PAI is seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Manager to support a major New York City subway modernization initiative. The consultant will lead planning and implementation activities that prepare subway operations and maintenance functions to transition from conventional signaling to Communication Based Train Control. The role requires deep transit operations knowledge, organizational transformation leadership, CBTC understanding, and the ability to coordinate senior leaders, technical departments, support functions, and frontline stakeholders across a complex public transportation environment.
Essential Responsibilities
· Lead development and implementation of the operational readiness and transformation plan.
· Define organizational changes needed to support centralized CBTC operations and maintenance.
· Assess gaps in skills, processes, and resources and recommend practical solutions.
· Oversee implementation milestones, new workflows, systems, and procedures.
· Monitor progress and adjust readiness strategies when needed.
· Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, IT, Finance, Procurement, Training, Signals & Train Control, Safety, Workforce Development, and Capital Programs.
· Identify resource and funding needs and support alignment with agency strategic objectives.
· Communicate transformation requirements to leaders and frontline staff.
· Plan and facilitate workshops and training sessions.
· Integrate readiness activities with governance, compliance, safety, and reporting frameworks.
· Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement for future modernization efforts.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience Extensive transit operations and maintenance experience, preferably in a large urban rail system.
CBTC Strong understanding of CBTC systems and their operational implications.
Leadership Proven ability to lead organizational change and implement transformation initiatives.
Coordination Demonstrated ability to work across a large, multi-layered organization.
Communication Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Competencies Operational strategy, transformation leadership, transit O&M, change management, organizational development, broad stakeholder collaboration, governance, and compliance.
