Director of Infrastructure Operations

Skyway Concession Company•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Director of Infrastructure Operations is a senior engineering leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight, technical performance, and lifecycle management of all SCC operational systems and assets. The role sets the long-term vision for operational excellence, ensures regulatory compliance and aligns day-to-day operations with the company’s business, financial, and safety goals. This position leads the integration of engineering, technology, maintenance and operations to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient performance of a critical transportation asset. The Director drives data-driven decision making, asset optimization, and continuous improvement while aligning operational execution with long-term capital planning and organizational objectives. The role serves as the primary engineering and operational interface between executive leadership, infrastructure teams, technology partners, and external stakeholders, ensuring that systems, processes, and people are aligned to deliver world-class roadway operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline strongly preferred; degree can be substituted for equivalent work experience in toll road operations and maintenance.
Knowledge of tolling systems, roadway operations, MUTCD and OSHA standards.
Must be able to adapt to a changing environment and drive change and continuous improvement.
A well organized, self-directed individual with strong leadership qualities.
Possess the ability to manage and organize multiple priorities.
Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate operational and market trends.
Strong communicator, capable of influencing at all levels
Proven ability to foster a culture of respect, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
Fosters employee growth and professional development.
Comply with SCC risk management, quality assurance, and health, safety and environment (HSEQ) management systems, including statutory obligations.
Ensure prompt reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards.
Identify and address problems in processes or systems through discussing and developing solutions.
Verify and confirm the effective implementation of determined solutions.
Participate in the continuous improvement of HSEQ processes through a consultative team approach.
Promote and model a positive Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality culture in the workplace.
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in transportation, infrastructure, or industrial operations.
Strong foundation in engineering principles applied to transportation or industrial infrastructure
Demonstrated experience in asset management systems, maintenance and capital planning
Experience managing complex budgets and capital programs
Knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards; OSHA 30 HR training preferred.
Ability to analyze data and present it effectively in management-level reports.
A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical team

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Transportation or Business Administration is a plus.
Experience with tolling systems, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), or comparable critical infrastructure environments highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Execute a long-term Operations Strategy aligned with SCC business and infrastructure objectives.
Establish engineering standards and technical direction for operations, maintenance and asset performance
Define performance targets, reliability metrics and operational KPIs
Provide direction on capital planning, preventive maintenance and asset management program.
Develop and execute the long-term operations strategy aligned with SCC’s business objectives.
Provide leadership to managers and supervisors, ensuring operational teams deliver safe, efficient, and customer-focused services.
Lead change management initiatives, technology adoption, and process optimization to drive innovation and efficiency.
Implement maintenance programs and predictive maintenance strategies
Translate operational data into capital planning priorities and risk-based investment decisions
Evaluate asset condition, failure trends, and lifecycle costs to optimize maintenance and replacement programs
Oversee technical standards for preventive maintenance, inspections, and system performance
Provide technical oversight of tolling systems, traffic management control room operations and roadway maintenance programs.
Integrate operations planning with Engineering & Construction initiatives to ensure constructability and operational continuity.
Serve as executive sponsor for major operational technology deployments and upgrades.
Oversee and/or coordinate the response to unplanned incidents on-road and in other project areas.
Analyze operational and maintenance data to identify trends, root causes and improvement opportunities.
Develop dashboards and executive reports translating technical performance into business outcomes.
Maintaining and enhancing the Asset Management System (AMS) with an emphasis on proactive planned maintenance strategy, work orders, data integrity, and best practice Asset Management.
Maintain and periodically review and improve the content of the operations and maintenance-related plans and policies and all associated documentation.
Partner with HSEQ leadership to embed engineering controls and risk reduction into operational processes
Ensure compliance with OSHA, MUTCD, and all applicable transportation and safety standards
Build and mentor a high-performing, technically competent operations organization
Provide coaching and professional development to engineering and supervisory staff
Promote cross-functional collaboration between operations, engineering, finance and technology teams
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement