Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations

Description

• Represent GFT in industry forums, panels, and conferences (e.g., APTA, TRB, Mpact, WTS).
• Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing and operational best-practice frameworks.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities with transit agencies, DOTs, and rail operators.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Serve as a senior advisor to transit agencies on operational readiness for new or expanded BRT, LRT, and commuter rail corridors.
• Mentor and develop technical and operational staff across GFT’s regional offices.
• Support project risk management, change control, and contract compliance activities.
• Provide QA/QC review of deliverables, ensuring adherence to GFT’s ISO-aligned Quality Management System.
• Develop winning proposal strategies, scope frameworks, and pricing approaches for operations-related pursuits.
• Act as Deputy Project Manager or Principal-in-Charge on key pursuits and contracts.
• Ensure operational integration across planning, design, and startup phases — connecting GFT’s engineering and systems expertise with real-world operating needs.
• Support the Transit & Rail Director in executing GFT’s North American growth plan, with an emphasis on Transit and Rail Clients.
• Work with our T&R team in developing and implementing performance metrics and staffing strategies aligned with delivering our project portfolio.
• Lead GFT’s operational consulting portfolio, including service delivery analysis, operations planning, strategic planning and growth and quality management.
• Oversee multidisciplinary project teams delivering transit and rail operations support, ensuring quality, compliance, and schedule performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related discipline.
• PMP, PE, AICP or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), LRT, or commuter rail service activation and system testing.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Prior experience with NEPA-to-Operations transitions, FTA Small Starts/Capital Investment Grant projects, or value engineering.
• Experience leading teams within a consulting or design-build environment.
• Strong understanding of FTA/FRA regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and O&M practices.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in transit or rail operations management, planning, or consulting.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-agency operational initiatives or service startups.
• Proven client relationship skills with the ability to communicate effectively at executive and technical levels.

Benefits

• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance