Director of Operations – NEMT

Location: San Diego, CAJob Type: Full-TimeIndustry: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for our Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) operations in the San Diego area.

The Director of Operations will be responsible for overseeing the overall performance of the operation, including operations management, dispatch, scheduling, drivers, fleet, compliance, safety, staffing, and service quality.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in NEMT or medical transportation, proven experience managing managers and large operational teams, and a track record of improving operational performance.

This is a senior leadership position requiring someone who can set operational strategy, develop management teams, solve complex operational issues, and maintain accountability across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for NEMT operations.
• Manage and develop Operations Managers, Supervisors, Dispatch leadership, and other operational staff.
• Oversee daily NEMT transportation, including scheduling, dispatch, routing, trip completion, and service reliability.
• Establish and monitor operational goals, KPIs, and performance standards.
• Oversee driver performance, staffing, training, credentialing, and employee compliance.
• Manage fleet operations, vehicle availability, maintenance, inspections, and safety.
• Ensure compliance with applicable NEMT, transportation, healthcare, and company requirements.
• Identify operational challenges and implement effective corrective actions.
• Improve efficiency, productivity, service quality, and overall operational performance.
• Manage operational costs and assist with budgeting and resource planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare facilities, transportation brokers, clients, and business partners.
• Lead continuous improvement and process development initiatives.
• Provide regular operational performance reports and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support business growth and ensure the operation can scale effectively.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in NEMT, medical transportation, or closely related transportation operations.
• 5+ years of progressive management or senior leadership experience.
• Previous experience as a Director, Regional Operations Manager, Senior Operations Manager, General Manager, or equivalent senior-level position.
• Strong understanding of NEMT operations, including dispatch, scheduling, routing, drivers, fleet, and service delivery.
• Proven experience managing managers and multi-level operational teams.
• Experience managing NEMT performance metrics and operational KPIs.
• Strong knowledge of transportation safety, compliance, driver credentialing, and fleet requirements.
• Experience solving complex operational issues and implementing process improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication, decision-making, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Director-level experience specifically within NEMT.
• Experience managing a large NEMT operation, multiple locations, or a large fleet.
• Experience working with healthcare organizations, transportation brokers, managed care organizations, or medical facilities.
• Experience with NEMT audits, compliance programs, credentialing, and quality assurance.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Transportation, Logistics, or a related field is preferred.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a strategic, hands-on NEMT leader who can lead managers, oversee the entire operation, improve performance, and maintain high standards for safety, compliance, and customer service.

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate progressive leadership experience and measurable responsibility for NEMT operational performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer & Compensation

America West is an Affirmative Action/EEO employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants for the Transportation Manager position will be considered without discrimination.

America West is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. In accordance with applicable federal, California, and local laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, age (40 and over), military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a non-emergency medical transportation provider, certain positions may be subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing, physical qualifications, and driving record requirements, where permitted by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances.