GFT · 9 hours ago
Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$270K/yr - $365K/yr
15+ years expGFT is a privately held AEC firm specializing in transportation and infrastructure. They are seeking a Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations to provide leadership and technical guidance on transit operations, focusing on operational excellence, client delivery, and strategic growth across major transit programs.
ConsultingEnergyEnvironmental ConsultingFacilities Support ServicesFacility ManagementInfrastructureTransportationWater
Responsibilities
Lead GFT’s operational consulting portfolio, including service delivery analysis, operations planning, strategic planning and 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
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
Support the Transit & Rail Director in executing GFT’s North American growth plan, with an emphasis on 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)
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in a related field
PMP, PE, AICP or equivalent professional certification
Experience with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), 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
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
GFT
GFT provides planning, design, technology, and construction management services.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
GFT has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (2)
2023 (2)
2021 (1)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
OceanSound Partners
2023-03-08Acquired
2023-03-07Debt Financing
2023-01-09Private Equity
Leadership Team
Art Barrett
Senior Vice President
John Derr
Executive Vice President
Company data provided by crunchbase