Strategy & Operations Principal

<p>Via is on a mission to create public transportation systems that provide far greater access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Our platform serves as the technology backbone for modern transit networks, transforming antiquated and siloed public transportation systems into smart, data-driven, and efficient digital networks. With hundreds of agency partners around the world, Via is recognized as the leading transportation technology and service provider globally.</p> <p><strong>As Strategy &amp; Operations Principal</strong>, you will run Via's DACH services like a business — owning P&amp;L, setting strategy, and using data to drive every decision that determines how the service performs. You'll combine financial rigor with operational instincts, working across internal teams and external partners to continuously improve how things run. It's a high-ownership role for someone who moves fluidly between analytical depth and stakeholder conversations — and who finds energy in working with a team that cares deeply about making public transit work better for the people who depend on it.</p> <p><strong>What You'll Do</strong></p> <ul> <li>Own the end-to-end operating strategy and financial performance of a portfolio of DACH services, including P&amp;L, budget forecasting, and driving profitability and efficiency.</li> <li>Identify and resolve issues in real time, coordinating with on-the-ground teams and cross-functional partners to keep operations running smoothly.</li> <li>Develop and continuously refine operating plans, staffing models, and scheduling strategies.</li> <li>Drive strategic initiatives with external partners and internal teams, leveraging insights from active services to improve processes and shape the future of our operations.</li> <li>Serve as the face of the operation — building trusted relationships with drivers, riders, community stakeholders, and local partners.</li> <li>Define KPIs, track key metrics, and translate insights into action on a weekly and monthly basis.</li> <li>Prepare and present reports that communicate performance, risks, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders.</li> <li>Partner closely with teams across Via — including Strategy, Product, Partnerships, and Operations — to improve scalability and operational excellence.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Who You Are</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Entrepreneurial operator:</strong> equally comfortable setting strategy and getting into the weeds. You take full ownership.</li> <li><strong>Financially fluent:</strong> comfortable with numbers, can hold your own in a P&amp;L conversation, and use data to drive decisions.</li> <li><strong>Stakeholder-savvy:</strong> you find the right tone in every situation — from drivers to government partners. Native-level or C2 <strong>German</strong> and English required.</li> <li><strong>Data-informed:</strong> you identify trends and turn insights into action, not just reports.</li> <li><strong>Agile and adaptable:</strong> you thrive in fast-paced environments and jump in hands-on when needed.</li> <li><strong>Experienced:</strong> 6–10 years from startups, tech, consulting, finance, or similar.</li> <li><strong>Problem solver:</strong> detail-oriented, action-focused, and able to manage multiple priorities without losing the thread.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What We Offer:</strong></p> <ul> <li>A global employer with 700+ deployments in 40+ countries, recognized for its commitment to social good</li> <li>Competitive base salary and equity</li> <li>Hybrid work and a lovely office situated in the heart of Berlin, in Mitte</li> <li>Urban Sports Club membership</li> <li>Weekly team lunch and breakfast</li> <li>30 vacation days a year</li> </ul> <p>There has never been a more exciting time to be on the cutting edge of public mobility. Ready to join the ride?</p> <p>Via is an equal opportunity employer.</p>