Deputy Executive Director, Project Delivery and Caltrain Moderization chez San Mateo County Transit District, CA

About the Department

The Deputy Executive Director, Project Delivery and Caltrain Modernization, reports to the Caltrain Executive Director. This position is responsible for all systemwide engineering, capital program management including capital renewal, and project delivery initiatives for Caltrain including the oversight of Caltrain Modernization program which includes continued integration with California High Speed Rail, the Portal project and the Diridon station project. This position is a member of the executive team responsible for ensuring that the program is delivered in line with Caltrain’s priorities and long-term vision and objectives. It oversees the overall strategic growth of the department to ensure that staff and other resources are appropriately identified and deployed to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity.  The position will be charged with ensuring that programs are implemented according to industry’s best practices and in alignment and coordination with departments such as Safety, Quality Assurance, Operations, Planning, Commercial Development, Government and Community Affairs.  The Deputy Executive Director is responsible for developing and growing productive strategic relationships with JPA member agencies, community stakeholders, regulators and other entities to successfully deliver Caltrain’s programs.

Position Duties

• Provides strategic leadership by defining Caltrain’s program management strategy for Engineering, Program Delivery, Program Management, and Caltrain Modernization.
• Determines project priorities consistent with Caltrain’s long-term vision and objectives. 
• Responsible for ensuring optimal resource allocation and utilization across critical projects to maximize efficiency and productivity. 
• Responsible for the establishment of accountability and governance structures within the departments and among projects. 
• Responsible for monitoring project performance, tracking key metrics, and ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality standards. 
• Responsible for ensuring all projects meet the established goals and deliver expected benefits.?
• Leads the coordination with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the application of industry best practices in alignment with federal, state, local and organizational policies, processes and procedures for Caltrain.
• Function as Executive Director in their absence as needed.
• Represents Caltrain with federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders on matters related to railroad engineering and project delivery.
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

• Responsible for oversight of the development and management of engineering design, design review, and approval processes and procedures.
• Oversee the development and management of capital program management including project controls and standards.
• Oversee the EMU and BEMU programs.
• Oversee complex multijurisdictional projects including CA High-Speed Rail Blended System, the Portal and the Diridon station.
• Provide direction and guidance for the Engineering and Project Delivery teams including oversight of the development and implementation of QA/QC, TAM, and configuration management program policies and procedures in coordination with railroad Operations and Safety, Quality and Compliance.
• Promotes change management and innovation?in engineering and project management practices while facilitating continuous improvement.
• Provide regular reports to Caltrain Executive Director, and the Board of Directors on the progress of capital programs and engineering projects.
• Foster strong cross functional collaboration across all organizational subdivisions to ensure the delivery of a safe and reliable Caltrain corridor.
• Represent Caltrain at regulatory, intergovernmental, and private sector meetings. Work closely with community leaders and members, neighborhood councils, business, property owners, neighborhood groups and public/private organizations related to rail development initiatives, policies, and programs.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience at an executive level in leading and managing civil or rail engineering, construction management, or public works project management functions in a large, complex, and highly integrated organization.
• Five (5) years management experience managing senior level leaders.  

• Experience with commuter rail or rail transit is desirable.
• Registered Professional Engineer in the State of California. 
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations as they relate to railroad structures and systems engineering and construction project management.
• Experience with delivering projects on the ROW of operating railroad is desirable.
• Sound leadership, communications and problem-solving skills.
• Provide a valid California driver’s license with a safe driving record or the ability to obtain one within six months.

Other Qualifications

**New salary band pending board approval**