Assistant Vice President - Infrastructure & Delivery

About the role

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization operating out of Grand Central Terminal. This position is a direct report to the Metro-North VP Capital Program Delivery & Oversight, representing Metro-North Railroad for planning, design, construction, and effective implementation of all projects associated with the Capital Program.

Responsibilities

• Provide Metro-North leadership to the MTA C&D Metro-North Business Unit(s) in the execution of all infrastructure and facility investments on Metro-North property.
• Lead role in managing of Engineering department’s input to the MTA C&D 20-year needs assessment and strategy for capital program development.
• Facilitate departmental coordination of M of W Operating Capital Projects planning, scheduling, and construction in line with corporate policies, long range planning, budget scenarios and projections that affect and/or involve the M of W Department.
• Participate as a member of Metro-North Leadership in key decisions to contribute to the achievement of short and long-term company objectives.
• Assist in fostering a climate of collaboration, problem solving and teamwork for all stakeholders that support the corporate mission, value, long range goals and departmental initiatives; creating synergy and enhancing employee development; establishing a culture of respect, integrity, trust and open communication and ensuring employees feel supported and empowered to perform at their best to ensure the infrastructure is in a state of good repair to provide a safe and reliable service to our customers and the region we serve.
• Strengthen established practices and procedures as it relates to Metro-North’s role in implementing the capital program, assuring agency representation in capital investment plans for each asset class (e.g. Stations, Track, Structures, Communications, Signals, Power, Shops, Yards & Facilities); includes providing direction for the effective coordination and implementation of third-party projects that directly impact the railroad facilities and operations.
• Ensure C&D and MNR capital project teams are aligned with MNR priorities, policies, and procedures. Includes management oversight for review of work plans, designs, and technical submittals as appropriate.
• Lead Metro-North efforts related to alignment with C&D Project Baseline Procedures for agency concurrence during the scoping, design, and implementation phases of all capital projects. This includes departmental input on resources, track outages, bundling opportunities, and other.
• Manage the Special Projects group, which support CTDOT Capital projects and work of external parties, with a staff of 29, including 13 represented employees, which includes NY I&C and Bridgeport Engineering groups. Includes Oversight of Code Compliance and Permitting with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code where MNR is the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
• Provide guidance and recommendations on strategies, policies, and project assignments, to the ELT, attending MTA Senior Management meetings and reporting on projects status and issues to MNR executive management, as appropriate.
• Provide construction-focused management oversight to coordinate all project phases—design, construction, startup, testing, commissioning, and final turnover—with the operating railroad. Interface directly with Transportation, Maintenance of Way (MoW), Customer Service, Safety, Security, Environmental, and Force Account to ensure seamless project execution.
• Review and provide language for MOU’s and other agreements between agencies and outside stakeholders, issues related to Entry Permits, and coordination with MNR/MTA Legal.
• Direct and manage MNR staff, MTAC&D, engineering consultants, and contractors by providing technical guidance and administrative oversight throughout project delivery. Lead the implementation of capital projects in accordance with Metro-North standards, including review and distribution of design drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and project schedules to ensure constructability, compliance, and alignment with operational requirements.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Experience with various engineering disciplines including related City, State & Federal Agency regulations & project scheduling.
• Extensive understanding of Railroad Engineering and Operating practices and federal regulations.
• Familiarity with Railroad and Construction Safety procedures.
• Strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrable general management, leadership skills and judgment to motivate and foster teamwork between stakeholders, including MTA agencies, railroad departments, municipalities, utilities etc.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in the areas of project management, resource allocation and safety.
• Ability to negotiate project agreements at a senior level, including project scopes, and must possess a thorough knowledge of Metro North operations.
• Ability to build consensus with interdepartmental teams.
• Must possess excellent near and long-term asset management planning skills.
• Must be able to effectively work with senior staff, all departments, other MTA agencies and the public.
• Ability to represent MNR at various events and functions, while being sensitive to local issues and political climate.
• Understanding of Transportation, Customer Service, Safety, Security, and Environmental requirements.
• Personal abilities of self-starter and persistence, the ability to motivate others to work together in a coordinated manner.
• Solid working knowledge of Program Management, Construction Management, Safety, QA/QC, Construction contracts.
• Familiarity with Metro-North Railroad and the MTA corporate and organizational structure.
• May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e. evenings and weekends).