Chief of Operations Planning, Scheduling & Strategy

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Chief of Operations Planning, Scheduling & Strategy (OPSS) serves as the MBTA’s senior leader for operational planning, service design, scheduling, and performance strategy. The Chief provides vision, direction, and integrative leadership across Planning & Scheduling, Alternative Service Planning, Workforce Modernization, Lean Strategy & Operations Analytics, and Operations Policy, all in support of the MBTA’s Operational Modes. The Chief of Operations Planning, Scheduling & Strategy will report to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

This role ensures that MBTA’s operational decisions are grounded in rigorous data analysis, long-range system planning, and continuous improvement principles. The Chief of OPSS drives initiatives that enhance service reliability, optimize resource allocation, strengthen workforce readiness, and embed a culture of operational excellence across the organization.

The position requires a strategic thinker who can anticipate systemwide needs and proactively advance solutions in a complex operational environment. The Chief must exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and demonstrate exemplary project management skills—effectively planning, prioritizing, and deploying staff and resources to deliver high-impact results on time and in alignment with MBTA’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and equitable transit for all riders. Above all, the Chief of OPSS must continuously collaborate with the operational modes to ensure the delivery of operational and service goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and integrate the functions of service planning, scheduling, and operational strategy across all modes of transit.
• Oversee the development and implementation of alternative service models and contingency planning.
• Drive the MBTA’s Operations workforce modernization efforts, including initiatives to ensure that workforce scheduling, planning, and related operations technology tools are providing superior functionality for the organization and MBTA customers
• Champion Lean methodologies and continuous improvement practices across Operations.
• Lead the Operations Analytics team to develop actionable insights that inform decision-making and performance improvement.
• Collaborate with the COO, Deputy COO, and other senior leaders to align planning and strategy with organizational goals.
• Represent Operations in cross-departmental initiatives, capital planning, and external stakeholder engagements.
• Ensure integration of service planning with capital projects, maintenance schedules, and customer experience goals.
• Supervise Directors and Managers across the OPSS portfolio, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Prepare and present materials for executive leadership, Board meetings, and public forums.
• Serve as a key advisor to MBTA leadership on strategic planning, operational readiness, and policy development.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Direct supervision of multiple Director-level staff responsible for Planning, Scheduling, Workforce Strategy, Lean Strategy & Analytics, and +60 employees that help facilitate the day-to-day as well as long-term Operations strategy.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Twelve (12) years' experience in transit operations, planning, or leading strategic initiatives, preferably in a large or highly regulated industry.
• Seven (7) years of experience managing staff and leading cross-functional teams or enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Have the ability to think strategically and develop creative solutions.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have the ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An Associate's degree from an accredited institution with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A Master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with transit scheduling software and workforce planning tools.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.

• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected].

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.

• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.