General Manager at American Transportation – Thousand Oaks, California

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on General Manager to lead and oversee all operational functions. This role is responsible for the overall success of the site, including leadership of drivers, dispatchers, maintenance, and administrative staff.

The ideal candidate will ensure safety, compliance, operational efficiency, profitability, and exceptional customer service, while also supporting additional company locations as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day site operations of the Thousand Oaks location.
• Lead interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, discipline, and termination of all staff.
• Ensure proper orientation, ongoing training, and re-training as needed.
• Monitor employee performance, conduct, attendance, and schedule adherence.
• Promote high levels of morale, accountability, and engagement.
• Provide consistent leadership, communication, and direction across all departments.
• Conduct regular department meetings to ensure alignment and follow-through.
• Enforce all company policies and procedures consistently and fairly.
• Develop succession planning and maintain bench strength for key roles.

Operations & Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate route and trip execution.
• Oversee compliance with DOT, CHP, DOE, and other regulatory bodies.
• Ensure all drivers meet licensing, certification, and safety requirements.
• Maintain compliance with Hours of Service regulations.
• Ensure all documentation is recorded, filed, and inspection-ready.
• Assist and oversee inspections and audits.
• Partner with maintenance to ensure fleet readiness and safety.
• Cover routes/trips as needed.
• Maintain CDL license and obtain School Bus Certification within 6 months.

Dispatch & Coordination

• Oversee dispatch operations and support dispatch teams.
• Ensure effective communication with districts and clients.
• Coordinate scheduling and staffing needs.
• Acquire and manage affiliate partnerships.
• Negotiate pricing and service agreements with affiliates.

Facilities & Yard Management

• Oversee yard operations including organization, cleanliness, security, and access control.
• Ensure compliance with local operational and zoning requirements.
• Coordinate fueling, parking, staging, and overall facility needs.

Client Relations & Business Development

• Maintain professional communication with school districts and clients.
• Assist in lead generation and relationship-building to grow the Thousand Oaks market.
• Identify opportunities to grow operations and expand services.
• Ensure high service quality and client satisfaction at all times.

Financial & Profitability Oversight

• Drive site profitability and financial performance.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, and operational efficiency.
• Implement cost controls while maintaining safety and service quality.
• Develop staffing models aligned with business needs.
• Report financial performance to executive leadership.

Fraud Prevention & Accountability

• Implement and enforce controls to prevent fraud involving fuel usage, purchasing, credit cards, employee timekeeping, and unauthorized expenses or kickbacks.
• Conduct periodic audits of financial and operational records.

Subcontractors & Affiliates

• Assist with sourcing, negotiating, and managing subcontractors and affiliates.
• Ensure all affiliates meet company standards for safety, compliance, and service.
• Maintain proper documentation, insurance, and performance oversight.
• Control costs and protect margins on subcontracted work.
• Approve and manage usage in line with company policy.

Technology & Systems Compliance ?

• Ensure proper use of all operational systems, including ELD, GPS, dispatch, and trip management platforms.
• Maintain data accuracy and completeness across all systems.
• Enforce compliance with tracking and reporting requirements.
• Escalate system issues impacting operations or service delivery.

KPIs & Performance Management

• Own and report on key performance indicators, including: on-time performance, route coverage, driver attendance, accident frequency and severity, insurance loss trends, payroll percentage of revenue, and fleet uptime.
• Implement corrective action plans when performance falls below targets.

Additional Duties

• Provide on-site supervision for large projects and vehicle movements.
• Support cross-location operations when needed (California & Nevada).
• Maintain confidentiality of company and personnel information.
• Report directly to the Vice President of Operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off

• 5–7+ years of management experience in transportation, logistics, or related fields
• Valid CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with passenger endorsement
• Ability to obtain and maintain School Bus Certification within 6 months
• Strong knowledge of DOT, DOE, CHP and related regulations
• Proven leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience managing staff, scheduling, and operations
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation abilities
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• High integrity and discretion with confidential information