About King County Metro Transit

King County Metro Transit provides a variety of public transportation services to the 1.7 million residents of King County, and to the thousands of commuters and visitors who travel through the region on a daily basis. Metro’s mission is to provide the best possible public transportation services while improving regional mobility and the quality of life in King County.  In a service area of more than 2,000 square miles, Metro provides more than 113 million passenger trips each year to the citizens of King County through the following services:

• Fleet of 1460 buses, including diesel hybrids, electric trolleys and the largest fleet of articulated buses in the country
• An aggressive fleet engineering (Research & Development) program
• Operation of over 200 bus and trolley routes.
• Door-to-door van service for people with disabilities.
• Ride-sharing programs including more than 1,000 vanpools.
• 122 park-and-ride lots that are used by almost 20,000 commuters daily.
• One streetcar line and new light rail service that is expected to carry more than 45,000 riders per day by 2020.

Metro has pioneered or refined dozens of ideas that have since been adopted by transit agencies nationwide and as a result is recognized as an industry leader in transportation. We are one of the largest transit systems in the country.

Nature and Scope of Position

The Vehicle Maintenance Manager is a member of Metro’s senior management team and is responsible for the maintenance of our non-rail transit revenue fleet and all support vehicles. The position oversees approximately 700 staff at nine work sites, including maintenance shops that operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Responsibilities include procuring, maintaining and disposing of 1460 revenue and 450 non-revenue vehicles, along with materials and equipment procurement, contract management and coordination of assigned activities with other departments within Metro as well as outside vendors. The position manages an annual operating budget of about $130 million and an annual capital procurement budget ranging from $50 to $250 million. The incumbent of this position is represented by Teamsters Local 117.

Strategic Direction

§       Participate as an integral part of Metro’s senior management team. Direct engineering and technical staff involved in the design, procurement, maintenance and warranty administration for vehicles and use and development of automated management systems.

§       Facilitate and lead the division in developing and administering operating plans, policy, procedures and labor contracts. Develop and implement the section’s annual work program and performance standards.

§       Negotiate with vendors on purchases and warranties. Identify and determine best alternatives for dollar values of technical and material support and for negotiation strategies to obtain quality parts and materials.

§       Plan and implement the section’s annual operating and capital budgets; determine budget and staffing priorities and identify cost control and resource allocations.

§       Manage the revenue fleet replacement procurement program by establishing equipment needs and goals for procurement, researching options and managing the exploration and review of new technologies. Authorize contract awards for procurements. Manage the retirement and surplus process.

§       Work with labor leaders in interpreting labor issues, resolving disputes, developing solutions and negotiating contract provisions.

§       With a strong focus on employee development, direct all hiring, training, all mechanical and related trades work, equipment servicing, and project management staff; hire, train, coach, evaluate, discipline and terminate staff as needed; allocate resources, mentor direct reports and assist with problem solving.

Qualifications and Candidate Profile

At least five to seven years’ experience managing large heavy duty fleet maintenance, with procurement experience included is required.  Public transit management experience is preferred. 

Core Competencies

§       Knowledge of heavy duty fleet maintenance and engineering issues, safety standards, life cycle analysis and fleet operations.

§       Proven track record in planning for and using resources effectively, always looking for ways to improve performance. Ability to create accurate and realistic budgets, track and adjust budgets and contribute to budget, financial and economic analysis and planning.

§       Possesses a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, instills urgency in others, and meets deadlines.

§       Focuses on results by targeting and setting challenging goals, prioritizing tasks, overcoming obstacles, creative problem solving and setting team standards and accountabilities.

§       Understanding of the use and future potential of automated management systems.

§       Knowledge of stores management, including inventory, valuation and replacement scheduling.

§       Skill in using a computer for word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet.

§       Knowledge of and skill in human resources management, including labor relations.

Leadership

§       Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others, manages emergencies.

§       Provides leadership and a supportive environment to a professional staff, empowering a represented work force that promotes teamwork.

§       Directs, organizes, mentors and coaches the Vehicle Maintenance Section staff to obtain and manage resources, and fosters a productive work environment and effective performance management.

§       Establishes a workplace culture that attracts and retains quality employees, provides feedback, rewards hard work and risk taking, challenges and develops employees, and provides visibility and opportunity for staff.

§       Demonstrated commitment to customer service and the ability to deal with others in a straightforward and honest manner while being accountable for actions, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting section values.

Communication Skills

§       Proven experience in conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving.

§       Oral and written communication effectiveness, as well as public speaking skills.

§       Good listening skills. Builds strong relationships, is flexible, negotiates effectively and solicits performance feedback.

§       Ability to interact successfully with widely diverse individuals and groups. 

Compensation