Senior Program Director - Rail & Transit Operations Planning

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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

• Ex