Req ID:528139
This role is located in Phoenix, AZ and is contingent upon successfully winning a bid and authority approval.
The Transportation Manager will report to the General Manager and is responsible for overseeing all field operations and ensuring the safe, efficient, reliable, and customer-focused delivery of light rail transportation services. This position provides leadership and direction to field supervisors, dispatch personnel, and transportation staff while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and agency regulations, policies, and operating procedures.
The Transportation Manager is accountable for day-to-day service delivery performance, operational coordination, incident response, workforce management, service quality, and communication of operational information. The position serves as a key member of the management team and provides support to senior leadership to ensure operational objectives, safety standards, and service commitments are achieved.
- Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Operations Management- Oversee the day-to-day operation of light rail transportation services to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery.
- Direct and manage transportation field operations, including field supervisors, dispatchers, controllers, and frontline operating personnel.
- Monitor system performance and ensure compliance with established service, safety, and operational standards.
- Coordinate operational activities to maintain service continuity and minimize disruptions.
- Provide leadership and guidance during service interruptions, emergencies, special events, and other operational challenges.
Service Delivery and Performance- Monitor service quality and operational performance indicators and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Ensure timely communication and dissemination of operational notifications, service advisories, and customer information.
- Evaluate operational trends and recommend strategies to improve service reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate with Maintenance, Safety, Training, and other departments to ensure integrated service delivery.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety- Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal Transit Administration (FTA), state, local, and agency regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Promote and maintain a strong safety culture throughout transportation operations.
- Support safety investigations, incident reviews, corrective action programs, and regulatory audits.
- Ensure operational employees maintain required qualifications, certifications, and compliance training.
Leadership and Personnel Management- Supervise, mentor, and develop transportation supervisory staff.
- Establish performance expectations and ensure accountability for operational results.
- Coordinate staffing plans, workforce deployment, and resource allocation to support operational requirements.
- Foster employee engagement, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Participate in labor relations activities as necessary and ensure consistent application of workplace policies and procedures.
Management Support- Provide operational analysis, recommendations, and strategic support to the Assistant General Manager and senior leadership.
- Prepare reports, presentations, operational summaries, and performance metrics.
- Participate in planning activities related to service expansions, special events, emergency preparedness, and operational improvements.
- Support budget development and resource planning for transportation operations.
Experience- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience managing operations or projects of similar size and complexity within a light rail, commuter rail, or public transit environment.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a related management, supervisory, or transportation operations leadership position.
Knowledge and Professional Expertise- Comprehensive knowledge of rail transit operations, dispatching, service delivery, and transportation management principles.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing public transportation operations.
- Understanding of transit safety management systems, emergency management, incident response, and operational risk mitigation.
- Experience coordinating complex operational activities involving multiple stakeholders and departments.
Education- Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Business Administration, Public Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Ability to manage complex transit operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively during emergencies and service disruptions.
- Proficiency in operational reporting systems, dispatch technologies, and performance management tools.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, regulatory agencies, and transit stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience in light rail or commuter rail operations management.
- Experience with rail dispatching, operations control centers, and service management systems.
- Knowledge of APTA standards, transit industry best practices, and emergency management principles.
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) training and certification preferred.
- Work is performed in office, operations control center, field, station, and rail yard environments.
- Position requires availability for emergency response, service disruptions, and special events.
- May require evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities.
- Frequent interaction with operations personnel, contractors, regulatory agencies, and customers.
This position is not eligible for Railroad Retirement.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
You don't need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you'll be proud. If you're up for the challenge, we'd love to hear from you!
Job Type:Experienced
