Director of Transit Operations - Orange County, CA

As one of the largest and fastest-growing transportation and mobility service providers in the country, LAZ delivers innovative, reliable, and customer-first solutions that go far beyond the curb. From campus shuttles and paratransit services to large-scale transit operations, we’re redefining the way people get where they need to go safely, efficiently, and with a human touch.

Yes, we're experts in transportation logistics, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to people. Our motto says it all: “Parking is our industry. People are our passion.” Whether we're optimizing shuttle routes, managing complex transit contracts, or enhancing rider experience through technology, our goal is the same: to elevate lives through better mobility.

If you’re a transportation leader who thrives on operational excellence, community impact, and building high-performing teams, let’s talk.

Salary: $95-125,000K

The Spirit of the Position:

The Director of Transit Operations will oversee the planning, performance, and profitability of LAZ’s regional transportation contracts. This role is key in delivering best-in-class transit solutions, including fixed-route shuttles, micro transit, paratransit, and campus mobility while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. You’ll serve as the strategic liaison between LAZ, our contract clients, city agencies, and operational partners.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead for all assigned transportation operations, reporting to the Contract Liaison and Regional Vice President.
• Manage day-to-day operations across contracts, including staffing, compliance, maintenance, dispatch, and scheduling.
• Ensure strict compliance with DOT/FTA regulations, vehicle inspections, and LAZ internal safety policies.
• Oversee subcontractor performance related to shuttle maintenance, driver operations, and facility services.
• Champion technology adoption (GPS, CAD/AVL, scheduling tools) to enhance operational efficiency.
• Monitor and analyze ridership trends, route performance, and customer satisfaction to drive continuous improvement.
• Drive financial accountability through budgeting, forecasting, and P&L oversight for all assigned locations.
• Lead regular performance reviews with client stakeholders, ensuring service level expectations are exceeded.
• Serve as a key partner to LAZ HR in hiring, onboarding, and developing transportation personnel.
• Cultivate a strong culture of Safety, Service and Professionalism consistent with The LAZ Way.
• Support business development, RFP compliance, and contract renewals as needed.

Requirements

License + Certificate(s):

• Must have a Class A or B license.
• Passenger Endorsement.
• DOT medical certificate.

Experience:

• Understanding of dispatch, scheduling, and driver recruitment is required.
• Experience managing fixed route systems preferred.
• Have at least 2 years of CDL driving experience.
• Knowledge and experience ensuring compliance with DOT and FTA regulations.
• Experience with planning and service design for optimization and improvement of service.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.
• Experience negotiating and managing collective bargaining agreements a plus.

Skills:

• Possess a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and complex situations including difficult customers, and timely response and resolution of any customer complaints.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and timeliness.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift, push and pull at least 10lbs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential duties/functions.

FLSA Status: Exempt

LAZ Parking is an equal opportunity employer. In all our employment practices, including hiring, we are firmly committed to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetics, Vietnam era, special disabled, recently separated and other protected veterans, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. No question in our application process is used for the process of limiting or excluding any applicant's consideration for employment on such grounds.

This Employer participates in E-Verify.