EVP & Chief Operating Officer

Basic Function

This position is a strategic partner in the direction and leadership of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (METRO) executive departments and management team. Responsible for overall activities related to operating a reliable and safe delivery of METRO’s public transit service. Ensures that METRO’s fleet is consistently and increasingly safe, dependable, and clean through development of appropriate programs and procedures.  Creates and prepares business plans, related budgets, directs, administers and coordinates departmental programs, projects and activities.  Coordinates the efforts of their executives and works with them to develop current and future objectives and policies that result in achieving METRO’s goals.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
• Directs the activities associated with the daily operation of METRO’s public transit service and customer experience.
• Formulates and recommends new modified policies, procedures and objectives as required to meet and sustain METRO goals.
• Ensures that schedules for regular inspections of services, equipment and facilities are established and maintained to ascertain achievement of established standards, develops methods for improvement.
• Formulates, recommends, and implements long and short-range plans for enhancement of Operations programs, including appropriate application of advanced technology.
• Ensures availability of competent personnel for the operation of all functions, and ensures they are properly trained and knowledgeable of all appropriate applications of advanced technology.
• Develops and recommends the specifications for new equipment, parts, and/or supplies, in accordance with METRO’s long-range plans and objectives.
• Prepares and monitors comprehensive budget for objectives, personnel, materials, and funds required to facilitate the operation of METRO’s annual service plan.
• Develops and provides Operations input and reviews the aspects of projects and plans developed or otherwise sponsored by METRO, including development and implementation of light rail operations.
• Ensures that provisions of the Labor Agreement are uniformly understood and properly interpreted and administered.  May represent management in labor negotiations as required.
• Responsible for all department equipment, facilities, and materials.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelors’ Degree in Public or Business Administration or related degree or equivalent experience.

Years & Experience Required

Requires a minimum of twelve to fifteen years’ experience in high level managerial positions with five years in a corporate or executive level management capacity; experience in transportation operations including developing, implementing and directing all related programs for Bus, Rail and Specialized Transit. Experience in complex budgetary and audit processes, including financial reporting; experience related to effective organization and personnel management, and related administrative processes.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge of the transportation and maintenance industry.  Knowledge and previous experience in labor relations and contract negotiations.  Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form and before Board and/or large groups of people.  Excellent administrative, interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills.

Additional Information

METRO has engaged Krauthamer & Associates (“K&A”), a retained executive search firm, to assist with the recruitment of the EVP & Chief Operating Officer. Interested parties should contact Gregg Moser, Partner at K&A, via email at gmoser@kapartners.com to obtain more information or to apply for the position with an attached cover letter and resume.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.