Senior Program Director - Rail & Transit Operations Planning

Parsons Corporation•New York, NY

About The Position

Parsons is seeking a dynamic Senior Rail & Transit Operations Planning Program Director to join our growing Rail and Transit business. This is a high-impact leadership role for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of operations planning, project delivery, and business development. The ideal candidate brings a doer-seller mentality, combining deep technical expertise with the ability to cultivate client relationships and drive strategic growth. Reporting to the VP of Rail and Transit, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our major clients, leading operational planning and implementation for complex rail and transit programs across North America and globally.

Requirements

20+ years of operations experience with a transit agency, owner, or in an APM/subway/metro/commuter rail operations role
15+ years of experience supporting delivery of advanced train control systems in greenfield and brownfield environments
Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, or relevant Engineering
10+ experience with alternative delivery projects, such as Design-Build and P3
Proven track record in client-facing and industry roles at all levels
Combination of hands-on experience in implementing enhancements to service delivery and asset modernization
Experience liaising with regulatory bodies, government agencies and industry
Deep understanding of all modes of rail and transit operations
Familiarity with systems governance, facilities, and services necessary to deliver passenger service
Experience with control center operations, HMI design, and human factors
Knowledge of asset management, O&M planning
Doer-Seller Mentality: Ability to deliver technical excellence while identifying and pursuing growth opportunities
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Experience developing operational strategies and long-term plans
Ability to prepare winning proposals and qualification packages
Track record of building and maintaining client relationships
Effective verbal and written communication skills for client presentations, technical reporting, and stakeholder engagement
Ability to work independently and as part of distributed teams across Canada and the US
Experience communicating with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies at all levels
Strong computer skills including MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Crisis management and post-incident analysis experience
Understanding of budget development and cost accounting
GCC or international rail operations experience

Responsibilities

Lead the operational planning for brownfield upgrades, rail extensions, greenfield and new line transit implementations
Develop migration, cutover, and transition strategies to support existing services during system upgrades and modernization efforts.
Oversee implementation of critical operational systems including conventional and advanced train control, rolling stock, and State of Good Repair (SOGR) programs
Prepare and draft SOPs, Rule Books, and operational documentation for signaling, rolling stock, stations, and other major transit assets
Provide technical oversight of control center planning, layout, command and control structures, and HMI/user interfaces
Monitor operational performance metrics and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and service delivery
Support development of qualifications and bid documentation for traditional bid build, consulting, alternative delivery such as design-build, and P3 contract types and assignments
Develop and present technical papers on Rail and Transit on the topic of operations, maintenance, and technology
Advance Parsons' position and market share in integrated construction and delivery joint ventures
Cultivate relationships with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and key stakeholders
Prepare strategic growth initiatives to expand the Rail and Transit business portfolio
Provide senior leadership and executive direction across various phases of mega rail programs
Ensure on-schedule, on-budget delivery of work in accordance with contractual obligations
Coordinate with project partners, contractors, suppliers, maintenance, engineering, operations, and systems assurance teams
Establish and oversee Project Management Plans, Safety and QA/QC documentation
Provide functional management of project staff as required
Travel in support of projects and proposals as needed