Fast Facts

The Principal Consultant at First Student will drive growth by developing new business opportunities and maintaining customer relationships in the transportation consulting sector. This role requires oversight of proposal development, project management, and strategic initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Win projects and maintain customer relationships; oversee all aspects of the consulting commercial process; manage proposal development and contract negotiations; gather market intelligence and promote the company at industry events.

Skills: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; experience in passenger transportation; project management knowledge; proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive process improvements.

Qualifications: Preferred experience in special education; ability to travel up to 50%; understanding of safety-sensitive job requirements in the transportation industry.

Location: Cincinnati, OH - Headquarters, with travel up to 50% required.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $105,000 - $150,000.

First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. Increases market share by introducing transportation consulting through operational assessments and introducing solutions including routing, maintenance, electrification, safety, and technology. Major Responsibilities Primary responsibility is to win projects and maintain customer relationships Prospects and develops new business. Oversees all aspects of First Consulting commercial process execution Works with Consultants to provide recommendation to customer Work in conjunction with Consultants on project planning and fulfillment to include work planning and prioritization; consulting engagement project scheduling, staffing, execution, and documentation; coordination with customer Oversee proposal development, production, and distribution; tracking deal movement through the pipeline; contract flow down and loss reviews. Source, review/research, and qualify new FTS leads/bid opportunities through various sources in an expeditious manner and ensure all leads and bid opportunities are entered in Salesforce accurately. Conduct contract negotiations and ensures all contracts are signed/filed as appropriate. Ensure loss reviews are performed and documented for all lost opportunities; share applicable information with all appropriate teams. Partner with broader FS commercial team to identify sales support requirements and assist in the development of marketing collateral and other sales tools. Builds relationships with key decision-makers and influencers. Navigates complex sales channels while continually moving the sales process forward during sometimes lengthy sales processes. Prepares and leads presentations, proposals and bid process to strategically win new business. Gathers market, prospect and customer intelligence; stays abreast of changes in the transportation market which could open business opportunities for FGA. Initiates strategies utilizing our core strengths in untapped markets. Be visible in the transportation industry by attending, networking and fully participating in trade shows, exhibits and other opportunities to promote FGA as the transportation solution. Minimum Experience & Skills Required Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience required. Passenger transportation experience; special education experience a plus.• Ability to manage and lead cross-functional initiatives. Ability to drive process and performance improvements.• Understanding of project management concepts and techniques. Working knowledge of Microsoft Software Applications. Must be willing to travel up to 50%. In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf. MISSION Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential. FOCUS ON SAFETY Safety is at the heart of everything we do CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure SURPASS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities FOSTER TEAMWORK Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence