Chief Transportation Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Transportation Officer (CTO) provides overall leadership, direction and guidance for approximately 1700 employees within the Budget & Administration, Crew Management, Conductor Compliance, General Road Foreman’s Office, Fleet Management, Operations Control Center, Field Operations and Capital Projects departments with the goal of providing safe, reliable and convenient rail operations for the daily riders of Metro-North Railroad.  This position is responsible for providing safe and reliable train operations on Metro-North, including the safe operations of tenant railroads, such as Amtrak, CSX, and P&W.  The CTO leads the coordination and administrative functions required to support the train operation and related transportation functions such as consist compliance, service disruption restorations, and contingency planning with the goal of providing operational safety while delivering efficient rail service within the operating region of Metro-North.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and lead the management of train operations to ensure safe and reliable rail service; uphold safe operating practices; meet Operating Division targets; minimize train delays; enhance productivity of yard and work train crews; optimize maintenance windows with minimal impact to train operations in support of ongoing infrastructure maintenance. 
• Collaborate with the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer to coordinate all activity during major service disruptions, prioritizing passenger safety and timely restoration of normal service.
• Ensures the Transportation Division operates within the established budget by designing and instituting the necessary internal processes, protocols, and controls. Manage the short and long-term staffing strategies of the department, including hiring practices and training, in consideration of overall operating and financial objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Crew Management Office, ensuring alignment within its annual operating budget. Monitor the daily deployment of approximately 1,400 train and engine personnel maintaining consistency with operational service requirements, budget constraints, collective bargaining agreements and departmental goals. Ensure compliance with all Federal Standards regarding fatigue mitigation and Hours-of-Service. Oversee collaboration with Planning Department’s crew schedule process to meet Transportation’s business needs.  Control operating expenses in conformity with budget.
• Oversee the overall operations within the assigned territory, focusing on train dispatch, incident investigation, delay management, and On-Time Performance indicators to ensure a satisfactory customer experience. Oversee the safe, and timely rail service within the operating region of Metro-North Railroad.  Provide input on operational impacts of future service improvements and major initiatives; and cover all of duties of the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in their absence. 
• Direct the management, and coordination of all Transportation Department field personnel in support of assigned projects throughout Metro-North territory in a safe and efficient manner.  Ensuring adherence to all MNR Operating and Safety Rules, Roadway Worker Protection, and applicable Code of Federal Regulations. Collaborate with senior and executive level project management, providing input and collectively developing strategies for project activities that minimize the impact on Metro-North operations and its customers. Work with MTA Construction and Development, MNR I&C, MNR Maintenance of Way/Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) and other outside entities to assure timely coordination of project status, support services required, operational impacts and schedule integrity.  
• Oversee qualification and certification programs for Locomotive Engineers (CFR 240) and Conductors (CFR 242), providing senior management for the Road Foreman’s Office and Conductor Compliance in areas such as train handling and customer service.
• Oversee and direct the management of the Fleet Management Office to ensure compliance with programmed train consists and adherence to scheduled maintenance requirements (ie: e-cleaning, toilet servicing, fueling locomotives, CDMI, periodic inspections, etc.).
• Oversee and direct the management of the Operations Control Center (OCC), ensuring adherence to safe operating protocols, the protection of Roadway Workers, and the delivery of reliable service.  Lead the development and implementation of a new compliance program under FRA’s CFR 245 for Rail Traffic Controllers (RTC).
• Provide vision and direction for the development and integration of data-driven initiatives within the Transportation Department across the Metro-North territory.
• Lead field and office staff in the ongoing development and refinement of Transportation Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Responsible for executive-level presentations of departmental analytics, including operational performance, overtime and safety metrics.
• Oversee the Transportation Division’s participation in safety programs. Develop and maintain the Transportation Division Safety Action Plan that focuses on safe work practices, injury prevention, and alignment with the MNR System Safety Program.
• Participate in the development of corporate policies, long-range planning, budget scenarios, and projections that affect or involve the Transportation Division.
• Work collaboratively with labor partners on all issues, including C3RS, work assignments, training and disciplinary matters.
• Collaborate with the Operations Planning and Analysis Group to continually review and improve operating schedules and develop plans for special events requiring dedicated service.
• 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. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation, Business Management, or related field.  Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials to include four (4) additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively more complex general management experience in a commuter rail system.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing a diverse group of employees at various levels.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The Chief Transportation Officer must be able to train, develop and motivate individuals for increasing supervisorial positions within the Transportation Division.
• A strong understanding of North American rail industry operating practices and federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to the Transportation functions on electrified commuter rail systems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate and foster teamwork within the Operations Services Division, and effectively collaborate with other business units at MNR, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT), MTA, MTA agencies, NJ Transit, Amtrak, and other entities as applicable.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in the areas of safety, performance, and crisis management.
• Ability to work in a high-profile/high pressure environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to create a climate of continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with a prominence on effective public speaking, use of diplomacy, and tact resulting in positive employee relations within a political/unionized environment.
• Capable of exercising independent judgment and display creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong familiarity with budgeting practices and controls.
• Familiarity with Track, Communication and Signal, traction power, and rail equipment components and operation.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with a represented workforce and labor leaders.
• Strong knowledge of Metro-North Railroad’s collective bargaining agreements and discipline process.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to respond to service disruptions 24 hours per day-7 days a week and must be able to work outside of normal working hours as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following is/are preferred: 

• Experienced on an electrified commuter railroad.

BENEFITS

• Commuter Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team
• Employee Resource Groups
• Managerial Benefits

OTHER INFORMATION

• This is a policy maker position. 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”).
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
• This position requires a driver’s license. 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.
• Current employee applicants should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
• Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT Regulated
• Not Telework Eligible

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.