How to apply for Expansion Principal

About Via Transporation

Via Transportation is at the forefront of transforming global transport systems using cutting-edge software. Their mission to make transportation efficient, affordable, and sustainable is compelling for those passionate about urban mobility and technology. Working here means contributing to innovative solutions that impact millions of riders worldwide.

About the role

As an Expansion Principal, you will lead the launch of new Via deployments from scratch, taking full ownership to ensure high-quality execution on time. You'll oversee junior team members, manage partner relationships, and use data to drive strategic decisions, directly shaping Via's growth into new markets.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a check-in call with a new partner city to align on launch timelines, followed by a team stand-up to assign tasks to junior members. Afternoon could involve analyzing ridership data to optimize service design, then preparing a strategic presentation for senior leadership on next market expansion.

Who Via Transporation is looking for

• A proven project manager with 5+ years of experience owning complex, multi-stakeholder launches from start to finish.
• An independent problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail.
• An exceptional communicator who can serve as the main point of contact for partners and align internal teams around product expectations.
• Someone with entrepreneurial drive or leadership experience, evidenced by launching new initiatives or scaling operations in a fast-paced environment.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of launching new services or expansions, quantifying timelines and outcomes.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your academic excellence (e.g., GPA, honors) to your ability to handle complex, high-stakes projects.
• Demonstrate your data-driven mindset by mentioning how you used analytics to inform decisions or optimize operations in past roles.
• Prepare a short case study or example of a successful launch you led, including challenges faced and how you overcame them.
• Research Via's current deployments and mention one or two in your application to show genuine interest and knowledge.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Emphasize your track record of launching new initiatives or entering new markets, with specific metrics on time and quality.', 'Highlight your experience managing junior team members and your ability to mentor while also handling strategic planning.', "Showcase your communication skills by describing how you've managed partner relationships and aligned diverse stakeholders.", "Express passion for Via's mission and tie your personal values to sustainable transportation and innovation."]

Research before applying

• Read Via's blog and press releases to understand their latest deployments and technology partnerships.
• Study the competitive landscape of on-demand transit and microtransit to see how Via differentiates itself.
• Look into Via's financials or funding rounds to gauge the company's growth trajectory and stability.
• Review case studies of successful Via launches (e.g., in Arlington, TX or Berlin) to understand typical challenges.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a time you launched a new service or product from scratch. What were the key milestones and how did you ensure on-time delivery?
• How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects simultaneously? Give a specific example.
• Describe a situation where you had to use data to persuade a partner or stakeholder. What was the outcome?
• How do you handle team members who are underperforming? Provide an example of coaching or oversight you've done.
• What do you know about Via's current expansion strategy? How would you approach launching in a new city?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't be vague about your role in past launches; specify whether you led or contributed, and quantify results.
• Avoid focusing only on technical skills; this role requires strong people management and partner relations.
• Don't neglect to mention your academic achievements if they are exceptional, as the job explicitly values that.