Senior Program Director - Rail & Transit… at Parsons · New York

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At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking a dynamic Senior Rail & Transit Operations Planning Program Director to join our growing Rail and Transit business. This is a high-impact leadership role for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of operations planning, project delivery, and business development. The ideal candidate brings a doer-seller mentality, combining deep technical expertise with the ability to cultivate client relationships and drive strategic growth.

Reporting to the VP of Rail and Transit, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our major clients, leading operational planning and implementation for complex rail and transit programs across North America and globally.

Operations Planning & Project Delivery

• Lead the operational planning for brownfield upgrades, rail extensions, greenfield and new line transit implementations
• Develop migration, cutover, and transition strategies to support existing services during system upgrades and modernization efforts.
• Oversee implementation of critical operational systems including conventional and advanced train control, rolling stock, and State of Good Repair (SOGR) programs
• Prepare and draft SOPs, Rule Books, and operational documentation for signaling, rolling stock, stations, and other major transit assets
• Provide technical oversight of control center planning, layout, command and control structures, and HMI/user interfaces
• Monitor operational performance metrics and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and service delivery

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Support development of qualifications and bid documentation for traditional bid build, consulting, alternative delivery such as design-build, and P3 contract types and assignments
• Develop and present technical papers on Rail and Transit on the topic of operations, maintenance, and technology
• Advance Parsons' position and market share in integrated construction and delivery joint ventures
• Cultivate relationships with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and key stakeholders
• Prepare strategic growth initiatives to expand the Rail and Transit business portfolio

Project & Team Leadership

• Provide senior leadership and executive direction across various phases of mega rail programs
• Ensure on-schedule, on-budget delivery of work in accordance with contractual obligations
• Coordinate with project partners, contractors, suppliers, maintenance, engineering, operations, and systems assurance teams
• Establish and oversee Project Management Plans, Safety and QA/QC documentation
• Provide functional management of project staff as required
• Travel in support of projects and proposals as needed
• Required Qualifications
• 20+ years of operations experience with a transit agency, owner, or in an APM/subway/metro/commuter rail operations role
• 15+ years of experience supporting delivery of advanced train control systems in greenfield and brownfield environments
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, or relevant Engineering
• 10+ experience with alternative delivery projects, such as Design-Build and P3
• Proven track record in client-facing and industry roles at all levels
• Combination of hands-on experience in implementing enhancements to service delivery and asset modernization
• Experience liaising with regulatory bodies, government agencies and industry

Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of all modes of rail and transit operations
• Familiarity with systems governance, facilities, and services necessary to deliver passenger service
• Experience with control center operations, HMI design, and human factors
• Knowledge of asset management, O&M planning

Leadership & Business Development

• Doer-Seller Mentality: Ability to deliver technical excellence while identifying and pursuing growth opportunities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience developing operational strategies and long-term plans
• Ability to prepare winning proposals and qualification packages
• Track record of building and maintaining client relationships

Communication & Collaboration

• Effective verbal and written communication skills for client presentations, technical reporting, and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to work independently and as part of distributed teams across Canada and the US
• Experience communicating with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies at all levels
• Strong computer skills including MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Crisis management and post-incident analysis experience
• Understanding of budget development and cost accounting
• GCC or international rail operations experience

Security Clearance Requirement: None

This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.

For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people’s quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers’ visions—and to help them see what's next!

Salary Range: $176,900.00 - $332,400.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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