Sr Director, CCF

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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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.

Transportation is responsible for providing safe, efficient and dependable transportation to commuters on all Metra-operated lines: Milwaukee North and West, Rock Island, Metra Electric, Southwest Service, North Central Service and Heritage Corridor and those lines operating under purchase of service agreements: BNSF and Union Pacific. In addition to all employees directly involved in providing train service, the Transportation Department also oversees the Dispatching Office and Crew Management Center.

Reporting directly to the Chief Transportation Officer, the Senior Director Consolidated Control Facility (CCF) will oversee the management and coordination of all aspects of train rail movement, including monitoring track activity and coordinating train movements; partner with internal and external customers to ensure safe and efficient train operations; participate in the development, implementation, and upgrade of various systems utilized by CCF teams; and ensure agency and department short- and long-range operational goals and objectives are achieved and regulatory requirements are met.

The primary duties include: Oversee the development, implementation, maintenance, and upgrade of various systems used during daily operations including positive train control (PTC), dispatching, time keeping, and payroll accounting technologies; and partner with internal and external teams to ensure all systems are maintained and operate effectively and efficiently. Identify process and system redundancies and efficiencies; recommend improvements to assist team effectiveness; approve necessary equipment procurements and expenditures; and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate. Provide leadership and guidance to CCF dispatch and crew calling teams responsible for the safe on-track train movement and on-time train performance; and monitor the appropriate manpower needed for staffing transportation related functions for all districts, ensuring adequate crew dispatching for planned assignments. Develop, implement, interpret, and update operating rules, policies, and procedures related to facility operations; review operational records, reports, agency instructional manuals, and governmental requirements on transportation safety, labor, and other operational issues to ensure regulatory compliance; and participate in and respond to operational audits. Review PTC functionality reports to monitor proper dispatching protocols; build train schedules recorded in the Train On-time Performance system (TOPS); and utilize results of root cause analyses of train delays to recommend solutions for on-time performance improvement. Manages operating budget of approximately $10,000,000. 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. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in transportation, business, public administration or related field or in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in transportation or rail operations.
2. In addition to #1, have ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation or railroad operations of which five (5) years must be in a railroad environment.
3. Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring discipline and/or termination of union or nonunion employees.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of practices and principles of transportation or rail operations, safety, and equipment maintenance.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of planning, organizing, implementing, managing, and administering programs, projects, and scheduling.
6. Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and agencies governing public transit, railroad, and safety systems, e.g., the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
7. Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and methodologies of accounting and budget processes, research, and transportation planning.
8. Working knowledge of the North American Rail Network (NARN) lines with an understanding of Class 1, regional, and short-line rail carriers.
9. Knowledge of the fundamentals of labor agreements and provisions impacting union employees, train operating procedures, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), crew calling, scheduling, and payroll accounting systems (DIVA).
10. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to develop presentations and reports.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset to achieve goals.
12. Strong organizational and analytical skills to assess department needs and lead projects.
13. Strong leadership, planning, and decision-making skills.
14. Ability to lead change initiatives by effectively influencing and building senior leadership support.
15. Ability to report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and other information to allow for effective and expedited decision making.
16. Ability to work with multi-level stakeholders to ensure the department's alignment with short- and long-term agency objectives and to goals.
17. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules and regulations to daily activities of the assigned area.
18. Ability to analyze situations, identify problems, perform root cause analyses, evaluate outcomes, and recommend and implement changes.
19. Must be qualified on the General Code of Operating Rules or must become qualified within 90 days of the date of hire.
20. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
21. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
22. Travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
23. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Train dispatching experience.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.