wholeDirector of Operations | CDL Bus Trainer
Appellation Tours Inc. / Beau Wine Tours
Position Overview
The Director of Operations directs daily and strategic operations for chauffeur, CDL, and safety training programs at Appellation Tours, Inc. This role manages the entire chauffeur lifecycle, encompassing recruitment, onboarding, training, safety compliance, and ongoing development. The Director upholds service excellence and regulatory compliance across all transportation operations. They lead a large, diverse chauffeur team, oversee CDL training, and collaborate with Dispatch, Fleet, and Executive Leadership to drive efficiency, safety, and premium guest experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership, Workforce Management & Department Oversight
- Lead and direct the entire chauffeur workforce across all Beau Wine Tours and Trolley brands.
- Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard chauffeur and CDL driver candidates.
- Supervise chauffeurs, trainers, and support staff; provide coaching, conduct evaluations, and administer progressive discipline as needed.
- Hold chauffeur meetings and conduct ongoing training sessions.
- Collaborate with Dispatch to assign new drivers and ensure adequate staffing for peak periods.
- Maintain an organized and professional training facility, including the training room and audiovisual equipment.
Safety & Compliance Management
- Ensure strict compliance with DOT/FMCSA, CHP/PUC, SPAB, airport, and company standards.
- Maintain DOT Driver Qualification Files for all CDL personnel.
- Oversee DOT and CPUC permits, including renewals.
- Monitor all CDL drivers for strict adherence to Hours of Service regulations.
- Direct Motive in-vehicle camera program coaching, follow-up, and enforcement.
- Lead collision investigations, oversee safety reporting, coordinate insurance, and implement corrective actions.
- Enforce progressive discipline for safety, performance, and policy breaches.
Operational Planning, Scheduling & Coordination
- Anticipate and plan staffing needs, adjusting recruitment and training cycles to match operational demands.
- Collaborate daily with Dispatch to optimize schedules and service coverage.
- Coordinate with Sales and Executive Teams for VIP events, large groups, busy dates, and special operations.
Guest Experience & Service Standards
- Ensure chauffeurs deliver exceptional guest service consistent with Beau Wine Tours' luxury standards.
- Follow up on escalated service issues, guest complaints, and service recovery situations to ensure timely resolution.
- Partner with the Concierge, Sales Team, and winery partners to support seamless tour execution.
Administrative, Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain compliance files, safety logs, training documentation, and driver certifications.
- Manage annual Insurance renewals.
- Manage Airport renewals for entire fleet (SFO/OAK/SMF/STS).
- Provide operational performance reports to Executive Management, including safety metrics, staffing levels, and training activity.
- Participate in senior management meetings.
- Assist with budgeting and cost control related to training, safety, and chauffeur staffing.
- Partner with Fleet Management on vehicle assignments, readiness, safety inspections, and out-of-service reporting.
- Ensure timely reporting of vehicle damage, mechanical issues, and maintenance requirements to prevent delays and ensure optimal vehicle performance.
CDL Training, Chauffeur Training & Professional Development
- Create and conduct a whole DOT-required CDL bus training school (classroom and behind-the-wheel) for new CDL driver candidates.
- Conduct a comprehensive 2-week Chauffeur Training Program for all new hires, integrating DOT-required CDL, SPAB, safety, and airport procedural training where applicable.
- Deliver SPAB training (if qualified) and maintain SPAB program readiness.
- Deliver ongoing driver safety and professional development training, including classroom, practical, and behind-the-wheel formats.
- Provide on-site Airport Procedural Training at SFO, OAK, SMF, STS, and Napa Jet Center.
- Develop, maintain, and update all driver/chauffeur policy, safety, and training manuals.
- Maintain ELDT theory curriculum and behind-the-wheel training standards.
- Attend external industry training as required, including Certified Hospitality Training and Smith System Driver Safety School for trainers.
- Occasionally travel to industry conferences and trade shows with senior leadership.
Qualifications
- Minimum 7+ years of CDL passenger transportation experience.
- Experience driving motor coaches and luxury passenger vehicles.
- Class A or B license with Passenger Endorsement & Air Brakes required.
- Strong knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, and state regulatory compliance.
- Experience in CDL training, safety training, or driver management.
- Chauffeur/livery industry experience strongly preferred.
- SPAB certification is a plus.
- Proven leadership and supervisory experience.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and documentation skills.
- Excellent communication and training presentation abilities.
- Knowledge of Napa/Sonoma and the greater SF Bay Area preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person