Job Application for Rail O&M Planning Manager at Luster National

About the Position

Are you a seasoned professional with a proven track record in rail operations and maintenance planning? We are seeking a highly skilled Rail O&M Planning Manager to lead the development of strategic short- and long-term plans for passenger rail systems. In this role, you will ensure seamless integration of operating and facility plans into project design, construction, and operations, while driving innovation through updated design criteria and performance optimization. From managing advanced simulation models to overseeing system expansion requirements, this position offers the opportunity to shape the future of rail transportation.

This is a long-term, full-time, on-site position located in the greater Houston metro area.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the oversight and management of rail operational programs, ensuring alignment with client goals and objectives. Responsibilities include setting project goals and performance benchmarks, monitoring progress, and making recommendations to achieve desired outcomes.
Coordinate activities within rail operations to support peak safety performance, operational efficiency, and productivity. Provide guidance on the development and delivery of projects from inception to close-out, ensuring they are completed on time and within scope and budget. Offer expert consultation to maintain cost-effective delivery of all rail transportation services.
Facilitate effective leadership and management practices across our client's rail operations staff to support organizational goals related to safety, on-time performance, and customer service. Encourage coordination and collaboration between rail operations and other departments to enhance customer experience.
Develop recommendations and presentations for our client’s executive management on rail operations topics, including safety initiatives, operational changes, rule and process updates, incident investigations, long-term strategies, and impacts of engineering projects on operations.
Collaborate with our client to develop, implement, and administer emergency service plans for incidents such as accidents, emergencies, service disruptions, inclement weather, natural disasters, and special events. Act as an advisor in the development of emergency-related communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders. Assist in incident investigation and response as needed.
Oversee and advise on the management of track access and special events planning and execution, ensuring proper coordination with our client and other stakeholders.
Provide oversight and consultation for planned rail disruptions, working closely with client departments to ensure adherence to track maintenance schedules and support for rail-related capital projects.
Assist in developing and managing budgets and operational forecasts for rail operations, including capital expenditures, labor resources, and materials and supplies (M&S). Offer recommendations to identify opportunities for cost containment and revenue generation where applicable.
Provide strategic support to project leaders, ensuring alignment and collaboration across our client’s rail operations and OCC. Address critical operational issues.

Skills and Attributes

Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Possess excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
Possess excellent problem solving and analytical abilities.
Possess excellent adaptability and flexibility.
Possess exceptional attention to safety and detail.
Possess excellent collaboration skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Transportation/Logistics, Transportation/Urban Planning, Engineering, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
8+ years’ work experience with progressive responsibility in rail operations.
Thorough understanding of train operations, signaling systems, track layouts, and scheduling procedures.
Familiarity with engineering drawings, design standards, and relevant technical specifications for rail infrastructure.
Expertise in track maintenance, rolling stock inspection, infrastructure repairs, and preventative maintenance strategies.
Thorough understanding and strict adherence to all railway safety regulations and procedures.
Experience identifying potential safety hazards and implementing preventative measures.
Experience leading effective responses to safety incidents and conducting thorough investigations.
Ability to utilize specialized rail operations and maintenance planning software, data analysis tools, and scheduling systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).

Preferred Qualifications

PMP certification (PMI).
Certified Professional Logistician (CPL-QRB).

Compensation Details

The salary range listed for this role is $125k-$200k/yr; $60-$96/hr. The final salary offered is based on multiple factors and is thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, etc.

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!

Unlimited Flexible Time Off
Paid Holidays
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent/Elder Care)
Long Term Disability Insurance
Short Term Disability Insurance
Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
401(k) Plan with Guaranteed Employer Contribution
Formal Career Planning and Development Program
$2,500 Annually Towards Professional Development
Wellness Program with Monthly Wellness Stipend
Company Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan Reimbursement
Personalized Meal Planning & Nutrition Support With a Registered Dietitian
Financial Planning Services
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Discounts
Employee Referral Bonus #IN-LNJS

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.

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Rail O&M Planning Manager

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