Project Manager, Operations Special Projects

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

Job summary

Metra seeks a Project Manager, Operations, Special Projects in Chicago to lead strategic operational initiatives and coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Mechanical, and Transit Asset Management. You will manage capital asset reconciliation, procedure development, and inventory activities.

The role requires strong project leadership, analytical thinking, and collaboration with internal departments and external stakeholders to meet timelines and deliver outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, Transportation, Public Administration or related field.
• Project Manager certification and/or Project Management experience.
• Four (4) years of Operations experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate alignment and collaboration between Operations and the Audit remediation team.
• Coordinate documentation and data collection for capital asset recalculation activities.
• Participate in key project meetings and provide operational insight.
• Review proposed financial and accounting processes impacting Operations.
• Escalate issues to senior management and engage necessary stakeholders.
• Coordinate day-to-day team activities and provide guidance and training.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder influence

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/PM/Transportation/Public Administration

Job description

Salary Range

$85,035.00 - $127,553.00

Description

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.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

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.

Metra's rail operations are overseen by the Deputy Executive Director, Operations, who provides executive direction and guidance to the chief officers of the Engineering, Mechanical and Transportation departments as well as the Training and Certification and Operations Training departments. The division also provides executive oversight and direction to contract carriers (BNSF and Union Pacific) to ensure that rail operations are consistent with Metra's standards and practices.

Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director Operations, the Project Manager, Operations, Special Projects is responsible for leading and coordinating critical operational initiatives, including Metra's Capital Assets Remediation Program and other strategically important, non-routine projects. This position serves as a key Operations liaison, providing project leadership, cross-functional coordination, and operational support related to capital asset reconciliation, procedure development, and physical asset inventory activities. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating issue resolution, escalating matters as appropriate, and identifying and engaging the necessary operational stakeholders to support project objectives, maintain timelines, and achieve successful outcomes. This position requires demonstrated project management expertise, strategic and analytical thinking, sound judgment, effective problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and external stakeholders in a professional and results-oriented manner.

The primary duties include:Facilitate alignment and collaboration between Operations (Engineering, Mechanical, Fleet Maintenance, and Transit Asset Management Departments) and the Audit remediation team throughout the remediation effort. Coordinate the collection of documentation, data, and information requests required for capital asset recalculation activities. This requires working closely with Engineering pertaining to Bridges, Communications Equipment, Track and Signal Infrastructure and Equipment, field Office Buildings, Maintenance Shops, and Coach Yards, Stations, Rolling-stock (locomotives and passenger rail cars), Shop Equipment and Work Equipment, and rubber tire vehicles. 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. Assist in reviewing proposed financial and accounting processes that may impact Operations. 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. 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.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, Transportation, Public Administration or related field is required; equivalent experience may substitute.
2. In addition to #1, have Project Manager certification and/or Project Management experience.
3. Must have four (4) years of Operations experience.
4. Strong understanding of Operations functions, including Mechanical, Engineering, asset maintenance, overhaul, and replacement processes.
5. 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.
6. Familiarity with capital projects, asset life-cycle management, and operational reporting processes.
7. Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
8. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
9. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
10. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
11. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
12. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
13. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred

1. PMP

Background Check

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.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Drug Policy

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.

Accessibility

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 [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity

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.