Lead Project Manager-DEDA

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Contracts & Special Projects: The Contracts & Special Projects Division within the ADEDA Department performs the management and periodic renegotiation of operating contracts with other railroads; acts as a resource within the agency regarding contractual rights and responsibilities; and manages special projects of agency significance including employee engagement-related functions.

Reporting to the Director, Rail Contract Management & Special Projects the Lead Project Manager-DEDA leads administrative projects of significant magnitude impacting multiple departments across the agency, supervises and provides guidance and training to assigned project managers, and enhance and document administrative project management principles.

The primary duties include: Lead special projects of agency-wide significance involving collaboration with interdepartmental stakeholders, interfacing with senior leadership, and engaging with external stakeholders. Define project scope, objectives, and budgets; develop comprehensive plans and schedules; and establish milestones, identify risks, and resolve issues to keep projects within schedule and budget. Assign, supervise, review, and evaluate the work of project managers; serve as advisor/backup supervisor to section staff; and function as subject-matter-expert on project management best practices. Maintain project files; track progress, milestones, and performance goals; and confer with team members and stakeholders in identifying risks, resolving issues, and achieving project goals and objectives. Communicate project status to team members and prepare regular reports apprising senior leadership. Develop standard operating procedures; design tools, templates, and electronic reports; and recommend new technology to advance project management functions. Create and deliver training to department staff on project management principles, procedures, and software. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree OR in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in project management.
2. In addition to #1 above, must have seven years of professional level experience developing, implementing, and managing administration projects that include a combination of the following: workflow management, process mapping, stakeholder management, change management, interacting with senior leadership, and writing program or business proposals.
3. Considerable knowledge of project management principles, techniques, and tools.
4. Considerable knowledge of business processes and organizational management principles.
5. Good knowledge of contract administration and procurement principles.
6. Knowledge of public transportation principles, programs, and challenges.
7. Considerable project management skills.
8. Considerable organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10. Good conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement skills.
11. Skilled at developing, updating, and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs).
12. Demonstrated resourcefulness in identifying alternatives to achieve objectives.
13. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 products, Microsoft Project or other project management software.
14. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and identify and engage appropriate stakeholders.
15. Ability to identify organizational gaps or weaknesses and develop and implement creative solutions.
16. Ability to provide leadership and foster teamwork by working cooperatively and effectively with others to establish goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance programs.
17. Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize efforts with a sense of urgency.
18. Ability to work efficiently under pressure and within tight deadlines.
19. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
22. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.