Manager - Operations Compliance & Overtime Control

Opening:

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation.  MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective:

Assist in the preparation and monitoring of $310 Million-dollar Maintenance of Equipment Department annual Operating Budgets. Analyze historical statistical data compiled throughout the year (i.e., absences, vacancies, overtime, etc.) and assist in the coordination of all functions between Maintenance of Equipment and all non-operational departments. These functions include workforce management, non-payroll expenses, non-standard purchases, etc. This information is used in the preparation of the Maintenance of Equipment Department Operating and Capital Budget.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the $310 Million Annual Operating Budget, Operating Capital, and Capital budget submission. Monitor and control annual departmental non-payroll Expenses while coordinating with ACMOs and DACMOs to ensure fiscal accountability. Work as a liaison with the Financial Division to assist in achieving corporate goals.
• Compile and monitor statistical information to address current budget issues and develop budgetary guidelines to ensure proper accountability. Develop and monitor Payroll expense information including statistical information on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Establish statistical reports to identify PFNW, absences, and vacancies. Employee availability calculations for year-end comparison ensure that the AD MofE Field Operations controls vacancy levels to ensure the hiring plan does not exceed budget levels.
• Process and track departmental resource needs (i.e., new capital programs, equipment procurement, rehabilitation, and modifications to rolling stock). Coordinate all departmental equipment purchasing requests and ensure these requests are submitted in Operating and Operating Capital Budgets. Coordinate, monitor, and supervise all non-stock requisitions and contractual services expenses processing to ensure budget impacts were processed for the department.
• Position Control - Monitor and document changes to budgeted positions within the department (approx. 1,700 agreement and non-agreement positions). Monitor and process all related position (PUR) activity to ensure meets budgeted manning levels. Coordinating requests for departmental manning changes during financial submissions. Assist in preparation and justification of position increases.
• Assist in coordination of major departmental projects or changes in company processes. This would include the implementation of the Kronos payroll system or associated upgrades and module expansions to include training and establishing departmental policies and documentation. Represent mechanical Department during transition periods to new systems (i.e., INFOR) as well as identifying impacts to the department and required associated policy changes.
• Coordinate FSR Warranty Program Billing and all costs associated with pre-acceptance of rolling stock. Ensure all third-party expenses are billed according to contractual agreements.
• Prepare policy and procedure documentation for distribution to field locations. Establish Internal Controls for processes handled by the departmental budget group, including payroll processing, non-payroll, and contractual compliance.

Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of financial analysis, budget preparation and/or statistical data.
• Strong working knowledge of MS office suite and/or comparable applications (i.e., Excel, Access, Word etc.)
• Ability to interact with all levels of management.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong math and statistical skills
• Ability to manage projects with adherence to deadlines.
• Excellent collaborative skills
• Ability to be flexible and work effectively under pressure from within and outside the department.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

The following is/are preferred:

• Knowledge of Metro-North's daily railroad operations.
• Extensive knowledge of the Hyperion financial system, People Soft various modules, and Kronos payroll systems or related systems.

Required Education/Experience/Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Accounting, Finance, Business Administration) or demonstrated equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5 years of blended experience in an operating, budget, accounting, and/or related financial environment.
• Three years of experience managing a support staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the Capital project assignments. Including the development of all required plans, specifications, and Quality Assurance Compliance programs.

• Provide engineering, design, and manage the engineering and design between the capital projects and operational departments.

• Manage the budgets and schedules for capital communication projects.
• Research, Develop, and institute new technologies to assist Metro-North in obtaining corporate goals.

• Review and approve documentation including schedules, design documents, and submittals prepared by consultants or vendors relative to communication projects.

• Assist in establishing standards for the Communication and Signal Department and participate in Metro-North Railroad safety programs.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Project or Primavera.

• Excellent written and verbal Communication Skills.

• Knowledge of project management skills.

• Effective interpersonal skills at all organizational levels.

• Broad background in technology used in communication systems.

• Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission requirements.

• Knowledge of accounting, budget, and payroll processes.

• Strong knowledge of safety policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs.

• Must be available 24 hours/7 days a week as required.

The following is/are preferred:

• Familiarity with Metro-North operations, policies, and procedures

• Familiarity with a basic understanding of railway signal systems

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a transportation related industry with a combination of communication systems, signal systems, and related technologies and equipment.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing Engineering, Capital Programs, Labor Management, Budget processes and/or Manpower control

Other Information

This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to toxicological testing.

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at www.mta.info

How To Apply:

Qualified applicants can submit an online application by clicking on the 'APPLY NOW' button from either the CAREERS HOME page or the JOB DESCRIPTION page.

For instructions on completing the online application, go to the MTA intranet site and click on the PeopleSoft Information hyperlink. From there select the User Guides hyperlink to gain access to the "Viewing/Applying for Jobs Online" guide under the Recruiting section of the page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.