Lead Transportation Manager

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.

About the role

Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and activities of assigned territories to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance while maintaining optimum on-time performance. You will recommend, develop, and implement alternative operating plans with minimal service disruptions, and collaborate with peers in various departments (Mechanical, Engineering, Customer Service) and external agencies (Amtrak, New Jersey Transit) to ensure a coordinated, seamless operation. This position contributes to departmental goals, ensures compliance with union work rules, policies, procedures, and governmental regulations, and oversees Transportation Department Supervisors to meet safety, on-time performance, and customer service objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee crews and managers in day-to-day train operations in assigned territories to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance and maintain optimum on-time performance.
• Recommend, develop, and implement alternative operating plans as necessary in a quick and efficient manner with minimal service disruptions.
• Report on-site during service disruptions or emergencies on a 24/7 basis.
• Lead assigned areas of responsibility, focusing both Transportation Managers and all Transportation Department employees on meeting departmental and corporate goals, with principal accountability for customer comfort, courtesy, and communications.
• Develop integrated operations efforts with various LIRR departments (Maintenance of Equipment, Engineering, Passenger Services) and external agencies (Amtrak, NJ Transit) to ensure a coordinated, seamless operation.
• Coordinate trial and investigation activities within assigned territories with the Trial Office to ensure proper investigation procedures are followed.
• Review and recommend improvements to fare collection techniques and procedures to maximize revenues and control payroll costs, particularly overtime.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and a positive influence to subordinates for personal growth and development, fostering an environment that respects individual differences and supports diversity.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel; provide career development, coaching, and counseling; and handle discipline or termination when necessary.
• Review and approve performance appraisals for direct reports.
• Promote safe work practices, provide safe working conditions, and ensure adherence to company safety policies and procedures.
• If Engine Service Qualified (ESQ) and not on the active-duty Locomotive Engineer Roster, provide Engine Service coverage during manpower shortages.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Business, Transportation, Computers, or a related field. Equivalent directly related experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree, a candidate may qualify with a High School Diploma and a minimum of ten years of demonstrated transportation experience, five of which must be in operations managerial or front-line supervisory roles.
• Minimum one year of experience as a seasoned manager or supervisor with the ability to manage change and build an effective, productive organization.
• Minimum one year of experience managing train crews, equipment, and/or schedules.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Fully qualified on the operating rules and physical characteristics of the LIRR, including Amtrak Zone A.
• Recent and progressively responsible management/supervisory experience in Transportation Operations.
• Strong operating background, including familiarity with FRA Regulations for Train, Track, and Equipment Operations and knowledge of crew and equipment manipulations.
• Experience with departmental or section budget responsibilities.
• Proven leadership, problem-solving, human relations, and written/oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to diplomatically engage all levels of the organization.
• Experience working effectively in a team environment within and beyond the department.
• Sophisticated understanding of situational awareness, situational leadership, and emotional intelligence.
• Expert analytical and judgment skills with the ability to make timely, effective decisions in stressful or emergency environments while maintaining professional integrity.
• Knowledge of operating budgets and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience handling labor relations/union issues and administering organizational policies and procedures.
• Experience developing policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to assess complex problems, develop strategic solutions, and implement corrective action plans efficiently.
• Self-starter capable of meeting deadlines and adapting to demanding changes with limited direction/support.
• Familiarity with Terminal Emergency Action Plans and other contingencies.
• Impeccable professional ethics, with the ability to manage change and build an effective, productive organization.
• Working knowledge of applicable software and computer applications.
• Availability consistent with 24/7 operational demands.
• Completion of the mandatory e-train curriculum (16 courses) for Level 1 managers.

Qualifications

• Train Service: Must have been fully qualified/certified as a Train Service Conductor.
• Operating Safety, Rules & Regulatory Compliance:
  • Extensive knowledge of CFR and FRA mandates.
  • Experience developing and implementing training classes and/or programs.
  • Proven ability to oversee and translate operating rules and practices into practical classroom applications.
• On-Board Revenue & Compliance:
  • Extensive knowledge of Fare Collection and the Manual of Instructions to Passenger Train Service Employees (ADL-205).
  • Strong customer service background and experience.
  • Knowledge of SMART contractual agreements is preferred.
  • Prior experience in analysis and/or auditing related to revenue collection is desired.
  • Experience with LIRR’s Revenue Central Support Systems (CSS) is preferred.
• Train Movement: Extensive knowledge in Train Movement and experience as a Supervisor-Train Movement in the Movement Bureau and/or PSCC.
• Capital Projects:
  • Extensive knowledge in Train Movement and experience as a Supervisor-Train Movement in the Movement Bureau and/or PSCC.
  • Qualified on the Rules of the Operating Department at the Train Dispatcher level.

Pay

$179,081.42 annually. Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience and are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Benefits

• Commuting Assistance: Complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts.
• Low-premium, high-quality health insurance plans with lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents.
• Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• 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.