Remote- Operational Readiness Manager (ORM)

Position Title: Operational Readiness Manager (ORM)

Project Background

The MTA C&D is seeking an Operational Readiness Manager to lead the development and implementation of a transformation plan to transition the Department of Subways (DOS) from the operation and maintenance of its legacy hardware-driven conventional signaling systems to modern CBTC operations and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Transformation Planning: Develop a comprehensive operational readiness and transformation plan for DOS; define organizational changes required to support centralized CBTC operations and maintenance; and identify gaps in skills, processes, and resources to propose workable solutions.
• Implementation Oversight: Supervise the execution of the transformation plan, ensuring milestones are met; coordinate with internal stakeholders to implement new workflows, systems, and procedures; and monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
• Resource & Funding Coordination: Engage with senior leadership and multiple MTA departments (Operations, Maintenance, IT, Finance, Procurement, Training) to identify resources and funding for readiness initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader MTA strategic objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships across key MTA divisions (Operations, Signals & Train Control, Safety, Workforce Development, and Capital Programs); communicate changes and readiness requirements to leadership and frontline staff; and facilitate workshops and training sessions.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure all operational readiness activities comply with MTA standards and safety regulations, integrating readiness planning into program governance and reporting frameworks.
• Continuous Improvement: Capture lessons learned, refine readiness strategies for future modernization efforts, and promote a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement within DOS.

Candidate Qualifications & Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Management, Engineering, or related field.
2. Extensive experience in transit operations and maintenance, preferably in a large urban rail system
3. Proven ability to lead organizational change and implement transformation initiatives.
4. Strong understanding of CBTC systems and their operational implications.
5. Demonstrated ability to coordinate across a large, multi-layered organization.
6. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
7. Core competencies:
   1. Operational strategy and transformation leadership.
   2. Transit operations and maintenance expertise.
   3. Change management and organizational development.
   4. Stakeholder collaboration across broad organizational structures.
   5. Governance and compliance adherence.