Chief Operating Officer (COO)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports directly to the CEO. This position is responsible for building and running the operating systems that make that growth

repeatable, profitable, and sustainable. This role owns the day-to-day performance of all operational departments, drives EBITDA and location growth, and develops the leaders who run them.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Driving Academy is a fast-growing, multi-state CDL training organization, built on corporate and franchise locations that share one standard. What began as a single school has grown into a network with the same purpose: giving people a real path through a skill that puts them on their road to freedom. We lead with Integrity, hold ourselves Accountable, and stay Results Oriented

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of all operational departments — Human Resources, IT, Site Development, Franchising Operations, and Corporate Location Operations
• Builds repeatable, scalable operating systems that open new locations, grow revenue, protect margin, develop leaders, and support franchisees
• Sets targets for and drives Year-over-Year location growth, and reviews and executes growth strategies including new-location development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
• Establishes, monitors, and improves Key Performance Indicators across the company in categories such as sales, operations, and financial, performance
• Performs regular site visits to corporate and franchise locations to observe teams, review performance, identify bottlenecks, and advise corrective action
• Assesses location performance via standardized rubric to identify key methods of increasing success
• Coordinates with regional management staff in developing strategies and implementation to address performance deficiencies and capitalize on gains
• Conducts regular meetings with direct reports
• Travels between a local base and corporate & franchise locations
• Delivers reports to key stakeholders regarding performance of the designated region
• Other related duties as assigned

KEY COMPETENCIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to be successful in this role, but are not necessarily all inclusive.

• Written and oral communication skills.
• Leadership and coaching skills
• Knowledge of business principles; understanding of function and use of operational departments
• Problem solving, including identifying root causes and optimal solutions
• Financial, Data, and Technological Literacy
• Strong interpersonal skills to tailor training needs
• Ability to hold oneself and others accountable
• Ability to work under pressure

• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience as a Chief Operating Officer or in another senior executive (C-suite) operational role (required)
• Demonstrated success leading operations across multiple locations or units, including multi-state operations (required)
• Experience developing new locations and/or executing M&A or new-market expansion (required)
• Bachelor's Degree in business or related field; MBA or Master's Degree (Preferred)
• Executive or senior leadership experience in a Private Equity backed organization (preferred)
• Experience in Education management or related field (preferred)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Must possess or be able and willing to earn a Commercial Driver's License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to spend prolonged periods of time standing, speaking, walking, driving, writing, and/or sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift at least 15 pounds at a time
• Perform work with OSHA required PPE
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirements

BENEFITS

• Bonus tied to EBIDTA
• Stock Options/Equity
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Days
• Health Insurance Stipend
• 401K with 4% Matching
• Employee Discount
• Professional Training & Development Opportunities

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Driving Academy recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.