Assistant Vice President, Workforce Strategy & Financial Optimization

Description

Position at Metro-North Railroad

Job Title: Assistant Vice President- Finance and Performance

Department: Maintenance of Equipment

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): New York, NY

Salary Range: $172,522- $216,902

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT Regulated

Union Affiliation: Non-Agreement

Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled

Shift (if applicable): Not Applicable

Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable

Other: Not Applicable

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for planning, directing, managing and evaluating the strategy, finance and administrative functions of the Maintenance of Equipment (MofE) department; specifically focused on scheduling and budgeting to ensure that Metro-North's rolling stock rail equipment is maintained in safe and reliable operating conditions. This position requires particular emphasis on process improvements, standardization across MofE, addressing the financial planning and implementation of long-range maintenance events to effect improvement to rolling stock standard maintenance, and a safer working and operating environment.

The position also requires monitoring of the departmental impact to all federally mandated inspection activities; as well as provide leadership, coordination and oversight to the Force Accounts (FA) functions, Standard Work (SW) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) implementation, Data Analytics/Cost Modeling and Forecasting program development, Overtime (OT) analytics and change management, participate in implementation of all new administrative systems to ensure departmental requirements are met.

This position will also oversee the Administration, Financial Controls and Budget groups and all associated tasks for the MofE Department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy/Forecasting

• Provide direction and the necessary technical resources to achieve established goals and objectives for all assigned projects during the planning, design and construction phases. Develop MofE Metro-North One strategic plan initiatives, publish executive reports and provide MTA board reports as needed for MofE.
• Oversee the overall performance of the department, with responsibility for monitoring efficiencies, identifying performance bottlenecks, implementing process improvement strategies, analyzing data to optimize operations, and ensuring compliance with performance standards.
• Standardize MofE Functions.
• Continue to lead the Metro-North (MNR) agency wide Standard Work rollout across MofE.

Finance/Budget

• Direct the finance and business administrative functions of all MofE departments and provide support to achieve set goals. Participate in the development of the annual budget submission and hiring plan and ensure that the MofE Department operates within the established budget by designing and instituting the necessary internal processes, protocols, and controls to ensure that the department is within operating and capital budgets, scope, and schedule. Including management of new and existing FBR/Operating Efficiencies within the overall MofE Budget.
• Monitor business requirements for Capital Programs, Operating Impacts to Capital Programs, Twenty Years needs assessments and asset lifecycles to provide improvements to all processes.
• Monitor technological and business improvements for MofE departments (i.e. Overtime process improvements, Artificial Intelligence and digital inspections).

Administration

• Oversee MofE payroll timekeeping operation, budgeted positions and all non-payroll purchases and contracts and the Operations Administration functions.
• Develop staff finance, administration and Force Accounts (FA) staff, and support of work groups, in expanding system knowledge, reducing operational costs and supporting new requirements for improvement and expansion of Metro-North's infrastructure and operating technology systems. Provide coordination and oversee various employee developmental programs for the department (i.e. Operational Managers program, Engineer-in-Training Program, Intern program)
• Represent Metro-North and provide senior-level participation in any applicable public and government oversight interactions related to MofE.
• Engage with union leadership and assist with Labor Relations negotiations and assist with settling issues, questions, and disputes, as necessary.
• Participate in the development of corporate policies, long-range planning, budget review, hiring plans, new initiatives, and projections that affect or involve the MofE Department.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of degree to include an additional four (4) years of experience.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in a railroad, transportation operations, or public sector environment to include experience in project management, strategy and forecasting, finance and administration, track construction and/or maintenance experience.
• Minimum seven (7) years' experience managing a diverse group of employees at various levels.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrable leadership skills to motivate and foster teamwork not only within the MofE Department(s), but other departments at MNR, CDOT, MTA, MTA agencies, NJ Transit, Amtrak, and other entities as applicable.
• Demonstrable leadership skills in the areas of safety, performance, and crisis management.
• Must be a competent and seasoned leader who will develop the capacities of the organization and have the experience to implement organizational change with strong judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to create a climate of continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication skills with a prominence on effective public speaking, use of diplomacy, and tact resulting in positive employee relations within a political/unionized environment.
• Knowledge of FRA and OSHA regulations.
• Familiar with budgeting practices of MNR and MTA.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and / or comparable applications.
• Strong project management, forecasting and coordination skills which include quality control and quality assurance measures within adherence to deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills in order to analyze new and existing products and/or procedures.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and make quick and effective decisions based on that analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to foster teamwork and direct interaction of work force.
• Must be able to implement and participate in Metro-North One's strategy to promote a safe work environment.
• Strong knowledge of safety rules and regulations to promote a safe work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with internal departments and outside agencies.
• Must be able to work outside of normal working hours as needed.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis and be available for routine weekend coverage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following is/are preferred:

• Familiarity with Metro-North Railroad policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with Metro-North's collective bargaining agreements.

BENEFITS

• Commuter 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
• Employee Resource Groups
• Managerial Benefits

OTHER INFORMATION

• This is a policy maker position. 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.
• This position requires a driver's license. Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and 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 employee applicants 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.
• Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT-Regulated
• Telework eligible

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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