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Director Transportation Operations Support

Job ID: 14085

Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Director - OSA

Date Posted: Jan 2, 2026

Description

Job Title: Director Transportation Operations Support

Department: Transportation

MTA Agency: LIRR

Primary Location(s): LIRR Service Area

Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $129,951.46 - $160,054.10

Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: No

Union Affiliation: None

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

About your agency:

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 :

This position is responsible and accountable to direct and oversee the planning, development, management, implementation and control of a cost-effective Operating, Capital/Reimbursable budget for the Transportation Department. This position is also responsible and accountable for planning, directing and oversight of all administrative functions for the department including but not limited to the analysis of staffing levels, administration and oversight of departmental audits, corporate and departmental policies/procedures, human resource functions, payroll, employee training/development, etc. This position is responsible and accountable to direct and oversee mission critical reports on all aspects of departmental and operations performance, identifying system weaknesses and other departmental risks. The position is responsible for leading all aspects of analytics with the Transportation Department, directing and overseeing new analytical methodologies, troubleshooting and supporting the development of advanced reporting tools and ensuring the delivery of actionable insights to support data-driven decision making.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

+ Direct and oversee the planning, development and preparation of the Transportation Services departmental budgets (Operating & Capital/Reimbursable) throughout the annual Financial Planning Process in conformity with MTA guidelines.

+ During the three Financial Plans (Feb/Jul/Nov) process, various analyses are performed to ensure proper staffing levels and non-payroll needs required to meet service changes and or new initiatives. Also, during the planning process new needs are identified and funding proposals are provided.

+ Direct and oversee all administrative functions for the department, including Human Resource issues, Payroll, Procurement, Compliance with corporate and departmental Policies & Procedures, Employee Development & Training, Vehicle Fleet & Driver’s License Administration, Coordination of Lodging during storms or major service disruptions, etc.

+ Direct and oversee the department responsibilities regarding internal audit/control processes to ensure compliance with departmental and corporate policy and procedure. Identify areas of vulnerability and work with senior staff on corrective actions as warranted. Coordinate all external audits (MTA, IG) and follow-up on approved recommendations.

+ Direct and oversee complex statistical analysis in support of operational performance, operational incidents and needs. Focus on performance improvement strategies and provide insight to “root cause” of anomaly information.

+ Analyze the impact of new data capture tools, both customer facing and internal, with a focus on identifying actions to optimize performance.

+ Manage and oversee data collection and dissemination of operating statistics on daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. Develop reports focusing on key statistics, based on daily detailed review of train performance logs.

+ Create ad-hoc reports for high-visibility reports on operational data trends and analysis as needed. Answer statistical questions as they arise by Department management employees.

+ Direct and oversee the development of controls and detailed analyses (Headcount, Non-Payroll, Straight-Time, Overtime, Availability, Penalty Payments, safety trend, etc.) for Transportation Services Department.

+ Monitor and explain monthly variances (budget/forecast vs. actual) to accurately forecast the department’s year-end financial position.

+ Take the lead for Transportation Services Department in regard to OT task force, including providing direction, oversight and review of various financial analyses provided to senior staff (Overtime Task Force).

+ 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 direct reports and approve performance appraisals. 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. Lead by example.

+ Provide operational assistance during major service disruptions.

+ Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

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 12 years’ demonstrated transportation experience, 10 of which must be demonstrated operations support managerial experience (e.g. Transportation Administration, Transportation Budgets, Transportation Operating Statistics & Data Analysis).

+ Must possess approximately 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible Budget, Administrative Support, Operational Statistics & Performance Measurement or related experience in an operations environment.

+ A proven record as a successful manager, with expertise and experience in budget development, forecasting and analysis.

+ Extremely well versed in human resource issues, audits/internal controls, budget, collective bargaining agreements, procurement and policy & procedures.

+ Expert analytical and judgment skills.

+ Effective leadership, problem solving, human relations, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.

+ A record of working effectively in a team environment

+ Strong working knowledge of software computer applications, with a particular focus in Excel, Access, People Soft, FMS

+ Expertise in planning, scheduling and modeling in resource allocation.

+ Must be able to translate issues and develop well thought out action plans to improve cost effectiveness of operations.

+ Must possess proven, effective problem solving skills with ability to analyze problems as they arise utilizing critical thinking skills.

+ Must possess strong leadership abilities, organization, planning, administrative, and management skills with ability to effectively management multiple tasks

+ simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.

+ Must possess the ability to motivate and develop subordinates.

+ Must possess the ability to lead and influence change.

+ Must be available to work 24/7 as required.

+ Must provide support (platform customer assistance, ICC support, etc) as required during service disruptions and weather events.

Preferred:

+ Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Management, Information Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.

+ Advanced degrees (MBA; MS-Information Systems; MPA).

+ Strong understanding of railroad operations and labor agreements with emphasis on LIRR Transportation Department and structure.

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

+ #TapYourCareer

+ #MTACareers

+ Layout 1 (mta.info) (https://new.mta.info/document/4631)

OTHER INFORMATION :

+ Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

+ Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.

+ Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

+ Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.

+ #TapYourCareers

+ #MTACareers

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER :

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.