Chief Operating Officer jobs in Gary, IN

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (“NICTD”) operates a network of passenger trains between South Bend, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; and intermediate points.  Historically marketed as the South Shore Line, NICTD has a longstanding regional reputation for safe and reliable service within Chicago and Northwest Indiana.  This opportunity is growth-focused as the South Shore Line is actively engaged in several service enhancement projects including, but not limited to, a new line to Dyer, Indiana (“West Lake Corridor”), double track between Michigan City and Gary, Indiana (“Double Track NWI”), airport relocation/service enhancements for South Bend, Indiana, and new equipment to replace the existing fleet.  The management team is a small and highly cohesive group of industry professionals who are pro-active, innovative, and committed to a team-oriented culture. 

Description: 

• Manage the duties performed by the Information Technology & PTC departments.
• Cultivate and lead a progressive IT team, promoting an environment of continuous learning and innovation.
• Build and maintain effective communication channels with all stakeholders.
• Proactively manage the enhancement of the District’s cybersecurity position while staying informed of threats and defenses.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure including networks, servers and cloud services, with a commitment to reliability and safety.
• Partner with business units to define and execute IT initiatives that improve passenger experiences and enhance operational efficiency.
• Use strategic planning to establish and drive IT vision, ensuring alignment with the District’s business goals.
• Develop IT policies and practices that foster innovation, security, and efficiency.
• Ensure the seamless and secure operations of all IT systems while championing efficiency and reliability.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the IT and PTC departments while developing high-performance team, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Manage priority projects to ensure success, on-time completion and within budget.
• Analyze the costs, value, and risks of information technology to advise senior leadership and suggest actions.  
• Coordinate and communicate with internal stakeholders about funding opportunities for IT operating and capital needs.
• Manages the procurement of selected NICTD owned equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:   The following skills are required:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Information Technology field
• Seven to Ten years of IT Managerial Experience

Schedule: The anticipated normal hours are Monday through Friday.  Special projects, days of exceptionally high passenger volume, weekend events, and operational exigencies may require hours tailored to the particular exigency or project.    The successful applicant must be available for calls during nights, evenings, and weekends.  Travel to Chicago or to professional/industry events may be required.

Supervision:  The position reports to the President/Chief Executive Officer.

Salary and Benefits:  Salary is in the range of $125K to $150K after consideration of skills, experience, and work history. Credit for time served in other railroad or employment, including military leaves, will be applied in determining vacation day entitlements.  Benefits include paid vacation, paid holidays, health club stipend, comp time, medical benefits, dental benefits, health savings account, and supplemental pensions.  Relocation benefits may be available for exceptionally well qualified candidates.  Details are available during the interview process.

This is a rolling application process.  Apply early to ensure consideration.  The District reserves the option to close this opportunity without notice at any time.   

Questions:   Contact Joseph Cieniawski, Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 268, if you have questions about this opportunity or notice.

NICTD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class, assuming the individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

NICTD’s complete EEO Policy Statement is available upon request to the District’s EEO Officer, Ms. Laura Harrington, at (219) 874-4221, ext 219; e-mail: laura.harrington@nictd.com.

Applicant Note: This application form is intended for use in evaluating your qualifications for employment. It is not an employment contract. Please answer all questions completely and to the best of your ability. False or misleading statements are grounds for refusal or termination of employment and benefits.

Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law in all employment decisions.