Operations Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About the Role: The Performance Manager, Operations (Implementation) is a key member of the Transdev Performance Team responsible for leading operational implementation initiatives across our paratransit business. This role focuses on the successful startup, shutdown, renewal, and transition of operating locations while driving operational excellence, financial performance, and contract compliance.

The Performance Manager serves as the on-site project lead for implementation activities, establishing standardized processes and ensuring locations execute operational transitions efficiently and in accordance with contractual requirements and Transdev best practices. This position collaborates closely with local operations, corporate support functions, and cross-functional stakeholders to develop and execute action plans that improve financial and operational performance.

Success in this role requires an achievement-oriented professional with exceptional project management skills, the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, and a proven track record of delivering results through cross-functional leadership. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading large-scale implementation projects and serving as an individual contributor responsible for meeting critical deadlines and business objectives.

This position also plays a significant role in developing enterprise-wide operational best practices, including supporting the implementation of the Transdev Professional Dispatcher Development Program.

Salary Range: $104,000–$130,000

Benefits include:

Vacation: minimum of two (2) weeks

Sick days: 5 days

Holidays: 12 days; 8 standard and 4 floating

Other standard benefits: 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental and vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and voluntary long-term disability.

Benefits may vary depending on the location policy. The above represents the standard Corporate Policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead startup, shutdown, contract renewal, and operational transition activities for paratransit locations, ensuring successful implementation while meeting contractual, operational, and financial objectives.
• Serve as the primary project lead for implementation initiatives, coordinating complex cross-functional project plans, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
• Establish standardized operating procedures and implementation processes to ensure consistency across new and transitioning locations.
• Review contractual requirements and establish operational performance standards and goals that maximize financial performance while aligning with bid model assumptions.
• Utilize the Transdev Operations Management Model (TOM) to evaluate contract performance and develop measurable, cross-functional improvement plans.
• Conduct operational and financial analyses to identify opportunities for improving contract compliance, service delivery, operational efficiency, and profitability.
• Develop detailed action plans prioritized by contractual and financial impact, including measurable objectives, timelines, ownership, and accountability.
• Lead process improvement initiatives designed to achieve operational performance and profitability targets.
• Analyze operational performance using Power BI, Transit Management Software (TMS), Excel, CSV data, and other reporting tools to identify trends, performance gaps, and enterprise-wide improvement opportunities.
• Plan and lead operational reviews to ensure compliance with company policies, contractual service level agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Partner with operations leadership and corporate support departments to resolve operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Support the design, development, and implementation of the Transdev Professional Dispatcher Development Program.
• Deliver training and coaching to location leadership and staff on best practices, operational processes, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Build strong partnerships with field leadership by establishing trust, credibility, and collaborative working relationships.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the transit industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational improvement initiatives, implementation projects, or cross-functional business initiatives.
• Experience leading multiple projects with competing priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience supporting paratransit operations, including scheduling, dispatch, reservations, ADA compliance, or service delivery.
• Experience in operational startup, contract transition, or business implementation activities.
• Leadership experience as an Assistant General Manager, General Manager, Regional Director of Operations, Dispatch Manager, Safety Manager, or similar operational leadership role.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority while driving accountability and project completion.
• Achievement-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for results.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L management, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Ability to establish KPIs, monitor project performance, and deliver measurable business results.
• Exceptional organizational, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build trusted relationships across all organizational levels.
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent follow-up and execution skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing business needs and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, including advanced data import/export functions.
• Experience with Microsoft Planner, Power BI, Transit Management Software (TMS), and data analysis tools preferred.
• Ability to serve as a change agent by driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Travel

This position requires approximately 40% travel to corporate and operating locations. Travel is primarily domestic, with occasional international travel as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support operational activities.
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and at operating locations.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers and telephones.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

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 disabilities to perform the essential functions upon request.

Transdev is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Transdev complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us.HR.TalentAcquisition@transdev.com

Transdev maintains a drug-free workplace. Applicants must:

• Be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future (if based in the U.S.).
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.

The physical demands described here are representative

Drug-free workplace

If based in the United States, applicants must be eligible to work in U.S. without restrictions for any employer at any time; be able to pass a drug screen and background check.

California applicants: Please Click Herefor CA Employee Privacy Policy.

Job Category: Management

Job Type: Full Time

Work Type: Hybrid Remote

Req ID: 8870

Pay Group: NF2

Cost Center: 818

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

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 disabilities to perform the essential functions upon request.

Transdev is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Drug-free workplace

If based in the United States, applicants must be eligible to work in U.S. without restrictions for any employer at any time; be able to pass a drug screen and background check.

California applicants: Please Click Here for CA Employee Privacy Policy.

About Transdev

Cities, counties, airports, companies, and universities across the U.S. contract with Transdev to operate their transportation systems, maintain their vehicle and fleets, and deliver on mobility solutions. Transdev U.S. employs a team of 32,000 across 400 locations while maintaining more than 17,000 vehicles.

Part of a global company, Transdev is a leader in mobility with operations in 19 countries, proudly operated by 110,000 team members from around the world. As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev – the mobility company – empowers the freedom to move every day thank to safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that serve the common good. Find out more at http://www.TransdevNA.com or watch an overview video.