Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations Manager

GFT. • Nashville, TN

1d • $60 - $62 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking experienced professionals to support an anticipated statewide Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations contract for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). As the Traffic Management Center Operations Manager for Regions 1 & 2, you will lead daily operations supporting TDOT's Knoxville and Chattanooga Traffic Management Centers. You will work closely with TDOT leadership, law enforcement, emergency responders, and regional transportation partners, guiding a team responsible for real-time traffic operations, incident management, traveler information, and operational excellence throughout East Tennessee. This role is ideal for an experienced transportation operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment and enjoys mentoring teams, building strong client relationships, and driving continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing operations within a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations environment with responsibilities involving staff supervision, operational procedures, technology systems, and safety protocols.
• Public safety, law enforcement, fire service, emergency management, or first responder leadership experience within Tennessee.
• Strong understanding of freeway operations, traffic incident management, traveler information systems, dispatch operations, and transportation operations principles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Traffic Incident Management (TIM) practices and real-time transportation operations.
• Experience using Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) or comparable transportation operations software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising operational staff and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, 24/7 operations environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience preparing technical reports, operational summaries, correspondence, and performance documentation.
• Ability to travel between regional Traffic Management Centers and participate in alternate work schedules or on-call support as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supervising Traffic Management Center operators, dispatchers, Shift Supervisors, or other real-time transportation operations personnel.
• Experience supporting TDOT SmartWay, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Road Ranger/HELP programs, work zone operations, or related transportation initiatives.
• Experience with operational dashboards, Power BI, performance analytics, or data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working with TDOT or another state Department of Transportation.
• Professional certifications related to transportation operations, emergency management, leadership, or project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations for TDOT's Region 1 and Region 2 Traffic Management Centers.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.
• Build strong partnerships with TDOT leadership, public safety agencies, and transportation stakeholders throughout East Tennessee.
• Ensure Traffic Management Center operations support safe, efficient, and reliable travel across the region.
• Develop and mentor Shift Supervisors and TMC Technicians while promoting professional growth and operational readiness.
• Use operational performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhanced service delivery.
• Support statewide Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) initiatives through effective leadership and regional collaboration.
• Manage daily Traffic Management Center operations for the Knoxville and Chattanooga facilities, including staffing, scheduling, resource coordination, and operational issue resolution.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to Shift Supervisors and Traffic Management Center Technicians.
• Coordinate regularly with the TDOT State Project Manager, Regional TMC Team Leads, GFT leadership, and other transportation partners.
• Support Traffic Incident Management (TIM) meetings, after-action reviews, and multi-agency operational coordination efforts.
• Prepare monthly operational performance reports and evaluate team performance using established performance measures.
• Oversee employee onboarding, training, certification, refresher training, and professional development activities.
• Support updates to the TDOT Traffic Management Center Operations Manual and related operational procedures.
• Ensure adequate staffing coverage for all assigned Traffic Management Center operations while proactively addressing vacancies, leave coverage, and operational surge requirements.
• Monitor operational performance and implement process improvements that enhance incident response, traveler information, and transportation system reliability.
• Support special transportation initiatives, regional coordination meetings, Traffic Incident Management activities, and other assignments as directed by TDOT.
• Promote compliance with established operating procedures, safety requirements, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
• Build a collaborative team environment focused on professionalism, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• 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: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed