Senior Manager Rules

Metra•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Metra’s Safety and Environmental Compliance Department oversees passenger and employee safety programs, rail safety education and outreach, emergency evacuation training, regulatory incident and accident reporting, environmental compliance, environmental mitigation, employee training, and hazardous waste disposal. The Senior Manager Rules manages training and rules-related resources, supports development of Rules and Operating Practices, monitors Rules and Regulatory Compliance, and develops reports and KPIs regarding Operating Practices and Regulatory Compliance. The role supervises staff delivering training programs and rules examinations, manages training schedules and qualification logistics, and ensures examinations, records, and training goals comply with applicable rules and standards. It interprets and applies operations, maintenance of way, roadway worker protection, and safety rules; supports development of the General Code of Operating Rules and operating manuals; and provides subject matter expertise and training to employees, supervisors, and officers. The Senior Manager oversees operational testing and audits, reviews results, and communicates findings to senior management through reports and KPIs. The role also manages staffing and employee performance matters, promotes safe work practices, and is responsible for organizational safety objectives and regulatory compliance. The position involves working indoors and outdoors in prevailing heat, cold, rain, and snow conditions; use of a radio, radar gun, and datalink examination scanning equipment; and random drug and/or alcohol testing. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or a combination of education and experience totaling five years in operations or program administration; railroad or transportation industry experience is preferred.
Six years of experience in compliance, program administration, or operations, preferably as a trainer or instructor.
Three years of supervisory experience involving employee management, guidance and training, and performance monitoring.
Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations relating to RWP and MOW rules and safe railroad operations, including applicable Code of Federal Regulations provisions.
Considerable knowledge of employee timetables and special instructions.
Knowledge of positive train control (PTC) and its functionality.
Knowledge of adult learning theories.
Ability to lead projects and create and deliver training clearly and logically in classroom or field settings.
Ability to facilitate and organize others’ activities while motivating and fostering teamwork.
Ability to instruct others in teaching techniques, assessment of learning styles, and selection of appropriate instruction methods.
Ability to establish working relationships with rules officers at passenger and freight railroads and representatives of governmental agencies.
Ability to remain current on railroad operating rules and FRA regulations.
Ability to identify potential train-operation risks and hazards and evaluate and interpret operationally critical documents.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or other presentation software.
Familiarity with Microsoft Power BI or similar visualization software.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to interact with and train employees at all levels and external counterparts.
Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills, including the ability to manage training timetables and deadlines.
Must be GCOR and MOW rules qualified, or able to become qualified in both within 90 days of hire.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods.
Must be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within and outside Metra’s six-county region.
Must be available for flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends, and on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.
Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy, or with documented attendance or performance issues, will not be considered or selected.
Candidates must authorize applicable pre-employment screening; some positions require an enhanced background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience in a railroad or transportation environment.
Locomotive Engineer or Conductor License.

Responsibilities

Supervise and audit staff responsible for delivering training programs and rules examinations to client departments.
Assist with monitoring and maintaining the budget for training resources, materials, and supplies, and ensure training and examination goals are met.
Manage rules training schedules and classes, including annual qualifications; establish retest procedures for employees who do not pass required examinations; and ensure accurate, timely certification and examination records.
Interpret and ensure proper application of operations, maintenance of way (MOW), railroad transit roadway worker protection (RWP), and safety rules; assist in developing the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), monitor track safety procedures, and assist with producing operating manuals and rule books.
Provide subject matter expertise and train client-department employees, supervisors, and officers on customer service interactions, employee incident reporting, operating rules, and special instructions.
Ensure compliance with FRA regulations, agency operating rules, and safety requirements.
Oversee periodic on-train and field operational testing and audits; assist with oversight of the Operational Testing Management System; review and analyze test results; and share findings with senior management through KPIs and reports.
Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
Make or recommend staffing decisions, performance evaluations, performance improvement actions, and disciplinary or termination procedures.
Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment; be responsible for organizational safety objectives, goals, and programs and for compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.