Senior Director

Description

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

Direct the inspection and testing of a wide spectrum of materials procured by the MTA agencies, including safety-critical materials and materials with state and federal mandates, to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations for the maintenance of infrastructure and safety of the riding public. Manage the $65 million Worldwide Technical Inspection Services contract and 10 chemical/mechanical testing contracts valued in excess of $14 million with demonstrated ability to manage a diverse staff and work effectively in a high-profile, high-pressure environment with multiple objectives/goals and stakeholders from different levels of the Agency. Use technical skills (quantitative and analytical) to determine the efficacy of inspection policies and procedures, as well as arrive at decisions related to the quality of materials. Represent Vendor Relations in internal and external meetings regarding material quality assurance and inter-agency audits.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage the Worldwide Technical Inspection Services Contract and laboratory contracts that cover the inspection and testing of materials used by the Department of Subway, Department of Buses, the NYCT Depots, and Construction & Development to ensure that compliant materials are delivered to the MTA.
• Chair the Qualified Product List (QPL) Committee. Advise 10 Operating Departments on Public Authorities Law, Section 1209, to promote competition while acknowledging those products and specific conditions that will require restricted awards. Provide technical guidance and assistance regarding the assignment of Inspection Notes to commodities based on safety, quality, reliability, and/or compatibility.
• Monitor budgets for 9 contracts (including review and final approval of 108 invoices annually) and oversee staff such that contracts remain within budgetary limits and the inspection program is properly staffed. Routinely analyze the budget for deviations and potential root causes. Determine adequate staffing to sustain a robust inspection program that is not interrupted and continues to verify/reinforce the delivery of compliant materials to MTA.
• Waivers that address the delivery of non-conforming materials are decided by a panel comprised of the User Department and Inspections & Testing. In certain situations, for certain materials, the Senior Director will make the final decision regarding the acceptance of a waiver after an inspection resulted in rejected materials.
• Coordinate Special Projects in excess of 50 projects annually on behalf of the User Departments to research and develop new materials, technologies, process improvements, as well as analyze material challenges and failures. Provide the “research and development” arm to the Operating Departments. Facilitate Special Projects by finding and coordinating with accredited laboratories and vendors able to address/investigate material questions through testing and results.
• Manage the quality audits, exceeding 50 audits annually, performed at vendor facilities to qualify manufacturing processes of new vendors, monitor existing vendors, and rehabilitate vendors experiencing recurring quality issues. Review audit reports to ascertain consistencies or inconsistencies with inspection results. Implement corrective measures for those vendors requiring rehabilitation.
• Be the repository of institutional knowledge relative to the quality of materials, valued at$1B annually, for the Operating Departments, Office of System Safety, QPL Committee, and C&D for use in the research of new technologies and Materials, as well as to provide continuity during times of leadership changes and attrition. 
• Policies and Procedures:
  • Advise and uphold guidelines of Public Law regarding competition and the procurement of quality products, and approve or reject changes/additions to Commodity Management System descriptions as Chair of the Qualified Products List Committee.
  • Approve all protocols used in inspections and resulting pass/fail determinations of materials. Approve or reject requests (waivers) from User Departments to accept rejected materials. Recurring waivers are referred to the Assistant Deputy Chief for consultation with the User Department. Assist Operating Departments in the revision of existing specifications and/or procedures and the development of new ones.
  • Coordinate and manage with the Assistant Deputy Chief confidential reviews, audits, and investigations related to a vendor’s performance on inspections.
  • Design and implement corrective courses of action for poorly-performing vendors.
• Personnel:
  • Cross-train staff on all areas of expertise within the Inspections & Testing unit. Approve all consultants and sub-consultants assigned to the inspection program.
  • Recommend personnel changes/additions to the Assistant Deputy Chief to ensure continuation of the inspection program without interruption.
  • 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 the performance of staff.
  • Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Budget:
  • Approve invoices in excess of $10 million annually, with monthly summaries to the Assistant Deputy Chief. Significant challenges to invoicing (e.g., delays in invoicing for several months, delays in payments over several months, recurring irregularities in invoices, etc.) are elevated to the Assistant Deputy Chief.
  • Prepare and provide explanations semi-annually to OMB regarding budget allocations, spending over-/under-runs
  • accountable for overseeing and evaluating contractor performance, where applicable
  • Observing the work performed by the contractor, reviewing invoices, and approving them if the work meets contractual standards.
  • Addressing performance issues with the contractor when possible, and escalating issues to other parties as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have technical knowledge of the properties of materials and associated specifications.
• Must have strong project management and budget experience.
• Must have knowledge of American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), NYS Building Code, and associated regulations.
• Must have experience in managing professional and science-based technicians and managers, including professional engineers.
• Must have experience with quality audits and the inspection and testing of critical materials in large manufacturing or service areas.
• Must have the ability to read shop and engineering drawings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry. A degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 8 years related experience, including at least 4 years in a department head and/or managerial and/or leadership role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Attainment of or in the process of attaining a P.E. license from New York State.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.