Chief Operating Officer

Req: 8720Chief Operating OfficerPosition Contingency Notice: This position is associated with Bay State Rail’s proposal to operate the MBTA Commuter Rail network. Employment opportunities for this role are contingent upon Bay State Rail being awarded the contract and successful contract mobilization.About Bay State RailBay State Rail is a joint venture between Transdev North America and Transport UK and is one of three teams pursuing the opportunity to operate the MBTA Regional Rail network. Our team brings the expertise and vision needed to transform Boston regional rail into a service built for the common good. We are committed to delivering a modern, dependable rail system that strengthens communities, eases congestion and drives a more sustainable future.Position SummaryThe Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads commuter rail operations throughout the Greater Boston area and is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of service across a complex passenger rail network. This executive leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight of all railroad functions, including transportation, operations, infrastructure and fleet maintenance, customer service, station operations, and other frontline workforce groups.The COO is accountable for leading a large, diverse operational workforce and has overall responsibility for the full scope of commuter rail services. Reporting through the COO are senior functional leaders, including the Chief Customer Officer, Chief of Infrastructure Maintenance, Head of Fleet Maintenance, and other key operational executives. The COO ensures seamless coordination across all departments to achieve performance, safety, regulatory compliance, customer experience, and service reliability objectives.The ideal candidate brings extensive commuter rail operating experience, deep knowledge of FRA and industry regulations, and a proven track record of leading large-scale passenger transportation organizations in complex, high-demand environments.We’re proud to offer:Competitive compensation package of minimum $200,000 – maximum $280,000In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for an annual Short-Term Incentive (STI) opportunityJob ProfileProvide 24/7 executive oversight of rail operations and be available to respond to operational issues as neededDirect daily operations of all revenue and non-revenue train service, including crews, terminals, yards, and stationsLead transportation service planning and execution, rider and employee safety, security, and regulatory compliance to support safe and reliable service deliveryManage coordination and daily interaction with third-party railroads, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders, including Positive Train Control partnersDrive operational performance, on-time performance, and continuous improvement initiativesCollaborate cross-functionally with maintenance, engineering, customer experience, planning and supplemental work, and executive leadership teamsLiaise with other modes of transportation within the Massachusetts Bay Area and with Transdev and Transport UK senior leaders on best practice sharing, lessons learned, and proactive knowledge transfer.QualificationsRequired15+ years of progressive experience in rail operationsMinimum 5 years of recent experience (within the last 10 years) as a senior operating officer in passenger railroad serviceDirect experience overseeing passenger train operations in compliance with FRA regulationsExperience working with commuter rail systems of similar size and complexity to the Boston-area rail networkExperience in a unionized rail operating environmentDemonstrated experience with managing train crews and labor unions, rail safety, operating rules, service planning, and incident managementStrong leadership, communication, and team management skillsPreferredBachelor’s degree in Transportation, Engineering, Business, or related fieldAdvanced degree preferredKnowledge of American Public Transportation Association standards and recommended practices for passenger rail equipmentPositive Train Control systems experienceThe ideal candidate is a high-performing strategic leader who drives results and inspires others through integrity, accountability, and strong communication. Combines business acumen and continuous improvement to achieve sustainable business outcomes and enhance customer experience. Builds trust through self-awareness and ethical leadership while empowering others to reach their full potential. Cultivates strong stakeholder relationships, high-performing teams, and creates organizational agility to successfully navigate change and deliver long-term success.Job Category: ManagementJob Type: Full TimeWork Type: No RemoteReq ID: 8720Pay Group: VDDCost Center: NONEThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions upon request.Transdev is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.Drug-free workplaceIf based in the United States, applicants must be eligible to work in U.S. without restrictions for any employer at any time; be able to pass a drug screen and background check.California applicants: Please Click Here for CA Employee Privacy Policy.About TransdevCities, counties, airports, companies, and universities across the U.S. contract with Transdev to operate their transportation systems, maintain their vehicle and fleets, and deliver on mobility solutions. Transdev U.S. employs a team of 32,000 across 400 locations while maintaining more than 17,000 vehicles.Part of a global company, Transdev is a leader in mobility with operations in 19 countries, proudly operated by 110,000 team members from around the world. As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev – the mobility company – empowers the freedom to move every day thank to safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that serve the common good. Find out more at or watch an overview video.