GFT
Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations
GFT, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations
Be among the first 25 applicants
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.
Operational Leadership & Client Delivery
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.
Program & Project Oversight
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.
Strategic Growth & Market Development
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).
Team Leadership & Mentoring
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.
What You Will Bring To Our Firm
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.
What We Prefer You Bring
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 projects, or value engineering.
Experience leading teams within a consulting or design-build environment.
Featured Benefits
Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Company Overview At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™
is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third‑party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.
Location North America
Core Business Hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status Full‑Time
Salary Range $270,000 – $365,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
GFT requires a successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
California Applicants Applicants in the County of Los Angeles, City of San Francisco, and State of California will be considered in accordance with applicable fair‑chance ordinances and acts.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
Operational Leadership & Client Delivery
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.
Program & Project Oversight
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.
Strategic Growth & Market Development
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).
Team Leadership & Mentoring
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.
What You Will Bring To Our Firm
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.
What We Prefer You Bring
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 projects, or value engineering.
Experience leading teams within a consulting or design-build environment.
Featured Benefits
Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Company Overview At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™
is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third‑party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.
Location North America
Core Business Hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status Full‑Time
Salary Range $270,000 – $365,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
GFT requires a successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
California Applicants Applicants in the County of Los Angeles, City of San Francisco, and State of California will be considered in accordance with applicable fair‑chance ordinances and acts.
#J-18808-Ljbffr