Deputy General Manager of Operations

The Deputy General Manager (DGM) of Operations will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for all day-to-day operating functions including fixed-route, paratransit, and ancillary services, focusing on Operations holistically. 

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy General Manager of Operations partners closely with the General Manager and CEO and the Deputy General Manager of Administration to translate Board direction, community priorities, and organizational values into integrated plans, sound financial stewardship, a strong workforce, and a customer-centered culture.

The DGM will translate policy and strategy into operational excellence, leading continuous improvement across operations, maintenance, safety, and service delivery. This position will act as second-in-command to the General Manager with authority to make decisions in the GM’s absence.

Location:  Flagstaff, AZ

Salary Range:  $158,000 - $269,500

Why Mountain Line:

Mountain Line is the transit agency in northern Arizona operating fixed route bus service on nine routes, paratransit service, vanpool, and seasonal Mountain Express service to Arizona Snowbowl.

Flagstaff is a vibrant and welcoming community nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and surrounded by one of the largest pine forests on earth. It is home to quality education, medical care and transportation, and the business and outdoor opportunities that make Flagstaff a desirable city to live in.

Established in 2001, Mountain Line has grown into a system that employs more than 100 people and transports more than 2 million riders a year.

Essential Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Through your team of Superintendents, provide decisive, visible leadership and oversee daily operations of transit service delivery, schedule adherence, maintenance, fleet, facilities, safety compliance, and service reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement in on-time performance, customer experience and satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Balance service quality, cost control, and workforce capacity.
• Translate strategic goals into reliable, frontline execution.
• Serve as a collaborative member of the Executive Team and actively lead and participate in agency-wide initiatives.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Partner with GM to shape initiatives, including service expansion, fleet optimization, and technology adoption.
• Translate agency goals into practical, logical, and measurable operational plans.
• Apply critical and strategic thinking to organizational challenges, new initiatives, and developing solutions

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, transportation, engineering, business administration or a related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in transit or transportation operations, including senior management experience. 
• Demonstrated success leading complex operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of transit operations, safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and improve performance.

  Preferred Qualifications: 

•  Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience serving as second-in-command or senior operations executive.
• Experience working directly with a public board or governing body
• Background in sustainability, zero-emission fleets, and/or major capital implementation.