Manager, Transportation Operations Support
: Job Details :

Job ID: 9598 Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road Location: Jamaica, NY, United StatesRegular/Temporary: Regular Department: Director - OSA Date Posted: Nov 19, 2024Description JOB INFORMATION Title: Manager- Transportation Operations Support Department: TransportationPost Date: 11/19/2024Close Date: 12/02/2024Hay Point Evaluation: 677Salary Range: $92,201 - $138,302Position Classification: Non Safety-SensitiveLocation: Queens/VariousReports To: Sr. Manager- Transportation Operations SupportThis is a Non-Represented Position.This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New Hires are eligible to apply 30 days after effective date of hire.THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO LIRR EMPLOYEES ONLY.Please note that this position has been designated as a Policy Maker pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics. SUMMARY: This position will lead all efforts pertaining to administrative & analytical support to the Transportation Department in order to ensure proper resources are available/allocated as required to achieve departmental/corporate goals. While the Manager Transportation Operations Support positions span four distinct areas of responsibility (Administration/Budgets/Crew Management/Statistical Analysis) the education/experience/skillset required for all are the same. The position(s) designated as Administration will be responsible for all administrative functions for the department including but not limited to the analysis of staffing levels, administration and oversight of departmental audits, corporate and departmental policies/procedures, human resource functions, payroll, and employee training/development. The position(s) designated as Budgets will assist with the planning, development, management, implementation and control of a cost-effective Operating, Capital/Reimbursable budget for the Transportation Department. The position(s) designated as Crew Management will manage the day-to-day activities of the Transportation Crew Management Office relative to crew dispatching, resource scheduling for vacation and personal days, general picks, payroll and absence control for over 1,700 operating, union employees. The position(s) designated as Statistical Analysis will be responsible for providing mission critical reports on operations performance, identifying system weaknesses and other departmental risks. The incumbent is responsible for the development and oversight of operations analysis such as but not limited to Fare Collection, Efficiency Testing, On-Time Performance, Operational Safety, Operating Statistics, Employee Databases, and Critical Risk Management. All positions are responsible to ensure proper interpretation and application of six different contractual agreements, work rules, Long Island Rail Road policies & procedures, along with providing statistical analysis of data relating to Transportation operations. RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Direct and oversee the planning, development and preparation of the Transportation Department annual and multi-year operating, reimbursable/Capital Budgets in conformity with OMB/MTA guidelines.
• Manage the monthly financial analysis process including the preparation and review of variance analysis of expenditures (ST/OT/Availability/Headcount/Non-Payroll/Reimbursable/etc.).
• Identify and articulate financial and operational risks and provide recommendations and/or initiate corrective actions in response to budget variances.
• Provide support, oversight/review and improvements to all processes related to accounts payable, procurement, contracts, and maintenance of the CTAM's system.
• Provide support, oversight/review and improvements to the Transportation Department relative to Human Resources administration, employee development, employee suggestion program, and management education and employee recognition initiatives.
• This position reviews and initiates improvements for the departmental communications and technological requirements and ensures the train crew cell phone initiative along with the departmental field radio initiative can sustain required demand levels. Work with IT to develop and implement a program to anticipate future technological needs to meet the objectives of the Transportation Department while maintaining a high-level of fiscal responsibility.
• This position will lead all efforts pertaining to the development, review, implementation and maintenance of the department's internal Policies & Procedures program.
• This position will be responsible for the oversight, coordination, review and response to all external audits.
• Establish and maintain LIRR electronic databases essential for train scheduling, timing, delay analysis, and performance documentation through partnerships with Service Planning, Information Technology, Revenue Compliance. Manage the input and editing of information into TIMACS, TPSS, Train Delay Recording, Data Warehouse, SAFER, and future systems.
• Conduct complex statistical analysis in support of operational performance, operational incidents and needs. Focus on performance improvement strategies and provide insight to root cause of anomaly information.
• Analyze the impact of new data capture tools, both customer facing and internal, with a focus on identifying actions to optimize performance.
• Manage and oversee data collection and dissemination of operating statistics on daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. Develop reports focusing on key statistics, based on daily detailed review of train performance logs.
• Create ad-hoc reports for high-visibility reports on operational data trends and analysis as needed. Answer statistical questions as they arise by Department management employees.
• Assist in managing all aspects of the daily (24/7) crew dispatching operation for the Train & Engine Service, Yardmasters, Telegraphers, Special Service, and Movement Bureau employees. Certify proper utilization of resources in the most cost-effective assignment of work to support the day to day operation of the trains in support of department and corporate goals (OTP, customer satisfaction) within collective bargaining agreements and union work rules. Conduct trend analysis and compile data to support and provide recommendations on ways the crew dispatching operation can be improved.
• Oversee and manage Crew Dispatcher training.
• Oversee general picks for train, engine and yardmasters. Oversee vacation picks for train and engine and all non-operation payroll.
• Interact with union officials in reviewing penalty and time claims and to resolve any complaints and/or inquiries regarding crew utilization and employee payments. Oversee and manage time slip verification process.
• Assist in managing all aspects of payroll processing for the Train & Engine service, Yardmasters, Telegraphers, Special Service, and Movement Bureau employees. Manage payroll systems (Kronos, PTS) including the direct input of all arbitrary and overtime payments.
• Oversee enforcement of the Absence Control Policy with regards to sick note submission, verification phone calls and possible at home checks. This position will also be the point of contact for any questions regarding run failures/AWOL/Lost Guarantees, absent control/attendance questions/time slips/hours of service.
• Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary.
• Maintain an accurate tracking system of Employee Availability including run failures, AWOLs, lost guarantees and Article 17. Oversee the scheduling of training classes for transportation employees (PTEP, engine certification, conductor training) and ensure critical scheduling is complete and accurate.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
• Provide operational assistance during major service disruptions.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree required. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials to include an additional four (4) years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Must possess extensive knowledge and experience (approximately 5 years combination) in the areas of data management & trend analysis, payroll processes/procedures, budget preparation/financial analysis, procurement/accounts payable, accounting, or human resource management; preferably in a Peoplesoft environment.
• Must have extensive knowledge/skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot-tables, utilizing advanced functions and charting tools) ; Microsoft Access (database design and query development).
• Must possess strong data management, analytical, and computer skills.
• Must possess strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
• Must be capable of multitasking various assignments while adhering to tight deadlines.
• Proficient in various software packages including Microsoft PowerPoint; Peoplesoft; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft Word.
• Must be available to work 24/7 during major service disruptions.

PREFERRED/DESIRABLE SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Management, Information Technology, or related field.
• Advanced degrees (MBA; MS-Information Systems; MPA).
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, crew management services.
• Experience with crew dispatching, resource scheduling, or related experience preferably in a unionized, operations environment.
• Prior supervisory experience preferably in a unionized organization.
• Qualified on the Rules of the Operating Department and physical characteristics.
• Familiarity with LIRR organizational (departmental) structure.

OTHER INFORMATION: In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A background investigation, medical examination, and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.