How to apply for Sales Director, Central US

About Via Transporation

Via Transportation is a global leader in reimagining public transit through software, partnering with cities to launch efficient, affordable, and sustainable mobility networks. Working here means directly influencing how millions of people move, with a mission-driven culture that blends tech innovation with real-world civic impact.

About the role

As Sales Director for the Central US, you'll own the entire sales cycle for complex, multi-stakeholder deals with city governments, transit authorities, and private operators across the region. This role is pivotal in expanding Via's footprint in the Central US, where you'll shape go-to-market strategy, navigate public procurement, and build trusted relationships with civic leaders to transform their transit systems.

A typical day

You might start your day with a call with a city transit director to discuss a pilot proposal, then analyze ridership data to refine a business case for a regional authority. Later, you'll collaborate with Via's policy and product teams to tailor a solution, and end with a strategy session on upcoming procurement opportunities in your territory.

Who Via Transporation is looking for

• 10+ years of enterprise or government sales experience, ideally in public transport, mobility, or tech-enabled services, with a proven record of closing high-value, multi-stakeholder deals.
• Deep understanding of public-sector procurement, political dynamics, and multi-year funding cycles, and the ability to navigate complex buying centers.
• Strong analytical and storytelling skills, capable of translating data into compelling business cases that resonate with city leaders and operators.
• A trusted advisor mindset, able to build long-term relationships and influence decision-makers while managing operational and political constraints.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific deals you've closed with government or public-sector clients, including deal size, stakeholders involved, and outcomes achieved—quantify wherever possible.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Via's products and mission by referencing recent city partnerships or transit challenges in the Central US (e.g., Dallas, Houston, Chicago) in your application.
• Show you understand the Central US market by mentioning relevant political, funding, or regulatory nuances that affect transit sales in states like Texas, Illinois, or Colorado.
• Emphasize your ability to create data-driven business cases—provide an example where your analysis directly influenced a city's decision to adopt a new mobility solution.
• Connect your personal network or experience in the region to prove you can hit the ground running and build credibility with local stakeholders.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your track record of winning complex, multi-stakeholder deals in government or infrastructure, with a focus on trust-based selling.', "Your familiarity with public-sector procurement processes and how you've navigated political and funding cycles to close deals.", "Your ability to craft compelling, data-backed narratives that align with Via's mission of improving ridership, efficiency, and sustainability.", "Your specific connection to or understanding of the Central US market and why you're excited to own go-to-market strategy there."]

Research before applying

• Study Via's existing partnerships in the Central US (e.g., in Texas, Illinois, or Colorado) and understand the specific outcomes they've achieved for those cities.
• Research the current transit landscape and funding mechanisms in key Central US markets, including recent ballot measures or federal grants that could impact sales opportunities.
• Understand Via's product suite and how it differs from competitors like Uber, Lyft, or traditional transit software providers, especially in terms of public-sector value proposition.
• Identify key decision-makers and influencers in target cities or transit authorities, and learn about their strategic priorities and pain points.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a complex government deal you closed: how did you identify stakeholders, build consensus, and overcome procurement hurdles?
• How would you approach building a business case for a mid-sized city in the Central US that is skeptical about new mobility technology?
• Describe your experience with multi-year funding cycles and how you've timed sales efforts to align with budget approvals.
• How do you stay informed about political changes and transit policies in the Central US, and how would you adapt your strategy accordingly?
• Give an example of a time you had to influence a city leader or operator who was initially resistant—what was your approach and result?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on sales numbers without demonstrating an understanding of public-sector decision-making and political sensitivities.
• Using generic sales language that doesn't address the unique challenges of government procurement and multi-stakeholder deal cycles.
• Neglecting to show how you've built trust and acted as a trusted advisor, rather than just a vendor, in past roles.