Project Manager, Operations Special Projects

Metra•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Manager, Operations Special Projects is responsible for leading and coordinating critical operational initiatives, including Metra's Capital Assets Remediation Program and other strategically important, non-routine projects. This position serves as a key Operations liaison, providing project leadership, cross-functional coordination, and operational support related to capital asset reconciliation, procedure development, and physical asset inventory activities. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating issue resolution, escalating matters as appropriate, and identifying and engaging the necessary operational stakeholders to support project objectives, maintain timelines, and achieve successful outcomes. This position requires demonstrated project management expertise, strategic and analytical thinking, sound judgment, effective problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and external stakeholders in a professional and results-oriented manner.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, Transportation, Public Administration or related field is required; equivalent experience may substitute.
Project Manager certification and/or Project Management experience.
Must have four (4) years of Operations experience.
Strong understanding of Operations functions, including Mechanical, Engineering, asset maintenance, overhaul, and replacement processes.
Ability to influence and drive action across operational teams, with either decision-making authority or direct access to leadership to support decision-making, issue resolution, and project execution.
Familiarity with capital projects, asset life-cycle management, and operational reporting processes.
Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
Must be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon,evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Responsibilities

Facilitate alignment and collaboration between Operations (Engineering, Mechanical, Fleet Maintenance, and Transit Asset Management Departments) and the Audit remediation team throughout the remediation effort.
Coordinate the collection of documentation, data, and information requests required for capital asset recalculation activities. This requires working closely with Engineering pertaining to Bridges, Communications Equipment, Track and Signal Infrastructure and Equipment, field Office Buildings, Maintenance Shops, and Coach Yards, Stations, Rolling-stock (locomotives and passenger rail cars), Shop Equipment and Work Equipment, and rubber tire vehicles.
Participate in key project meetings to receive status updates, contribute to issue resolution, and provide operational insight and guidance.
Provide operational knowledge and perspective related to capital asset acquisition, reporting, tracking, monitoring, and associated business processes.
Assist in reviewing proposed financial and accounting processes that may impact Operations.
Escalate issues requiring senior management attention and help identify the appropriate operational stakeholders needed to support project objectives and timelines.
Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.