Senior Manager, Planning & Development

Senior Manager, Planning & Development

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, the operator of the METROLINK Regional Passenger Rail System, is seeking a Senior Manager, Planning & Development. This role provides leadership and oversight for the Planning and Development Department, managing a wide range of planning activities. The Senior Manager will direct and execute initiatives related to regional, multi-modal transportation operations, longer-term service growth, capital program development, business initiatives and organizational initiatives, and environmental review projects to support the continued growth and sustainability of Metrolink.

Applications will be reviewed, and those most qualified will be forwarded to the hiring authority for consideration. Applications will be reviewed starting November 12, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This job description is not part of a job series and is classified above the Planning Manager series. At this level, incumbents will be able to work with minimal direction and exercise sound judgement; and serve as subject matter experts. They possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience necessary to manage multiple complex projects effectively.

Receive general oversight from the director or executive-level management. Responsible for supervising and monitoring the performance of a regular group of employees or a department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Responsible for full management responsibility for many departmental services and activities.
• Ensure clarity around priorities and goals for the entire functional area.
• Oversee project management activities, including but not limited to task identification, work effort estimates, work schedules, and tracking.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of the assigned program budget and monitor expenditures.
• Monitor and evaluate staff to establish training needs within the department and ensure objectives and expectations are met.
• Participate in hiring, training, and disciplinary actions.
• Evaluate and forecast staff requirements and schedules.
• Delegate and review work assignments and conduct performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with SCRRA managers, departments, and other groups to accomplish mutual organizational and departmental objectives.
• Conduct complex planning, forecasting, implementation, funding, and analytical projects and programs.
• Assume management responsibility for major transportation and research studies and projects.
• Apply, develop, and evaluate analytical, quantitative, and statistical tools and their results.
• Provide technical support and make presentations to public and private groups on Metrolink projects and programs.
• Participate in regional and statewide transportation forums.
• Participate in developing program guidelines, strategies, and policies for capital projects, service design, stations, and facilities.
• Negotiate and execute cooperative agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with various agencies.
• Develop and negotiate scopes of work, financial plans, schedules, contracts, and agreements.
• Develop and monitor forecasts, impacts, and budgets for plans, programs, and projects.
• Conduct analyses and make recommendations regarding third-party projects that are adjacent to or may impact Metrolink right-of-way or facilities.
• Support development of capital programs, including cost estimation, early planning, and advancing the environmental clearance / review process.
• Collaborate with SCRRA staff and stakeholders, including regional planning, operating entities, and regulatory organizations.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions

Education and Experience : Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Engineering (Civil, Transportation, Structural, Industrial, Mechanical, Architecture, etc.), Public Policy, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Operations Research, Project / Construction Management, or a related area. A minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience in transportation planning (and / or related field) and project development. A combination of training, education, and / or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications : Master's degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of : Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (for market analysis, cost estimation, and cost-benefit analysis) and PowerPoint (for developing presentations), or equivalent tools. Basic transportation planning and operations principles.

Skilled in : Familiarity with interpreting outputs and using professional modeling tools, including railroad operational simulation or transportation demand forecasting or more conventional spreadsheet modeling tools. Ability to : Analyze and solve problems, Manage and organize timely products and materials, Build and lead a team towards clear and stated goals, Write documents and prepare presentations that are clear and precise, Develop strategies that anticipate the needs of constituents and partner organizations.

Physical Requirements

Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations. Operate tools, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery, to perform the duties of the position. Transport equipment or boxes up to 25 lbs. Exchange ideas by means of communication. Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks. Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks. Balance, ascend / descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions : The position requires work in a normal office environment. Occasional visits to field work sites or warehouses. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad tracks and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature, hostile or irate individuals, and moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.).