Technology Solutions Project Manager

Job Summary

About The Role The Technology Solutions Specialist is a key member of SouthWest Transit's Innovation & Technology team, serving as the primary project manager and strategic partner for agency-wide technology initiatives. This role works across departments to understand business challenges, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement practical technology solutions that enhance operations and the customer experience. Success in this position requires curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to translate organizational needs into effective and sustainable solutions. This is not a standard IT role. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, building relationships, and helping organizations work smarter. We are looking for someone who appreciates technology and digital tools and sees their potential to transform how we work and serve our community. This understanding may come from hands-on experience helping implement solutions, or from being a highly engaged user or enthusiast who stays current with emerging tools. The ideal candidate excels at gathering requirements through thoughtful conversations, deeply understanding our agency by reviewing our comprehensive plan and speaking with staff, and identifying what people need to succeed in their roles. Above all, they are driven to leverage new technologies to their fullest potential, ensuring minimal components of any new system go to waste. While technology is an important part of the role, success depends equally on communication, project leadership, business analysis, and the ability to guide change across the organization.

About SouthWest Transit SouthWest Transit is a dynamic, award-winning transit agency serving the southwest Twin Cities through bus, on-demand rideshare, and shuttle services. We are building the future of public transportation by delivering safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that connect people to where they want to go. Our vision is to become the leading provider of cutting-edge transit services that enhance livability, boost economic opportunity, and strengthen community connections across the region. We are excited about what lies ahead: expanding autonomous service options, leveraging new technologies to create seamless mobility experiences, and continuously improving how we get people around efficiently and enjoyably. If you are passionate about transportation that matters and want to help shape a growing agency focused on innovation and real-world impact, we invite you to join us.

Mission: We provide a premium experience for the southwest Twin Cities through safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit that builds community and connects our customers from where they are to where they want to go.

Vision: SouthWest Transit is the leading provider of innovative transit solutions that improve livability and enhance economic opportunity in the communities we serve.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

This is a full-time, in-office position based at SouthWest Transit's Eden Prairie headquarters. Regular on-site presence is an essential requirement of this role to support cross-department collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on coordination with operational teams. Essential Duties & Responsibilities This role drives digital transformation by recommending and implementing technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience at SouthWest Transit.

• Project Management: Conduct thorough requirements gathering and develop user stories with internal and external stakeholders to clearly understand core business needs. Utilize project management tools and best practices, such as stakeholder analysis, RACI matrices, project charters, and detailed project plans, to successfully manage projects from conception through completion. Evaluate and recommend technical solutions with a rigorous focus on cost-effectiveness, total cost of ownership (TCO), and long-term organizational value. Demonstrate strong financial stewardship and disciplined expense management throughout all projects.
• Technology Implementation & Modernization: Lead technology migrations, system modernizations, and digital transformation initiatives with minimal disruption and maximum benefit. Apply strong foresight to design scalable, future-proof solutions that anticipate evolving business and technology needs. Consistently challenge assumptions by asking "why" to ensure the organization is solving the right problems and delivering optimal outcomes.
• Data Systems Architecture & Collaboration: Partner with internal departments to develop comprehensive data solutions, including data warehousing, CRM systems, farebox, and point-of-sale technologies. Provide recommendations and support for mobile app development, website enhancements, and other digital interfaces to ensure they remain modern, functional, and user-friendly. Serve as a primary point of contact for complex technical troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Present technical concepts, project updates, and recommendations clearly and effectively to leadership and cross-functional teams. Actively seek and incorporate feedback from all levels of the organization to drive alignment and successful adoption.
• Training, Governance & Support: Develop and deliver high-quality training programs to build staff competency with new and existing systems. Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for enterprise systems. Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to resolve conflicting priorities and establish unified, enterprise-wide solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business, Management Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related discipline; or Master's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in technical project management, product management, solution design, or digital transformation.
• Proven ability to conduct formal requirements gathering and evaluate technical solutions for cost-effectiveness, usability, and business impact.
• Highly inquisitive mindset with the confidence to challenge assumptions and ask "why."
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with a focus on shared outcomes and organizational flexibility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and modern project management tools.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. The position requires occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds. Daily work involves prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and handling documents. The role also requires strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting. SouthWest Transit participates in E-Verify. Upon accepting a job offer, candidates will be required to complete a Form I-9 and provide documentation to verify identity and employment eligibility.

Benefits

We offer the following benefits package to full-time employees:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Pension plan: PERA (employer contributions vest after 3 years!)
• PTO: 21 Days Off Per Year!
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Life and AD&D Insurance and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary 457 and (Roth) retirement plans
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 2 Floating Holidays
• Long-term Disability Income (60% of base rate of pay)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program