Director of Strategy & Operations

Via is hiring a Director of Strategy & Operations to lead part of our West Coast portfolio. This is a significant regional P&L leadership role: you will start out by directly managing markets and a team of Field Operations Managers then quickly grow to manage a team of General Managers and Operations Managers. You will be responsible for setting and executing regional operating strategy and ensuring safe reliable high-quality service across a large fast-growing and increasingly complex book of business.

The West region is in high-growth modelaunching new markets expanding existing contracts and standing up new service types. We need a seasoned operator who can lead through scale and ambiguity develop strong frontline leaders and partner effectively with transit agency stakeholders commercial teams and Via central functions.

What Youll Do:

Regional leadership & people management

• Lead coach and develop a team set clear expectations cadence and accountability
• Run a consistent regional operating rhythm
• Build leadership depth: hire promote and performance-manage regional talent;
• Foster a culture of safety compliance operational excellence and partner trust across the region

P&L and performance ownership

• Own regional P&L outcomes in partnership with Finance and market GMs: revenue hours/rides cost per ride labor productivity and margin improvement
• Set regional targets and be accountable to KPIs (service reliability on-time performance seat availability safety driver staffing vehicle readiness and customer experience)
• Drive root-cause problem solving on underperforming markets; escalate risks early with clear mitigation plans
• Partner on annual and quarterly operating plans staffing models and scenario planning for growth

Regional strategy & growth

• Translate regional priorities into actionable market strategies
• Lead the region through new service types and operating models
• Prioritize resources across markets during launch surges staffing constraints and partner-critical periods
• Represent Operations in regional strategy discussions with Commercial Service Design Product and Partner Success

Partner & stakeholder management

• Serve as a senior operational counterpart to agency leadership on high-stakes markets
• Build trust through transparent performance reporting proactive communication and credible remediation when service misses occur
• Navigate complex regulatory and contractual environments

Cross-functional leadership

• Partner with Commercial Enablement Service Design Remix Safety Fleet HR and Finance to align ops capacity with growth and product roadmap
• Influence technology and process adoption to improve regional efficiency and visibility
• Contribute to company-wide ops priorities

Who You Are:

• Proven experience in an operational leadership role ideally with P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute business strategies successfully.
• Track record leading high-growth or transformation environmentsscaling teams launching new lines of business or integrating acquisitions/service expansions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills capable of working with and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills you dont accept the status quo and are always looking for creative solutions
• Strong comfort working in a fast paced environment operating in ambiguity managing multiple tasks simultaneously and taking on responsibility
• Operational fluency across people-intensive regulated 24/7 businesses; comfort with labor planning safety culture and compliance
• 10 years of experience ideally with a combination of consulting and operating experience
• Hold a Bachelors Degree with a record of exceptional academic and professional achievement
• Willingness to travel extensively across the West Coast (25% higher during launch periods)

Compensation and Benefits:

• Final salary will be determined by the candidates experience knowledge and skills. Salary reflected does not include equity or variable pay where applicable
• Salary Range: $180-$220k / year attractive RSU package
• We are proud to offer a generous and comprehensive benefits package including free medical plans and 401K matching.

Ready to join the ride

Via is an equal opportunity employer.