Senior Director- Transportation Operations Support
Description
Job Title: Senior Director- Transportation Operations Support | Department: Transportation |
MTA Agency: LIRR | Primary Location: Queens, NY |
Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $122,659 - $160,990 | Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: No |
Union Affiliation: None | Closing Date (if applicable): 10/17/25 |
Shift (if applicable): Regular | Other: |
About LIRR: Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island. | |
JOB SUMMARY:
The primary role of this position is the required oversight of the Transportation Department’s budget (operating and reimbursable) including documenting all financial analysis and full coordination of Transportation hiring plans in support of corporate and department goals. Direct/oversee day-to-day operation of the Crew Management Office to ensure proper operational staffing levels. Direct/Oversee the Statistical Operating division reporting at the discretion of the Sr. Vice President of Operations and Chief Transportation officer. Oversee the required administration functions for the Transportation Department with an emphasis on departmental goals.
Oversee that proper documentation is in place for all required budget and administrative functions for department. Responsibilities include quantifying Transportation’s staffing needs to support service plans and identifying requirements for 3rd party service provider and other non-payroll requirements. The incumbent must successfully identify & communicate departmental financial needs to the Chief Transportation Officer, as well as to LIRR senior staff, OMB and the MTA. Position must articulate financial & operational risks & provide recommendations and/or initiate corrective actions in response to budget variances.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Direct, oversee, and ensure the department’s Crew Management Office is operating effectively to ensure proper operational staffing levels to meet scheduled service, special programs and emergency situations. In addition, ensure payroll is completed timely and all components of the ACP are followed and implemented. Perform in-house audits of all crucial functions.
- Direct, oversee the department’s administration group. This group will ensure a quality assurance program is followed which will focus on (but not limited to) management controls, project management, department policies and procedures, full support for the operation areas, all Human Resources needs, production of regular reports, develop and maintain all required documentation, and provide for the departments technology needs. Complete necessary departmental audits. Set up the department management succession planning and craft hiring plans.
- Oversee the accurate and timely reporting of Operational Statistics at the direction of the Sr. Vice-President Operations and Chief Transportation Officer. These various statistics will be presented to LIRR Senior Staff and ultimately be incorporated into the monthly LIC meeting.
- Oversee development of the Annual (5-year) budget for the Transportation Department.
- Included are tasks & work schedules of subordinates relative to same. Activity to include defining headcount needs, payroll (ST/OT/Other), associated benefits costs, all non-payroll & reimbursable activity.
- Oversee development of periodic forecasts, monthly analysis, overtime task force reports and all ad hoc financial reports for the Transportation Department. For forecasting purposes implement changes to financial plans where warranted.
- Work with staff to develop & monitor the financial reporting processes, with reliance on the latest available reporting tools. Oversee the operations division roll up of costs for ad hoc costing assignments as required by the Sr. Vice-President Operations and Chief Transportation Officer (CTO).
- Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary.
- Review performance of staff. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
- Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures.
- Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions.
- Lead by example.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications:
- Must have a Bachelor's Degree. Demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
- In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree, a candidate may be chosen if (s)he possesses a minimum of 15 years demonstrated transportation experience, 8 of which must be demonstrated operation support managerial experience (e.g. Transportation Administration, Transportation Budgets, Transportation Crew Management, Transportation Operating Statistics & Data Analysis).
- Must be a seasoned manager with a minimum of 10 years’ progressively responsible budget, finance, statistical analysis, crew management, LIRR administration/human resource management and/or related experience in an operations environment.
- LIRR-Transportation Operations Support experience is required, in progressively responsible operations support management positions. Must have experience as a Manager in a minimum of 3 LIRR Transportation Operations Supports areas; Administration, Budgets, Crew Management, Operating Statistics & Data Analysis.
- Must have knowledge of LIRR operations environment, with emphasis on Transportation. Must have a thorough knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting & forecasting concepts.
- Must be proficient in various software & database applications, including but not limited to MS Office, Peoplesoft, Hyperion Workspace or similar software. Must possess strong analytical and presentation skills.
- Must possess strong written & verbal communication skills.
- Must possess demonstrated mentoring, scheduling, and other related management skills.
- Must understand and be able to effectively manage the department’s Crew Management Office.
- Must be available consistently 24 hours/day, 7 days/week per operational demands.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Management, Information Technology is preferred.
- Advanced degrees (MBA; MS-Information Systems; MPA).
- Knowledge of LIRR System.
BENEFITS:
- Commuting Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
- Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
- Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided
- Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
- Employee Assistance Programs
- MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
- Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
- Employee Resource Groups
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Other Information:
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.