Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations

Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations

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What You Will Do

GFT seeks a Deputy Director, Transit and Rail – Operations to join our Transit & Rail Practice at any GFT location. This role follows a hybrid work model requiring regular office attendance.

Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks. Together, we’re transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

In this role, you will focus on advancing operational excellence
, client delivery
, and strategic growth across major transit operations, maintenance, and systems programs. The Deputy Director will provide executive-level leadership and technical guidance on projects involving bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail, commuter rail, and multimodal corridor operations. This position plays a key role in driving operational readiness, safety, and performance-based outcomes for clients nationwide while mentoring internal teams and advancing GFT’s reputation as a trusted partner to agencies and operators.

• Lead GFT’s operational consulting portfolio, including service delivery analysis, operations planning, strategic planning, growth, and quality management.
• Serve as a senior advisor to transit agencies on operational readiness for new or expanded BRT, LRT, and commuter rail corridors.
• Work with our T&R team in developing and implementing performance metrics and staffing strategies aligned with delivering our project portfolio.
• Ensure operational integration across planning, design, and startup phases—connecting GFT’s engineering and systems expertise with real-world operating needs.

• Oversee multidisciplinary project teams delivering transit and rail operations support, ensuring quality, compliance, and schedule performance.
• Act as Deputy Project Manager or Principal-in-Charge on key pursuits and contracts.
• Provide QA/QC review of deliverables, ensuring adherence to GFT’s ISO-aligned Quality Management System.
• Support project risk management, change control, and contract compliance activities.

• Support the Transit & Rail Director in executing GFT’s North American growth plan, emphasizing Transit and Rail Clients.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities with transit agencies, DOTs, and rail operators.
• Develop winning proposal strategies, scope frameworks, and pricing approaches for operations-related pursuits.
• Represent GFT in industry forums, panels, and conferences (e.g., APTA, TRB, Mpact, WTS).

• Mentor and develop technical and operational staff across GFT’s regional offices.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing and operational best-practice frameworks.

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in transit or rail operations management, planning, or consulting.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-agency operational initiatives or service startups.
• Strong understanding of FTA/FRA regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and O&M practices.
• Proven client relationship skills with the ability to communicate effectively at executive and technical levels.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• PMP, PE, AICP or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), or commuter rail service activation and system testing.
• Prior experience with NEPA-to-Operations transitions, FTA Small Starts/Capital Investment Grant…