Senior Director- Operations Compliance & Performance

Position at Metro-North Railroad

Job Title:

Senior Director, Operations Compliance & Performance

Department:
Operations & Regulatory Practices

MTA Agency:
Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): 420 Lexington Avenue

Salary Range: $183,692 - $229,616

Regulated/Safety Sensitive:
Non-DOT Regulated/Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation:
Non-agreement

Closing Date (if applicable):
Until Filled

Shift (if applicable):

Title 55-a (yes or no):
Not Applicable

Other:
Telework eligible

ABOUT THE AGENCY

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Final date to receive applications.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director, Operations Compliance and Performance reports to the Senior Vice President, Operations and is responsible for directing the team that reviews inspection and performance programs across Metro-North Operations. The position ensures that Federal Railway Agency (FRA) mandated inspections, required tests, and operating performance records are accurate, timely, and properly documented. The Senior Director oversees audits and reviews to confirm results are reliable, deficiencies are identified, and corrective actions are carried out to completion.

The role also evaluates performance measures to verify accuracy of reporting and highlight areas requiring attention. This position provides the Senior Vice President, Operations with independent assessments of inspection and performance activities, ensuring Metro-North is prepared for FRA audits and meets regulatory and internal standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Develop, lead and manage the operational compliance program for the Maintenance of Way department (M of W), ensuring adherence to all relevant policies and procedures to ensure compliance with FRA regulations. Ensure deficiencies are identified, corrective actions are developed, and follow-up is tracked to completion. Recommend operational or procedural changes to improve reliability, accountability, and regulatory alignment. Direct short- and long-term regulatory oversight, planning, and compliance management strategies for the organization.

* Collaborate with department leaders to establish strategy, direction, methodology, policies, and guidelines for FRA compliance. Develop and implement management and administrative procedures to ensure adherence to all applicable regulations. Provide oversight and approval of regulatory interactions and ensure proper documentation and communication with governing agencies.

* Oversee all FRA-mandated inspections, testing programs, and reporting process to confirm compliance and the integrity of the data submitted. Leverage data analytics to monitor performance, identify compliance issues, create reports for senior management, and support data-driven decision making. Prepare executive-level reports and analyses that highlight risks, trends, and areas requiring attention.

* Confirm that required inspections and records are completed correctly, submitted on time, and retained in accordance with federal and internal standards. Oversee the scheduling, execution of railroad inspections and operating performance checks. Create a dashboard to document these inspections and checks to evaluate compliance and any trends.

* Represent Metro-North Operations during audits, inspections, and reviews conducted by the MTA, FRA, and other regulatory bodies. Support audit readiness and lead preparations for external FRA or third-party reviews based on FRA regulations and railroad standards.

* Provide the Senior Vice President, Operations with independent assessments of compliance and performance. Support special projects and assignments at the direction of the Senior…