Senior Project Manager, Communication Systems

SALARY

$127,930.48

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Systems Department is responsible for a portfolio technologies including but not limited to power control systems, train and bus communications, telecommunications, telephony/VOIP, 2 way radio system, radio console system, short range radio system, CCTV video management system & camera technology, public address systems, rail operation event management systems, control center systems including video wall, corporate and field network systems. The Senior Project Manager, Communication Systems will provide project management resources for communication systems implementations, including developing pilots and proof of concepts, then scaling successful pilots to fully developed technology solutions. Under general supervision, this position administers and executes project agreements and defines the scope of work for pilots, proof of concepts and initiatives focused on improving the Agency's telecommunication systems and operations. Manages projects from conceptual planning through deployment and stabilization in conjunction with various Authority staff, departments, CTA contractors and other third parties to ensure projects meet Authority's technology goals and objectives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Plans, directs, and coordinates communication systems project goals and objectives. Manages communication systems portfolio of projects.
o Creates, develops, implements project plans by assessing needs analyses and project specifications.
o Establishes project timelines, workflows, and budget and tracks progress to ensure deliverables are on schedule and within budget.
o Coordinates with various CTA departments and staff to implement project plans that incorporate data collection for evaluation of pilots, a change management strategy, and communications support to achieve outcomes. Establishes work plan and staffing needs for each phase of projects.
o Supports launch and management of procurement and purchasing processes and identifies solutions to improve timeliness of deployment and rollout.
o Leads meetings between project stakeholders, maintains meeting minutes and prepares project evaluations and assessment of project results. Responds to any internal inquiries and updates project plan as needed.
o Identifies and resolves project issues and risks and monitors successful execution of revised action plans.
o Partners with other PMs and team members to advance departmental priorities and projects related to communications systems and field technology.
o Tracks communication systems capital program budget and expenditures, status and metrics by funding source.
o Reports project financials vs budget and create forecasts for each project.
o Tracks vendor invoices, payments with contractual payment milestones/purchase order requisitions to ensure compliance and follow up as needed.
* Develops communications and make presentations that provide insights into the program's status and value to community and CTA. Supports executives' decision-making processes around the program with reports and data as requested
* Works with the CTA departments and business stakeholders to prepare scopes, task orders, justification memos and specifications for procurement of technical and human resources
* Works with the Finance Department, Law Department, and Purchasing Department to create business cases for pilot projects and proof of concepts to scale to systemwide implementations of communications system requirements.
* Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
* N/A
CHALLENGES
* Managing multiple priorities while keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
* Adhering to project guidelines and schedules.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
* Bachelor's degree in Technology, Engineering, Architecture or a related field plus ten (10) years of experience implementing companywide initiatives and process improvements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to the position.
* At least five (5) years of previous project management experience is required.
* Experience with telecommunications systems projects in an industrial environment.
* Professional Engineer qualification preferred.
* Railroad, telecommunication or utility experience highly preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
* Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
* Occasional travel to support technical and project needs.
* May be required to work various days and hours (including nights, weekends, etc.).
* Field trips to rail or bus facilities to review work
* Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
* Detailed knowledge of project management principles and practices.
* Strong Microsoft Office skills.
* Strong computer skills with knowledge of MS Project, Access, PowerPoint, and other computer software.
* Strong analytical and complex problem-solving skills with a focus toward data driven decisions.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences in a variety of formats, including active listening skills.
* Ability to analyze and synthesize complex quantitative data into easy to understand and actionable recommendations through a consulting mind set.
* Ability to work in a team environment.
* Ability to manage multiple projects, balance multiple priorities, deadlines and budget constraints with minimal supervision.
* Ability to work independently.
WORKING CONDITIONS
* General office environment.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
* Personal computer and related software (Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel), Project management software.