Deputy Chief Transportation Officer - Operations

Job Summary

Job Title: Deputy Chief Transportation Officer - Operations

Department: Transportation

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): Various

Salary Range: $183,692 – $209,974.20

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Non-DOT Regulated/Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Non-agreement

Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled

Shift (if Applicable): Not specified

Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable

Other: Not telework eligible

About The Agency

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. Metro-North strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.

Metro-North reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

Job Description

The primary objective is to provide safe, timely, and dependable rail service throughout Metro-North Railroad’s operating region. In partnership with the other Deputy Chief of Field Operations, the incumbent contributes to planning and evaluating track outages, capital projects, service improvements, and other initiatives that may impact operations. This role also serves as a key member of Transportation leadership and assumes the responsibilities of the Chief Transportation Officer during their absence.

Duties And Responsibilities

Operational leadership and service delivery

• Direct daily operations staff of the assigned territory to ensure alignment with Corporate Objectives and Customer Service goals.
• Coordinate with the Chief Transportation Officer, other Deputy Chief of Operations, and the Deputy CTO - OCC to ensure compliance in execution of Time Tables, Maintenance and Capital Programs, and On-Time Performance Objectives.
• Plan and achieve established safety plans and targets; oversee incident investigations and participate in District Safety meetings and activities.

Service Coordination

• Represent Transportation Department on steering committees, task forces, and interdepartmental work groups related to Track outages and Service Delivery; coordinate incident investigations and implement improvement recommendations.
• Collaborate with all MNR Departments to provide Operating Division input for major service improvements such as Penn Station Access.
• Provide strategic oversight for new equipment acquisitions and the development of equipment storage and servicing facilities; plan and implement new equipment programs for safe, efficient integration into service.
• Manage special projects and strategic initiatives with effective execution and stakeholder engagement.

Fleet And Yardmaster Leadership

• Oversee the daily operation of the Fleet Management Office and Yardmasters’ craft; ensure car requirements, maintenance, and servicing targets are met cost-effectively.
• Direct daily yard operations to ensure proper makeup and prompt dispatch of trains; manage Yardmasters' training, qualification, and 24/7 coverage.

Service Disruption Management

• Coordinate activities during major service disruptions and translate lessons learned into operational improvements.

Talent Development And Workforce Management

• Plan and direct succession planning and mentor staff for future roles.
• Manage performance expectations and disciplinary matters; develop and motivate staff; foster a respectful, professional environment.
• Participate in Metro-North’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), translating strategic priorities into action and reinforcing safety, accountability, collaboration, and leadership.
• Collaborate across departments to address enterprise-wide priorities and risks; provide feedback and recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards; may require outside normal hours; observe contractor work; review invoices for contractual standards and escalate issues as needed.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of Operating Rules, Territory, Physical Characteristics, and Federal Rules for train and equipment operation.
• Knowledge of Line and Terminal Operations, Equipment programs, Mechanical, Engineering and Station functions.
• Knowledge of Line and District inter-departmental functions and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of safety practices related to train operations.
• Strong leadership and the ability to organize and direct others.
• Quantitative and analytical skills to resolve service delivery problems.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with all levels of management.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar applications; basic knowledge of signal, power and track structures.
• Valid Driver’s License.

The Following Is/are Preferred:

• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements covering Train & Engine employees, yardmasters, and RTC.
• Crew scheduling familiarity; familiarity with MNR train scheduling, equipment maintenance cycles, and fleet management.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. In lieu of degree, equivalent experience may be considered (additional four years).
• Minimum 12 years in a progressively complex transportation management role with experience in train movement, crew management, and safety from preventive and incident management perspectives.
• Minimum 10 years of experience leading a diverse workforce across multiple levels, including frontline unionized employees, managers, and professional staff.

Licenses And Certifications

• Valid Driver’s License

Other Information

• Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure may be required under applicable law for policymaking positions.
• Final salary is determined by experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices.
• Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to license monitoring and defensive driver training requirements.
• Internal applicants must have at least one year of service; eligibility to interview depends on performance and conduct.

Equal Employment Opportunity/ADA Disclaimer

MTA and its subsidiary agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including military service members. Reasonable accommodations are available for medical conditions, disabilities, or religious practices during the application or interview process.