Chief Operating Officer

Knoxville Area Transit - Knoxville, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Knoxville, TN

Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

About the position

The Supervisor position at Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing and providing leadership to the operating functions of the transit system. This position is expected to identify and implement innovative approaches to optimize organizational effectiveness, enhance performance, ensure safety, and foster teamwork on a continuous basis. The Supervisor will provide strategic leadership and direction to various services including fixed route service, ADA Paratransit, planning, maintenance, safety, and training, all while promoting a collaborative and results-driven work culture. In this role, the Supervisor will manage the scheduling and service planning functions, monitor overall system operations, and identify opportunities for improvements and efficiencies through various administrative and supervisory functions. This includes policy development, budget oversight, managing special events, projects, charter services, and assessing National Transit Database (NTD) statistical data and performance results. The Supervisor will also implement, monitor, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of operating and safety functions, identifying areas for improvement. The position requires overseeing the development and implementation of safety rules, policies, and procedures, communicating safety expectations, and maintaining accountability for the safety performance of the entire agency. The Supervisor will identify and address operational deficiencies, formulate and recommend operating policies and procedures, and work closely with the Director of Maintenance to support operational service needs, including electric vehicle charging and fleet availability. Additionally, the Supervisor will ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement, oversee successful charter service per Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines, and support the administration and monitoring of the Transit Asset Management (TAM) plan and the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). As a key member of the senior management team, the Supervisor will collaborate with the Director of Transit, Chief Administrative Officer, and Department Heads to establish organizational goals, objectives, strategies, and priorities, ensuring they are effectively carried out. The role also involves maintaining effective communications with the KTA Board, City Council, and other agencies, representing KAT in public meetings and hearings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to fixed route service, ADA Paratransit, planning, maintenance, safety, and training.
• Manage scheduling and service planning functions; monitor overall system operations and identify opportunities for improvements.
• Implement, monitor, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess effectiveness of operating and safety functions.
• Oversee the development and implementation of safety rules, policies, and procedures; communicate safety expectations.
• Identify and address operational deficiencies; formulate and recommend operating policies and procedures.
• Work closely with the Director of Maintenance to support operational service needs including electric vehicle charging and fleet availability.
• Ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Oversee successful charter service per FTA guidelines.
• Support the administration and monitoring of the Transit Asset Management (TAM) plan and the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Serve as a key member of the senior management team to establish organizational goals, objectives, strategies, and priorities.
• Assist in establishing strategic direction for KAT and refining short-term goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Maintain effective communications with the KTA Board, City Council, and other agencies; represent KAT in public meetings and hearings.
• Establish policies that promote company culture and vision while maintaining positive workforce relations and employee morale.
• Contribute to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Title VI, and the Drug and Alcohol policies and programs at KAT are carried out.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years of public transit experience, including planning, operations, and management.
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Thorough understanding of the rules and regulations related to public transportation.
• Proven success in organizational transformation resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor staff effectively.
• Knowledge of service design, scheduling, and demand estimation principles.
• Customer-focused, innovative, strategic thinker and team player.
• Familiarity with safety and security regulations and procedures for transit agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with both internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of budgeting and financial management.
• Knowledge of operations and maintenance practices, including bus and ADA paratransit.
• Familiarity with technology integration and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on process optimization.