Strategy & Operations Principal, City Performance

The Strategy & Operations Principal at Via is responsible for owning operational and financial targets while developing and executing creative strategies to meet them. This includes analyzing data to inform operational strategies, contributing to product development, collaborating cross-functionally with various teams, and managing large, complex projects. The principal will work alongside financial analysts, product managers, and engineers to ensure the strategic goals of Via are met.

Candidates for the Strategy & Operations Principal position at Via should possess a minimum of 5 years of work experience, preferably from a high-growth startup, established tech firm, consulting, or financial sector. A Bachelor's Degree is required, and an MBA is a plus. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and experience with analytical tools such as Excel, Tableau, SQL, or Python.

The Strategy & Operations Principal plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Via by analyzing data and developing strategic proposals that drive operational efficiency and performance. In this position, you will collaborate with various teams to ideate, pitch, and execute initiatives to maximize the effectiveness of Via’s products and services, working towards achieving long-term goals and unlocking new value.

Via fosters a low-ego, high-impact environment where team members are encouraged to collaborate and generate creative solutions to complex challenges. As a Strategy & Operations Principal, you will be part of a diverse and inclusive culture where all backgrounds and voices are welcomed and celebrated, ensuring that everyone can contribute towards Via’s mission of transforming transportation.

The salary range for the Strategy & Operations Principal role at Via typically falls between $120,000 and $160,000. However, the final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, knowledge, and skills, along with potential equity and variable pay structures.

In your response, share a specific project where you brought together different departments. Highlight how you communicated effectively, resolved conflicts, and ensured that all teams were aligned towards a common goal. Emphasize any positive outcomes and what you learned from the experience.

Discuss your method for prioritizing tasks, such as utilizing project management tools or frameworks. Explain how you assess urgency and importance, and how you communicate priorities to your team to ensure everyone remains aligned and productive.

Highlight your proficiency with tools like Excel, Tableau, SQL, or Python. Provide examples of how you’ve used these tools to analyze data, generate insights, and drive decision-making in your previous roles.

Share a specific instance where you analyzed data to make product recommendations. Describe the data sources used, the insights derived, and how those insights influenced product development or adjustments.

Discuss the importance of communication and relationship-building to gain stakeholder support. Describe strategies you employed in the past, such as presenting data-driven arguments or involving stakeholders early in the decision-making process.

Explain your mentoring style and the methods you use to foster growth in team members. Provide examples of how you’ve guided others in similar roles, ensuring they feel supported while enhancing their skills and confidence in their work.

Share a situation where you encountered unforeseen challenges during a project. Discuss how you adapted your strategy, the decision-making process involved, and the results of your adaptability, focusing on what you learned.

Discuss the importance of fostering a culture of creativity and open communication within a team. Provide examples of how you've encouraged team members to share ideas and take calculated risks to drive innovation in previous roles.

Describe the metrics and KPIs you consider essential in evaluating project success. Discuss how you track progress, make data-driven adjustments, and report results to relevant stakeholders.

Focus on how your values align with Via’s mission to transform transportation. Discuss your passion for innovative solutions in transit and how your skills and experiences will contribute to achieving Via’s goals.