Chief Transportation Officer

Overview Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency links communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service. This position reports directly to the Assistant Deputy Executive Director‑Operations. The Chief Transportation Officer will provide strategic leadership and direction to the transportation division, setting operational policies, safety standards, and performance metrics, overseeing all train movements, crews, and scheduling, ensuring fiscal accountability, and ensuring compliance with Federal Railroad Administration regulations and safety rules. Salary Range $185,620.00 - $278,432.00. Final salary will depend on qualifications; those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Responsibilities Exercise executive leadership and accountability for the daily movement, safety, and operational efficiency of the agency's commuter rail system. Direct the development, implementation, and communication of department procedures; ensure all initiatives align with and support the agency's long‑term strategic goals. Oversee budget development and administration, optimize resource allocation across personnel, operations, uniforms, and supplies, and maintain strict accountability for financial controls, forecasting, and fiscal compliance. Drive the development and use of data‑driven key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational health and the strategic allocation of resources to optimize performance and achieve goals. Oversee day‑to‑day operations and on‑time performance across all districts, including dispatch and crew management. Direct positive train control (PTC) initiatives to guarantee seamless system interoperability, regulatory compliance, crew readiness, and effective incident mitigation. Champion collaborative labor‑management relations to accelerate problem resolutions and support constructive labor relations through regular engagement with union officials. Control operating budget, approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and disciplinary procedures, including recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in transportation, business administration, engineering, public administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience equal to four (4) years of relevant experience in transportation. Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in transportation, with at least 10 years focusing on railroad operations or industry and senior‑management level experience in a large public or private rail organization of similar size and complexity. Seven (7) years of progressive supervisory experience including day‑to‑day management, task assignment, guidance and training, performance monitoring, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination. Comprehensive knowledge of transportation system operation and management. Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of planning, organizing, and implementing operational activities of a comprehensive regional transit system. Considerable knowledge of financial management, creating, forecasting, and managing large operating budgets. Considerable knowledge of regulatory frameworks for local, state, and federal law such as FRA safety standards and transportation regulations. Knowledge of labor agreements and labor relations. Knowledge of railroad operating rules and the characteristics of the rail territory. Familiar with operational systems such as positive train control (PTC), computer‑aided dispatching, and crew management systems. Strong leadership and conflict‑management skills to manage large, diverse workforces, including unionized employees. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel). Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with internal stakeholders, unions, regulatory bodies, and the public. Strong strategic, analytical, planning, and organizational skills to analyze operational data to improve performance metrics. Skill in persuasive communication to elicit information, negotiate problem resolution, and garner support for programs or policies. Skill in exercising a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion, and decision making to integrate divisional priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve objectives. Ability to manage changing priorities, make quick, high‑stakes decisions during emergencies in a high‑stress 24‑hour, 7‑day work environment. Ability to manage a major commuter railroad transportation department. Ability to build effective teams and foster an environment of collaboration. Ability to represent the department on the local and federal levels. Must possess and maintain valid driver's license and operate a vehicle. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6‑county region. Must be available to work flexible hours in early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends. Must be available on‑call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays. Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position. EEO Statement Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Metra Commuter Rail