Chief Transportation Officer: Lead Safe, Efficient Regional Transit

Greater Portland Metro; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Portland Metro is seeking a Chief Transportation Officer to lead Operations and Maintenance, oversee safety-sensitive functions, and drive performance across the regional transit system. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will shape strategy, manage budgets, contracts, and capital programs, and represent Metro with partners, riders, and regulators.

The CTO will champion innovation, implement ITS solutions, build strong labor relations, promote employee development, and translate

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in transit operations and/or transit fleet maintenance.
• 5 years of supervisory/management level experience in transit operations and at least 5 years of supervisory experience in a working environment governed by a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Lead Operations and Maintenance: provide leadership, direction, and oversight to ops and maintenance, staffing, scheduling, fleet management, and service delivery.
• Drive Safe, Service, and Performance: establish metrics and action plans to improve reliability, productivity, safety, and customer experience.
• Lead People and Culture: foster a positive, accountable, collaborative work environment and manage performance with respect to collective bargaining.
• Manage Labor Relations: maintain productive relationships with union reps and participate in contract negotiations and grievances.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: oversee compliance with local, state, and federal requirements, including FTA regulations.
• Manage Resources and Budget: contribute to annual operating budgets and five-year capital programs; optimize resources.
• Oversee Fleet and Infrastructure: manage bus fleet, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Lead Technology and Innovation: plan and manage ITS and technology applications to improve service.
• Manage Projects and Contracts: provide technical expertise and manage transportation initiatives with consultants and vendors.
• Oversee Fare Administration: work with fare vendors and reporting for partner agencies.
• Build Partnerships and Represent Metro: collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders; represent Metro professionally.

Skills

Operational leadership

Public transportation

Fleet management

Labor relations

Budgeting & financials

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decision making

Strategic planning

Safety leadership

Tools

ITS

Job description

Greater Portland Metro is seeking a Chief Transportation Officer to lead Operations and Maintenance, oversee safety-sensitive functions, and drive performance across the regional transit system. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will shape strategy, manage budgets, contracts, and capital programs, and represent Metro with partners, riders, and regulators.

The CTO will champion innovation, implement ITS solutions, build strong labor relations, promote employee development, and translate