offer a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including free medical plans and 401K matching. There has never been a more exciting time to be on the cutting edge of inclusive public mobility. Ready to join the ride? Via is an equal opportunity employer.