Strategy & Operations Principal

About Via

Via is dedicated to revolutionizing public transportation systems, enhancing access to employment, healthcare, and education. The company's technology platform modernizes traditional, fragmented transit networks into intelligent, data-centric digital systems. With hundreds of agency collaborations worldwide, Via stands as a leader in transportation technology and services.

Role Overview

As the Strategy & Operations Principal for Via's DACH region services, you will own the business operations including profit and loss management, shaping strategies, and utilizing data-driven approaches to optimize service performance. This role requires balancing deep analytical capabilities with active stakeholder engagement to drive continual improvements in public transit effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full operating strategy and financial results of DACH service portfolios, including budgeting, forecasting, and enhancing profitability and operational efficiency.
• Address operational challenges proactively, collaborating with field teams and cross-functional partners to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Create and update operational plans, workforce models, and scheduling approaches to meet service demands.
• Lead strategic projects with both external and internal stakeholders, using insights from ongoing operations to refine processes and guide operational futures.
• Act as the primary representative of operations, cultivating trust with drivers, customers, community groups, and local collaborators.
• Establish and monitor KPIs, analyze metrics, and implement resulting actions on a weekly and monthly cadence.
• Compile and deliver comprehensive performance reports outlining risks and growth opportunities to internal and external parties.
• Collaborate extensively with various Via teams—including Strategy, Product, Partnerships, and Operations—to enhance scalability and operational quality.

Candidate Profile

• An entrepreneurial mindset with strong ownership, comfortable both strategizing and engaging with operational details.
• Financially adept, skilled in P&L management, and able to leverage data to inform decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse groups; fluent in German (native or C2 level) and English.
• Data-savvy, capable of spotting trends and translating insights into pragmatic actions rather than just reporting.
• Highly adaptable and agile, thriving in dynamic environments and ready to engage hands-on when necessary.
• 6 to 10 years of experience in startups, technology firms, consulting, finance, or related sectors.
• Detail-oriented problem solver with strong multitasking abilities and a focus on results.

Benefits

• Work for a global organization with over 700 deployments in 40+ countries committed to social impact.
• A competitive base salary supplemented by equity options.
• Hybrid working arrangements and a vibrant office located in Berlin's Mitte district.
• Access to Urban Sports Club membership for wellness activities.
• Regular team meals such as weekly lunch and breakfast.
• Enjoy 30 days of annual vacation.