Safety Operations Manager

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) 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.