Greater Richmond Transit Company

Job Description:

This position will report directly to the CEO and also provide information to the MV senior management team as requested. This position directs all operational functions, ensuring the highest standards of safety and service quality. The COO plays a strategic role in positioning the system within the region as a world class regional transportation system.  The COO works with staff to ensure that GRTC is a well-managed system that operates with prudent fiscal responsibility.  The COO assists the CEO with managing the Collective Bargaining Agreement and building positive working relationships with Union leadership in order to work toward common goals.

The scope of responsibility includes the directing, managing, supervising, coordinating and strategic leadership in all facets of operations management.  The position is responsible for day-to-day operations, overseeing the functions of the Maintenance (fleet and facility) and Transportation Departments, safety and security, labor relations management, and contract negotiations.

Will work with CEO to develop, implement and direct budgets, goals, objectives, and strategic business plans.

Oversees the management of all operational matters to attain GRTC’s department objectives.

Monitors the operations of the organization as a whole and makes recommendations to the CEO for quality enhancements.

Will coordinate activities within transit operations to assure peak performance and productivity as well as conformance with established or mandated external regulations and policies affecting GRTC operations.

Will provide counsel to the CEO on significant matters affecting transit operations and policies.

Will perform and oversee projects, studies and investigations at the direction of the CEO.

Will create a safety vision for the company, adopt the agency’s safety rules, policies and procedures, and communicates safety expectations to the entire agency.

Responds as needed to media inquiries as directed by CEO.

Keeps MV staff and senior management apprised of key matters, especially those relating to the Board of Directors.

Ensures that all financial and key performance metrics are managed continuously, exceptions are reported and action plans are developed to ensure the company meets its financial, safety and operational expectations.

Recommends, implements, promotes and adheres to company policies and procedures.

Works with CEO in developing triennial labor contract strategies and successfully negotiating a labor contract that can be passed by the union and is advantageous to the company.

Supervises departments as assigned by the CEO.  Provides guidance and manages department heads and managerial staff.

Evaluates the organizational structure and operating procedures of each department and, as needed, makes recommendations for changes and improvements to the CEO.

Manages and provides oversight of the Para-transit management contract to ensure quality service delivery that is meeting or under expected budget.

Continue to meet diversity hiring needs and contributes to ensuring that the EEO policies and programs are carried out.

Represents the CEO and GRTC in general in communicating with and handling matters related to the public and customer service.

Represents the CEO at meetings and events as required.

Job Requirements:

City and County Government and intergovernmental relationships.

Public Administration, Transportation Planning, and Governmental institutional framework.

Principles of report writing and presentation.

Principles of transit scheduling and planning.

Funding, grants, operational budgeting and federal financing regulations.

Current best practices of leadership and management.

Federal, state and local regulations regarding the provision of public transportation and accessible Para-transit service.

Collective bargaining agreements, NLRA and labor negotiating practices.

Policies, regulations and guidelines governing public agency procurement.

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related degree is required.

Labor relations experience is preferred, preferably with a transit related union.

Must have strong leadership and project management skills, and the ability to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment.

Minimally 8 years of transit experience required.

Minimally 8 years of staff management experience is required.

History of progressively responsible leadership with demonstrated leadership skills.

Must exhibit capacity to quickly assimilate information and analyze data.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and high degree of executive level project management experience.

Helpful Experience:

To decipher and present complex information to high level audiences such as Boards, City Administration, Political Entities, etc.

Draw responsible conclusions and make sound decisions.

Evaluate various alternatives and recommend the one that best meets the business needs of the company without regard to personal biases.

Direct and evaluate policy and program efforts to achieve the goals and objectives of the Board and GRTC.

To be proactive to avoid problems before they become an issue.

To effectively manage and sensitively communicate to diverse groups with competing interests in order to build consensus and solve problems.

Strong demonstrated ability to exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive material and confidential issues.

Strong demonstrated ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy, both orally and in writing.