Sr. Mgr, Metra University, Data Strat & Learn Arch

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra seeks a Sr. Manager, Data Strategy and Learning Architecture to lead a team of learning designers and drive data-informed learning strategies that support organizational performance.

You will partner with stakeholders, manage client relationships, oversee project delivery, and ensure KPI reporting aligns with executive expectations. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and coaching, with responsibility for staffing, performance management, and safe work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, statistics, quantitative analysis, instructional design or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight (8) years of railroad experience.
• Five (5) years of experience managing training programs, preferably in railroad environment.
• Knowledge of project management principles and best practices.
• Experience managing relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledge of instructional design, adult learning methodologies, and learning technologies.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of data analysis, performance metrics, and reporting tools.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and coach a team of instructional designers.
• Analyze organizational performance data to inform learning strategies.
• Oversee instructional design projects ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Manage team performance with coaching, feedback, and evaluations.
• Provide KPI dashboards, status reports, and executive briefings.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Strategic thinking

Analytical thinking

Project management

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary Range

$108,528.00 - $162,793.00

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.

The Operations Training Department is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering training services for the Mechanical and Engineering Divisions. Training is delivered to comply with Federal Railroad Administration and OSHA regulations. The Mechanical Division audience includes Carmen, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, and Machinists. The Engineering Division audience includes the workforce employed by the Track, Signal, Capital Construction, Communications, Electrical Maintenance and Building/Bridges departments.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Metra University, Leadership and Professional Development, the Sr. Manager, Data Strategy and Learning Architecture leads a team of learning designers and drives data-informed learning strategies that support organizational performance; partner with stakeholders and subject matter experts; manages client relationships, oversees team performance and development; and ensures projects remain on track through KPI reporting, status updates, and executive briefings. The position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and coaching.

The primary duties include: Lead, develop, and coach a team of instructional designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and high performance. Analyze organizational performance data and workforce capability needs to inform learning strategies, establish team objectives, and support business goals. Oversee instructional design projects and programs, ensuring quality, timely delivery, resource alignment, and compliance with FRA regulatory requirements. Manage team performance through goal setting, coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations, addressing performance concerns as needed. Establish project priorities, monitor scope, schedules, and resources, and provide leadership with regular KPI dashboards, status reports, and executive briefings. 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. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. 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, statistics, quantitative analysis, instructional design or a related field OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in project management, training coordination, regulatory experience or data management in a learning organization.
2. In addition to #1, must have eight (8) years of railroad experience.
3. Must have five (5) years of experience managing training programs, preferably in a railroad environment.
4. Knowledge of project management principles and best practices, including planning, prioritization, resource management, and project execution.
5. Knowledge and experience managing relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including business leaders, subject matter experts, instructors, and employees.
6. Knowledge of instructional design, training and development principles, adult learning methodologies, evaluation models, learning technologies, and informal learning tools such as videos, podcasts, simulations, and role-play exercises.
7. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Planner.
8. Knowledge of data analysis, performance metrics, and reporting tools used to evaluate learning effectiveness and support data-driven decision-making.
9. Strong leadership, coaching, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, employee engagement, and team performance.
10. Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report preparation and presentations for leadership audiences.
12. Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple initiatives, and meet deadlines.
13. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support learning and development initiatives.
15. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members, stakeholders, and leadership.
16. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, project requirements, and business needs while maintaining focus on organizational objectives.
17. Ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus across diverse groups to achieve successful outcomes.
18. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
19. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
20. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
21. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
22. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
23. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred

1. PMP certification.

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.

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. For general assistance, please contact [e-mail]. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [e-mail].

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 accompaniment.