About the position
Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service. The Senior Manager, Rolling Stock Contracts supervises project managers and oversees all functions of major large-scale rolling stock contracts, including oversight of project management consultant and the rolling stock builder; manages the financial, administrative, quality controls, and reporting functions for the projects; and monitors project progress, adjusting staff and allocating resources to keep projects on time and within budget. The primary duties include: Assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of staff responsible for managing capital projects; oversee consultants and rolling stock builders; and monitor project performance ensuring scope of work, schedules, and budgets are contract compliant. Oversee and participate in engineering and design efforts, technical decision-making processes, and resource oversight, including all technical, legal, and financial obligations. Function as subject matter expert and main point of contact on all project commercial communications. Coordinate work with other departments, officials, and public and private agencies, as needed. Meet with project staff to review project status, coordinate activities, highlight potential problem areas, identify remedies, and implement corrective measures to avoid project delays. Present project status to Metra senior leadership and stakeholders. Monitor, control, and document project progress; maintain schedules; and review and coordinate individual tasks into a unified program. Maintain a rigorous management process to ensure new equipment meets or exceeds federal requirements, American Public Transportation Association standards, and Association of American Railroads regulations. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Responsibilities
- Assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of staff responsible for managing capital projects.
- Oversee consultants and rolling stock builders.
- Monitor project performance ensuring scope of work, schedules, and budgets are contract compliant.
- Oversee and participate in engineering and design efforts, technical decision-making processes, and resource oversight.
- Function as subject matter expert and main point of contact on all project commercial communications.
- Coordinate work with other departments, officials, and public and private agencies.
- Meet with project staff to review project status, coordinate activities, highlight potential problem areas, identify remedies, and implement corrective measures.
- Present project status to Metra senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Monitor, control, and document project progress; maintain schedules; and review and coordinate individual tasks into a unified program.
- Maintain a rigorous management process to ensure new equipment meets or exceeds federal requirements.
- Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary.
- Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement procedures.
- Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field OR a combination of education and experience that equals four years of technical, engineering, or project management experience.
- Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible engineering or project management experience preferably in a railroad or railroad manufacturing environment.
- Minimum of three years of direct or indirect supervisory experience.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the operation, repair, overhaul and maintenance of rolling stock and maintenance facilities.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of mechanical engineering.
- Comprehensive knowledge of all applicable local, state, and federal regulations as they apply to passenger rolling stock.
- Comprehensive knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles.
- Good knowledge of asset management and procurement systems programs, and Microsoft 365.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Expert level of skill both reading and interpreting comprehensive mechanical drawings and schematics.
- Ability to coordinate and manage large and complex car and locomotive rehab projects.
- Ability to build consensus and work effectively with cross-departmental teams.
- Ability to effectively identify areas for improvements and efficiencies.
- Must be CFR 238, 218, and 217 QMP certified or be able to attain certification within 60 days of hire.
- 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.
- Travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
- Must be available to work flexible hours.
Nice-to-haves
- PMP certification.
Benefits
- Full pay ranges for growth potential.
