Assistant Operations Manager - San Diego

About the role

Assistant Operations Manager

Position Overview

The Assistant Operations Manager (AOM) plays a vital leadership role in directing daily transportation operations to ensure the safe, punctual, and high-quality transport of all program participants. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the AOM oversees driver performance, monitors fleet dispatch, and supports regulatory compliance while fostering a compassionate service environment. This position requires hands-on leadership, strong logistics capabilities, and a minimum of one year of experience working with elderly individuals.

Work Location: Field Operations – San Diego (Occasional overnight travel required)

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Support the Operations Manager in conducting annual and periodic driver performance evaluations.
• Provide continuous coaching, oversee driver field protocols, and assist in managing personnel issues or corrective action documentation.
• Promote high standards of safety, professional conduct, and patient-centered service across the driver team.

• Dispatch & Logistics Coordination

• Collaborate with the Transportation Coordinator to review daily route schedules for maximum efficiency and coverage.
• Monitor real-time transit status, route adjustments, and schedule adherence to ensure timely arrivals and departures.

• Participant & Stakeholder Engagement

Additional information

Represent the transportation department in required PACE interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings, staff briefings, and quality improvement committees.

Build strong, professional relationships with participants, families, healthcare providers, and senior center administrators.

Promptly investigate and resolve participant grievances, conducting service recovery calls as appropriate to maintain high service satisfaction.

• Fleet Operations & Compliance Management

• Assist in maintaining an operational fleet of lift-equipped vans, ADA-accessible minibuses, and ambulatory vehicles.
• Ensure precise management of transportation logs, fuel card tracking, preventative maintenance schedules, and mileage records.
• Uphold strict organizational policies, safety standards, and state/federal regulatory guidelines.
• Assist in organizing quarterly driver safety training sessions and facilitate necessary retraining programs.
• Oversee accurate, timely data entry within the FileMaker management system.

• Operational Support & Emergency Response

Serve as a back-up driver during peak service demand, emergency coverage needs, or staffing shortages.

Support process-improvement initiatives and contribute to strategic operational goals assigned by leadership.

Age Requirement

Standard company compliance and operational safety policies require candidates to be at least 21 years of age upon hire

Education & Training

• High school diploma required, college degree preferred.
• Valid state driver's license or commercial driver's license.
• Knowledge and Experience: Able to speak conversational English & Spanish (preferred).
• One year of experience working with the elderly (required).
• Experience in senior care or a related human services industry.
• Extensive knowledge of city streets, neighborhoods, and traffic patterns.
• Experience in vehicle scheduling and dispatching is a plus.
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Core Competencies
• Must be a self-starter.
• Must be able to work unsupervised.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks and see them to completion in a timely manner.
• Must possess good communication skills.
• Must be computer literate and proficient with Word, Excel and database management software.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and any shift as necessary.
• Work hours: to be discussed, driver shifts vary (occasional need for after-hour calls).
• Might be required to drive vehicles as needed.
• Must be able to travel out of town with overnight when necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Activity
• Frequency
• Operational Context
• Sitting / Data Operations
• Constant

• Monitoring dispatch software, conducting route analysis, and completing administrative documentation.
• Communication

Constant

• Active verbal and written coordination with drivers, patients, healthcare facilities, and executive staff.
• Walking / Standing

Frequent

• Conducting field audits, inspecting vehicle bays, and managing on-site transportation operations (up to 4 hours).
• Bending / Stooping

Occasional

• Performing vehicle safety inspections and verifying passenger wheelchair securement equipment.
• Lifting / Maneuvering

Occasional

• Ability to push up to 50 lbs and assist/lift up to 150 lbs to support participant mobility needs.
• Field Travel

Periodic

Traveling between operational facilities, senior centers, and partner medical sites.