Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Role Summary

The Chief Operating Officer will report to the CEO and will be responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving the operating structure that makes growth consistent, scalable, profitable, and long-lasting. This leader will oversee the everyday performance of all operational teams, help drive EBITDA and expansion across locations, and build the next layer of leadership across the business.

About the Company

Driving Academy is a rapidly expanding CDL training organization operating across multiple states through both corporate-owned and franchise locations that follow a shared standard. The company started as one school and has grown into a network focused on providing a practical path to freedom through a valuable skill. The organization is guided by Integrity, Accountability, and a Results-Oriented mindset.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the daily functioning of operational functions including Human Resources, IT, Site Development, Franchising Operations, and Corporate Location Operations.
• Create systems and processes that can be repeated and scaled to launch new locations, increase revenue, safeguard margins, develop leaders, and support franchise partners.
• Set growth goals and oversee year-over-year location expansion, including strategy and execution for new site launches and mergers and acquisitions.
• Define, track, and improve company-wide KPIs across sales, operations, and financial performance.
• Visit corporate and franchise sites regularly to evaluate teams, review results, spot bottlenecks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Review location performance using a standardized scorecard to identify improvement opportunities.
• Work with regional leaders to create and implement action plans that address weak performance and build on strong results.
• Hold recurring meetings with direct reports and ensure follow-through on action items.
• Travel between a home base and corporate and franchise locations as needed.
• Prepare and present performance reports to key stakeholders for the assigned region.
• Take on additional related responsibilities as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Leadership and coaching capability.
• Solid understanding of business fundamentals and how operational departments function.
• Root-cause analysis and solution-oriented problem solving.
• Financial, data, and technology literacy.
• Ability to adapt training and communication to different people and situations.
• Strong accountability for self and others.
• Comfort working effectively under pressure.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and troubleshooting skills.

Experience and Education

• Previous experience as a Chief Operating Officer or another senior executive operational leader is required.
• Proven success managing operations across multiple locations or units, including multi-state environments, is required.
• Experience opening new locations and/or leading mergers, acquisitions, or new-market expansion is required.
• A bachelor's degree in business or a related field is preferred; an MBA or master's degree is also preferred.
• Senior leadership experience within a private equity-backed organization is preferred.
• Background in education management or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite is required.
• Must already have, or be willing and able to obtain, a Commercial Driver's License.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend extended periods standing, speaking, walking, driving, writing, and sitting at a desk while using a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Work may require OSHA-mandated personal protective equipment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be available for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

Benefits

• Paid vacation days.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid sick days.
• Health insurance stipend.
• 401(k) with 4% employer match.
• Employee discount.
• Professional training and development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

The company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Hiring is based on qualifications and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization actively supports inclusion in internal operations and in all interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.