Project Manager, Traffic Management Center Operations

GFT • Nashville, TN

1d • $70 - $75 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead an anticipated statewide Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations contract supporting the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). This role involves leading a statewide program focused on real-time traffic operations, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), traffic incident management, and traveler information services. The Project Manager will provide strategic leadership for contract execution, operational performance, staffing, quality management, and continuous improvement initiatives, working closely with TDOT leadership and transportation partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, another STEM discipline, or an MBA, plus at least three (3) years of project management experience and five (5) years of experience in a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations environment; OR Bachelor's degree, five (5) years of project management experience, at least three (3) years of Traffic Management Center management experience, and six (6) years of total experience in a Traffic Management Center or similar operations environment; OR At least five (5) years of Traffic Management Center management experience and ten (10) years of total experience in a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations facility.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex transportation operations programs, multidisciplinary teams, budgets, schedules, and contract deliverables.
• Strong knowledge of Traffic Management Center operations, Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and Traffic Incident Management (TIM).
• Experience developing performance measures, technical reports, executive summaries, and operational documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, relationship management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced, mission-critical operations environment.
• Willingness to travel throughout Tennessee and respond to operational issues outside normal business hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Public safety, law enforcement, fire service, or first responder leadership experience within Tennessee is highly desirable.
• Experience managing Traffic Management Center, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), or Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) programs.
• Experience supporting statewide transportation contracts or performance-based service contracts.
• Experience working with TDOT or another state Department of Transportation.
• Experience with Power BI, operational dashboards, and performance analytics.
• Experience leading quality management or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Professional certifications in project management, transportation operations, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful execution of a statewide Traffic Management Center Operations program supporting TDOT.
• Foster strong relationships with TDOT leadership and transportation partners while serving as GFT's primary point of contact for contract performance.
• Drive operational excellence by overseeing staffing, quality management, performance measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support transportation operations that improve roadway safety, incident response, traveler information, and mobility throughout Tennessee.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional service and operational reliability.
• Provide overall leadership and administration of the statewide Traffic Management Center Operations contract.
• Serve as the primary liaison between GFT and the TDOT State Project Manager.
• Manage contract performance, staffing plans, project schedules, budgets, and contract deliverables.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and professional development of project personnel.
• Prepare and review monthly performance reports, annual reports, meeting documentation, invoices, and other contract deliverables.
• Monitor operational performance measures and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, quality management processes, and GFT standards.
• Coordinate with TDOT, law enforcement, emergency responders, contractors, and partner agencies to support statewide transportation operations.
• Support updates to the TDOT Traffic Management Center Operations Manual, operating procedures, and performance management processes.
• Provide leadership during operational incidents, staffing challenges, and other situations requiring executive decision-making.
• Maintain effective communication with TDOT leadership regarding project status, risks, accomplishments, and operational priorities.
• Promote a collaborative culture focused on accountability, innovation, customer service, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior