Job Description:Parsons is seeking a dynamic Senior Rail & Transit Operations Planning Program Director to join our growing Rail and Transit business. This is a high-impact leadership role for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of operations planning, project delivery, and business development. The ideal candidate brings a doer-seller mentality, combining deep technical expertise with the ability to cultivate client relationships and drive strategic growth.
Reporting to the VP of Rail and Transit, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our major clients, leading operational planning and implementation for complex rail and transit programs across North America and globally.
Operations Planning & Project Delivery - Lead the operational planning for brownfield upgrades, rail extensions, greenfield and new line transit implementations
- Develop migration, cutover, and transition strategies to support existing services during system upgrades and modernization efforts.
- Oversee implementation of critical operational systems including conventional and advanced train control, rolling stock, and State of Good Repair (SOGR) programs
- Prepare and draft SOPs, Rule Books, and operational documentation for signaling, rolling stock, stations, and other major transit assets
- Provide technical oversight of control center planning, layout, command and control structures, and HMI/user interfaces
- Monitor operational performance metrics and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and service delivery
Client Engagement & Business Development - Support development of qualifications and bid documentation for traditional bid build, consulting, alternative delivery such as design-build, and P3 contract types and assignments
- Develop and present technical papers on Rail and Transit on the topic of operations, maintenance, and technology
- Advance Parsons' position and market share in integrated construction and delivery joint ventures
- Cultivate relationships with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and key stakeholders
- Prepare strategic growth initiatives to expand the Rail and Transit business portfolio
Project & Team Leadership - Provide senior leadership and executive direction across various phases of mega rail programs
- Ensure on-schedule, on-budget delivery of work in accordance with contractual obligations
- Coordinate with project partners, contractors, suppliers, maintenance, engineering, operations, and systems assurance teams
- Establish and oversee Project Management Plans, Safety and QA/QC documentation
- Provide functional management of project staff as required
- Travel in support of projects and proposals as needed
- Required Qualifications
- 20+ years of operations experience with a transit agency, owner, or in an APM/subway/metro/commuter rail operations role
- 15+ years of experience supporting delivery of advanced train control systems in greenfield and brownfield environments
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, or relevant Engineering
- 10+ experience with alternative delivery projects, such as Design-Build and P3
- Proven track record in client-facing and industry roles at all levels
- Combination of hands-on experience in implementing enhancements to service delivery and asset modernization
- Experience liaising with regulatory bodies, government agencies and industry
Technical Knowledge - Deep understanding of all modes of rail and transit operations
- Familiarity with systems governance, facilities, and services necessary to deliver passenger service
- Experience with control center operations, HMI design, and human factors
- Knowledge of asset management, O&M planning
Leadership & Business Development - Doer-Seller Mentality: Ability to deliver technical excellence while identifying and pursuing growth opportunities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Experience developing operational strategies and long-term plans
- Ability to prepare winning proposals and qualification packages
- Track record of building and maintaining client relationships
Communication & Collaboration - Effective verbal and written communication skills for client presentations, technical reporting, and stakeholder engagement
- Ability to work independently and as part of distributed teams across Canada and the US
- Experience communicating with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies at all levels
- Strong computer skills including MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Crisis management and post-incident analysis experience
- Understanding of budget development and cost accounting
- GCC or international rail operations experience
Security Clearance Requirement:None
This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.
Salary Range: $176,900.00 - $332,400.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
