Chief of Operations Planning, Scheduling & Strategy

At the MBTA we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe reliable and accessible transportation. MBTAs Core Values are built around safety service equity sustainability and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision mission and values. This includes attendance participation and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

The Chief of Operations Planning Scheduling & Strategy (OPSS) serves as the MBTAs senior leader for operational planning service design scheduling and performance strategy. The Chief provides vision direction and integrative leadership across Planning & Scheduling Alternative Service Planning Workforce Modernization Lean Strategy & Operations Analytics and Operations Policy all in support of the MBTAs Operational Modes. The Chief ofOperations Planning Scheduling & Strategywill report to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

This role ensures that MBTAs operational decisions are grounded in rigorous data analysis long-range system planning and continuous improvement principles. The Chief of OPSS drives initiatives that enhance service reliability optimize resource allocation strengthen workforce readiness and embed a culture of operational excellence across the organization.

The position requires a strategic thinker who can anticipate systemwide needs and proactively advance solutions in a complex operational environment. The Chief must exercise sound judgment maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate exemplary project management skillseffectively planning prioritizing and deploying staff and resources to deliver high-impact results on time and in alignment with MBTAs mission to provide safe reliable and equitable transit for all riders. Above all the Chief of OPSS must continuously collaborate with the operational modes to ensure the delivery of operational and service goals.

• Lead and integrate the functions of service planning scheduling and operational strategy across all modes of transit.
• Oversee the development and implementation of alternative service models and contingency planning.
• Drive the MBTAs Operations workforce modernization efforts including initiatives to ensure that workforce scheduling planning and related operations technology tools are providing superior functionality for the organization and MBTA customers
• Champion Lean methodologies and continuous improvement practices across Operations.
• Lead the Operations Analytics team to develop actionable insights that inform decision-making and performance improvement.
• Collaborate with the COO Deputy COO and other senior leaders to align planning and strategy with organizational goals.
• Represent Operations in cross-departmental initiatives capital planning and external stakeholder engagements.
• Ensure integration of service planning with capital projects maintenance schedules and customer experience goals.
• Supervise Directors and Managers across the OPSS portfolio fostering a culture of accountability innovation and collaboration.
• Prepare and present materials for executive leadership Board meetings and public forums.
• Serve as a key advisor to MBTA leadership on strategic planning operational readiness and policy development.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Direct supervision of multiple Director-level staff responsible for Planning Scheduling Workforce Strategy Lean Strategy & Analytics and 60 employees that help facilitate the day-to-day as well as long-term Operations strategy.

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution.
• Twelve (12) years experience in transit operations planning or leading strategic initiatives preferably in a large or highly regulated industry.
• Seven (7) years of experience managing staff and leading cross-functional teams or enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Have the ability to think strategically and develop creative solutions.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have the ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelors degree requirement.
• An Associates degree from an accredited institution with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelors degree requirement.
• A Masters degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Masters degree in a related field.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with transit scheduling software and workforce planning tools.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read comprehend communicate and respond to instructions orders signs notices inquiries English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston MA metro area as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a diverseworkforce team (or supervise if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules regulations collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO anti-discrimination anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate) including overall employment job performance discipline and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check comprehensive background screening and / or medical Clinic screening potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned directed or necessary for this position including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Numberprior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding working in their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary general nature and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties tasks and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicants responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines:Applicants should apply as soon as possible as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment:The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility:All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However if you have unrestricted work authorization or are sponsored by a separate entity you are welcome to all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews:Candidates should ensure they arrive on time are prepared can remain for the duration and if remote are in a quiet place without distraction for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling on a one-time basis and due to something emergent you may be allowed to reschedule the addition Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However should you need to reschedule you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions:Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions:Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff:During declared states of emergency employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process please contact the MBTAs ADA Unit at or .
11. Diversity Equity and Inclusion:The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms descriptions and definitions related to diversity equity inclusion veteran status and immediate family members that you may find on the application form please visit / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship orco-opat the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass based on the city from which the intern / co-opcommutes to workat no cost. However no additional benefits are currently offered for interns orco-ops.