OVERALL DESCRIPTION

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Operations is the architect of SEPTA’s operational turnaround. Grounded in the “Back to Basics” mantra, this role is focused on the relentless execution of core transit fundamentals: Safety, Service, and Sanitation. While mastering the basics, the AGM will simultaneously lead the long-term transformation of the Authority into a “Best-in-Class” organization that serves as a global model for urban mobility. The AGM will oversee the core operational departments with a focus on operational discipline, workforce pride, and customer-centric performance.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Re-establishes rigorous standards for on-time performance (OTP) and service reliability across all bus, rail, and paratransit/shared ride modes.
2. Prioritizes the fundamental health of the fleet; ensures every bus and rail car deployed is mechanically sound, climate-controlled, and deep-cleaned before entering service to eliminate “preventable” service cancellations.
3. Drives a “Safety Over Everything” culture, working with Transit Police to ensure the system is secure and perceived as safe by customers and frontline employees and System Safety to ensure that employees and customers are free from accidents and injuries.
4. Focuses on “Basics for the Workforce” – ensuring operators and maintainers have the tools, training, and support needed to succeed daily.
5. Transitions from reactive “fix-on-fail” maintenance to a predictive, world-class asset management model; partner with the Assistant General Manager, Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction on the implementation of the next generation of rolling stock.
6. Partners across divisions to ensure “Operational CX” – including station lighting, functional elevators/escalators, and clear platform announcements – meets international standards for a “Best-in-Class” passenger journey.
7. Utilizes IoT and real-time telemetry from the vehicle fleet to identify engineering trends, reducing the Mean Distance Between Failures (MDBF) to industry-leading levels.
8. Partners with the Assistant General Manager, Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction to ensure capital projects aren’t just functional but “Best-in-Class,” focusing on accessibility (ADA), intuitive design, and seamless multi-modal transfers.
9. Oversees Operations Division budget to ensure every dollar supports the “Back to Basics” mission, eliminating waste to fund high-impact “Best-in-Class” upgrades.
10. Establishes KPIs that benchmark SEPTA against the world’s leading transit agencies rather than just regional peers.
11. Bridges the gap between leadership and the shop floor, fostering a culture where being “Best-in-Class” is a point of personal pride for every SEPTA employee.
12. Modernizes labor practices and training to prepare the workforce for the next generation of high-tech transit equipment.
13. Interfaces with the SEPTA Board on policy decisions and implementation of day-to-day activities in all areas of the organization.
14. Collaborates with Executive staff to ensure the goals and objectives of the SEPTA 5-year Strategic Plan are being advanced.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree (master’s preferred) in Transportation Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field with ten (10) years’ extensive and progressively responsible managerial experience in mass transportation services required, which includes a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a senior executive leadership role.
• Deep familiarity with complex rail and/or bus operational challenges required.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to (10 years of formal post-high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Proven ability to navigate complex relationships with governing boards, local and state elected officials, and labor partners required.
• Exceptional skills in managing large-scale organizational change and communicating vision to a diverse frontline workforce required.
• Experience in the administration and management of a budget for a complex organization required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to organize and present technical and program presentations to all levels of management, Board, and external organizations required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, all levels of management, and the board of directors required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.