Project Manager, Operations – Special Projects

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago is seeking a Project Manager, Operations, Special Projects to lead capital asset reconciliation and drive operational remediation. You will coordinate across Engineering, Mechanical, Fleet Maintenance, and Asset Management to align teams and deliver strategic improvements.

The role requires strong project management, data analysis, and the ability to work with diverse internal and external stakeholders while traveling within Metra’s six-county region and supporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, Transportation, Public Administration or related field.
• PM certification or equivalent project management experience.
• Four years of Operations experience.
• Strong understanding of Operations functions including Mechanical, Engineering, asset maintenance, overhaul, and replacement processes.
• Ability to influence and drive action across operational teams, with either decision-making authority or direct access to leadership to support decision-making, issue resolution, and project execution.
• Familiarity with capital projects, asset life-cycle management, and operational reporting processes.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon,evenings, or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate alignment and collaboration between Operations (Engineering, Mechanical, Fleet Maintenance, and Transit Asset Management) and the Audit remediation team throughout the remediation effort.
• Coordinate the collection of documentation, data, and information requests required for capital asset recalculation activities.
• Participate in key project meetings to receive status updates, contribute to issue resolution, and provide operational insight and guidance.
• Provide operational knowledge and perspective related to capital asset acquisition, reporting, tracking, monitoring, and associated business processes.
• Escalate issues requiring senior management attention and help identify the appropriate operational stakeholders needed to support project objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Project coordination

Communication

Decision making

Driver's license

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/PM/Related

PMP Certification

Job description

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago is seeking a Project Manager, Operations, Special Projects to lead capital asset reconciliation and drive operational remediation. You will coordinate across Engineering, Mechanical, Fleet Maintenance, and Asset Management to align teams and deliver strategic improvements.

The role requires strong project management, data analysis, and the ability to work with diverse internal and external stakeholders while traveling within Metra’s six-county region and supporting