Safety Operations Manager

Location: Rochester, MN 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) Successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam, drug test, criminal background check, and motor vehicle records check is mandatory for employment. 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.