Manager In Training Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role

We're seeking high-potential, early-career professionals to join Zūm's Manager in Training (MIT) program at our Oakland, CA location. The MIT program is Zūm's structured pathway for developing the next generation of field leaders. Reporting to the Location Manager, MIT participants carry real operational accountability from day one while moving through a structured development curriculum. Upon successful completion, MITs advance into a Senior Ops Supervisor role, Location Manager or Senior Operations Supervisor role. Geographic mobility is a core program condition — participants must be available to relocate to any Zūm location within the United States by the start of the 2027–2028 school year. The candidate will also be asked to take on stretch assignments and temporary assignments in other locations while in training. 

What Makes You Successful in This Role

You're an early-career operator with high ambition and a genuine desire to grow into leadership — fast. You thrive in structured environments where accountability is real and development is intentional. You're hungry to learn, but you don't wait to be taught — you find solutions, take ownership, and ask for feedback rather than waiting for it. You're comfortable in the field, you communicate clearly, and you build trust with the people around you through consistency and follow-through. You understand that mobility is part of the deal, and you're ready to go where the opportunity is. You're not looking for a job — you're looking for a launchpad.

Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Oversee day-to-day transportation operations, including scheduling, staffing, route assignments, and field trip/charter coordination.
• Monitor and analyze operational KPIs using Zūm's IT infrastructure, implementing corrective actions to maintain and exceed performance targets.
• Partner with the Location Manager to maintain operational readiness, respond to real-time challenges, and ensure facilities are organized, safe, and efficiently operated.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager to ensure fleet readiness and regulatory compliance while supporting budget management through monitoring of labor costs and operational expenses.

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly supervise and coach front-line staff, providing consistent guidance, feedback, and professional development.
• Collaborate with HR, Recruiting, and Safety teams to execute hiring plans, maintain adequate staffing levels, and investigate and resolve employee concerns.
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement by conducting regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and development planning with direct reports.
• Identify and develop high-potential team members for advancement opportunities.

Safety, Compliance & Customer Service

• Champion a behavioral safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees, students, and the community while ensuring compliance with all state, federal, and DOT regulations, company policies, and customer contract requirements.
• Review incident reports, oversee accident/incident reporting procedures, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers, ensuring service expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries, service issues, and operational concerns with professionalism and urgency while acting as an escalation point for problem resolution.

Program Participation & Leadership Development

• Actively engage in the MIT structured development curriculum alongside day-to-day operational responsibilities.
• Complete milestone gates on the program timeline, incorporating feedback from the Location Manager and Program Leadership Team.
• Demonstrate readiness for placement into a Location Manager or Senior Operations Supervisor role by program completion.
• Maintain geographic flexibility and confirm availability for relocation to any Zūm location within the eight-state footprint by the 2027–2028 school year.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in an operational, supervisory, or people-leadership capacity in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment (e.g., transportation, field services, logistics, hospitality, or similar industries).
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, take ownership, and drive results without close direction.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence across all levels of an organization.
• Genuine commitment to developing as a leader and openness to structured feedback and coaching throughout the program.
• Geographic mobility — must be available to relocate to any Zūm location within the eight-state footprint by the start of the 2027–2028 school year.

The targeted base salary range for this role is listed in the compensation section below. Actual salary may be above or below this range based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience. In addition, this position may include additional compensation in the form of equity or commissions. If you are a full-time salaried or hourly worker, we offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Holidays, Wellness, Vacation, and more. The targeted pay range for this role is: $90,000 - $100,000 USD.