Program Manager, Light Rail Transit Operations

The Role

Supervises day to day contract administration related to transit-rail systems vehicle and infrastructure maintenance, repairs, and the addition of new vehicles. Prepares reports and recommendations to Manager related to service performance data against quality assurance standards and agreement specifications. Provides technical expertise related to light rail transit operations, vehicles, and infrastructure maintenance practices. 

Duties/Responsibilities

Supervises a vehicle and infrastructure maintenance technologist. Administers contracts for vehicle and infrastructure maintenance/ repairs, new vehicles, and consultants; monitors quality of work to ensure compliance with agreement specifications. 

Supervises the implementation and maintenance of contract monitoring/ audit plans to ensure contractor compliance with project agreement specifications, designs, schedules, and quality assurance and safety standards. Develops auditing/ monitoring processes to ensure project work is reviewed/verified and documented, including acceptance of work. 

Provides technical and commercial expertise/ leadership related to transit-rail systems vehicle and infrastructure (e.g., system requirements analysis, design, interface management, safety analysis, installation, systems integration, testing and commissioning, light rail vehicles, signalling/train control, communications). 

Supervises the inspection, documentation, and initiation of warranty claims on behalf of the Region. Reviews warranty claims made against the Region. Monitors warranty issues to closure.

Resolves escalated, complex, and technical project issues and risks with contractor where work performed deviates from agreement, including warranty issues with manufacturer. Recommends payment hold-backs to Manager for work that does not meet quality assurance standards. 

Monitors project performance against business objectives. Prepares status updates and reports for Manager and senior management.

Liaises with departmental staff/ management regarding municipal projects that may impact operations. 

Participates on departmental project teams involved with planning and implementing of service expansions and infrastructure projects. Defines the need for concept, preliminary, and detailed design alternatives. Liaises/ provides support to communications team. 

Represents the Region at public consultation meetings. Investigates and responds to public complaints.

Assists Manager to develop changes to policy, project agreement specifications, and overall work plans with contractors to improve contract administration, effectiveness, and service delivery. 

Ensures project compliance with design standards, and municipal/provincial/federal codes. 
 
Communicates with Ministries and regulatory agencies regarding funding opportunities. Conducts presentations/ tours to agencies, groups, and stakeholders.

Resolves technical problems and ensures follow up on warranty issues with dealers and manufacturers.

Performs related duties as required.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of light rail transit operations, maintenance (including systems, repairs, and replacement strategies), vehicles and their systems (including wayside systems), engineering and technical components, and operational, administrative, and financial planning, normally acquired through an engineering degree, plus progressively responsible related experience.

Must be licensed and in good standing as a Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario, or be a member in good standing holding a Limited License in the area of practice(s), issued by the PEO. For those trained outside of Canada, equivalency will be determined by the PEO. Participates in activities to maintain professional license.

Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, and related legislation (e.g., health and safety, labour relations, employment standards, Highway Traffic Act, Transport Canada). Ability to ensure compliance with the project agreement.

Analytical, organizational, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to research and identify trends; evaluate, develop, and implement operational plans including monitoring/ audit program; and resolve issues.

Leadership, human relations, and negotiation skills to supervise, develop, motivate, train, and support staff; negotiate and resolve issues with contractor/service provider related to issues of non-compliance; communicate effectively with management, staff, and the public; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public; present to the public and senior staff; and participate as an effective team member.

Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office. 

Ability to read and interpret industry/technical publications, reports, manuals, legislation, engineering and systems documentation, and contracts. Ability to write policies, procedures, reports, budgets, correspondence, and other documents for senior management.

Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region. 

Ability to adjust schedule to work evening and weekend hours in special circumstances, as required. 

Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities