Sr. Mgr, Metra University, Data Strat & Arch

Metra is America's fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

job title, task or skill

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Operations Training Department is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering training services for the Mechanical and Engineering Divisions. Training is delivered to comply with Federal Railroad Administration and OSHA regulations. The Mechanical Division audience includes Carmen, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, and Machinists. The Engineering Division audience includes the workforce employed by the Track, Signal, Capital Construction, Communications, Electrical Maintenance and Building/Bridges departments.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Metra University, Leadership and Professional Development, the Sr. Manager, Data Strategy and Learning Architecture leads a team of learning designers and drives data-informed learning strategies that support organizational performance; partner with stakeholders and subject matter experts; manages client relationships, oversees team performance and development; and ensures projects remain on track through KPI reporting, status updates, and executive briefings.

The position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and coaching.

The primary duties include:
Lead, develop, and coach a team of instructional designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and high performance. Analyze organizational performance data and workforce capability needs to inform learning strategies, establish team objectives, and support business goals. Oversee instructional design projects and programs, ensuring quality, timely delivery, resource alignment, and compliance with FRA regulatory requirements. Manage team performance through goal setting, coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations, addressing performance concerns as needed.

Establish project priorities, monitor scope, schedules, and resources, and provide leadership with regular KPI dashboards, status reports, and executive briefings. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster…