Deputy Chief Transportation Officer - Operations

Description

ABOUT THE AGENCY

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for directing and overseeing daily transportation operations withing an assigned territory, ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient movement of service including managing daily train dispatchments, incident investigations, delay reporting and management, and monitoring On-Time Performance metrics to ensure a high-quality customer experience and support operational excellence.

This position is also responsible for directing and managing Metro-North's Fleet Management Office including the Yardmaster craft, ensuring that passenger equipment is utilized in the most efficient manner possible to provide the highest level of customer service, and meet all government and company requirements through close cooperation with the Maintenance of Equipment Department.

The primary objective of this position is to provide safe, timely, and dependable rail service throughout Metro-North Railroad's operating region. In partnership with the other Deputy Chief of Field Operations, the incumbent contributes to the planning and evaluation of track outages, capital projects, service improvements, and other initiatives that may impact operations. This position also serves as a key member of Transportation leadership team and assumes the responsibilities of the Chief Transportation Officer during their absence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational leadership and service delivery:

• Direct daily operations staff of assigned territory to ensure daily operations of the railroad are focused on the Operating Department targets consistent with established Corporate Objectives and guidelines and overall Customer Service goals of Metro-North Railroad (MNR).
• Coordinate with the Chief Transportation Officer, other Deputy Chief of Operations, and the Deputy CTO - OCC ensuring compliance in execution of the Time Tables, Maintenance and Capital Programs as well as all other established On-Time Performance Objectives.
• Plan and achieve established safety plans and targets, oversee incident investigations and participate in District Safety meetings and activities.

Service Coordination:

• Represent Transportation Department on steering committees, task forces, interdepartmental work groups relative to Track outages, Service Delivery, coordination among operating departments, and ad hoc committees for incident investigation including executing recommendations for improvements.
• Collaborate with all MNR Departments as needed to provide Operating Division input for major new service improvements such as Penn Station Access.
• Provide strategic oversight for new equipment acquisitions and the development of equipment storage and servicing facilities. Direct the planning and implementation of new equipment programs to ensure safe, efficient integration into service and alignment with Metro-North’s operational and capital objectives..
• Manage special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Senior Vice President and Chief Transportation Officer, ensuring effective execution, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with organizational priorities

Fleet and Yardmaster leadership :

• Oversee the daily operation of the Fleet Management Office and the Yardmasters craft. Partner with field Transportation management, Operations Control Center (OCC) management, and senior Mechanical Department officers to ensure that car requirements for service are met and car maintenance and servicing targets are achieved in the most cost-effective manner possible.
• Direct and oversee the daily operations of the various Yards throughout the service territory ensuring proper makeup and prompt dispatch of trains for service delivery to ensure consist compliance requirements as well as maintenance requirements. Oversee the daily assignment of Yardmasters to ensure 24/7 coverage of all yards, managing training, qualification, and daily coverage requirements

Service Disruption Management:

• Implement all directives issued by the Chief Transportation Officer to coordinate activities during major service disruptions for fastest possible restoration of service and to determine root cause analysis. Ensure lessons learned from disruptions are translated into operational improvements.

Talent Development and Workforce Management:

• Plan and direct succession planning for areas of responsibility, mentoring staff for future positions of higher authority and responsibility within the organization.
• Manage performance expectations and administer disciplinary matters within areas of responsibility.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.

• Serve as an active member of Metro-North’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), translating the company’s strategic priorities into action while reinforcing a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and leadership expectations across teams.
• Partner across departments to advance enterprise-wide priorities, identify risks and operational barriers, and provide leadership with feedback, insights, and recommendations to support informed proposed solutions.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable
   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Knowledge of Operating Rules, Territory, Physical Characteristics, Federal Rules regarding the operation of trains and equipment.
• Knowledge of Line and Terminal Operations, Equipment programs, Mechanical, Engineering and Station functions.
• Knowledge of Line and District inter-departmental functions and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of safety practices, rules and regulations related to train operations.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to organize and direct the activities of others.
• Must possess quantitative and analytical skills to effectively determine and resolve service delivery problems.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to foster teamwork, develop and motivate employees at all levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or comparable application.
• Basic knowledge of signal, power and track structures and their influence on operations and train movement
• Valid Driver’s License.

The following is/are preferred:

• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements covering Train & Engine employees as well as yardmasters and Rail Traffic Controller’s (RTC).
• Crew scheduling familiarity.
• Metro-North Railroad (MNR) train scheduling, equipment maintenance cycles, fleet management.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS ) in Transportation Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or directly related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience and/or education to include an additional four (4) years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
2. Minimum 12 years of experience in a progressively more complex transportation management position with experience with train movement, crew management and safety both from a preventive and incident management standpoint.
3. Minimum 10 years of experience leading and managing a diverse workforce across multiple organizational levels, including frontline unionized employees, managers, and professional staff.

The following is/are preferred :   None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required :

• Valid Driver’s License

OTHER INFORMATION

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
• Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
• Employees driving company vehicles   will be subject to License Monitoring and   must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.