Senior Operations Manager

Manager VI, Senior Operations Manager – Mechanical Infrastructure - SF Municipal Transportation Agency (9180)

Job class:

9180-Manager VI, Municipal Transportation Agency

Starting salary range:
$180, $230, Range A)

Role type:
Permanent Exempt
What does this mean?

Application Opening:
November 25, 2025

Application Deadline to Apply:
December 10, 2025

Salary:
$180, $230,308.00 annually (Range A)

Recruitment ID: PEX

IMPORTANT: Your application MUST include responses to the supplemental questionnaire found here:

Applicants must complete the supplemental questionnaire and the online application by the filing deadline. A cover letter and resume must be attached to the online application. The application, resume, and cover letter will not be reviewed without a completed supplemental questionnaire and vice versa.

Role description

The SFMTA Transit Division's Maintenance of Way (MOW) Section is seeking a Senior Operations Manager, Mechanical Infrastructure (Mechanical Infrastructure SOM). This role will oversee and manage the work of four mechanical and infrastructure-related units within MOW, including: Cable Car Propulsion, Cable Car Track Maintenance, Mechanical Systems, and Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Track Maintenance. The role encompasses the leadership of over 100 maintenance personnel across various classifications, with an emphasis on ensuring high-quality infrastructure in support of SFMTA Muni operations. The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated and professional, with extensive experience managing complex maintenance programs within a transit or similarly scaled operational environment.

Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Maintenance Officer (DCMO), the Mechanical Infrastructure SOM plans, manages, supervises, and leads the execution of essential maintenance and repair activities involving mechanical systems and infrastructure that support the City's transit operations.

This position is responsible for implementing and overseeing preventive and corrective maintenance programs, ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and regulatory requirements, and guiding staff in resolving technical and emergency maintenance challenges. The Mechanical Infrastructure SOM works closely with engineering and project delivery teams on capital projects related to mechanical infrastructure including design review and operational readiness support. The position may also serve as a delegate for the DCMO when required.

The MOW section of the SFMTA Transit Division directly oversees the fixed guideway infrastructure, ensuring smooth and safe operations of our rail and trolley-bus lines. MOW is comprised of three maintenance and operation units: Mechanical Infrastructure, Electrical Infrastructure, Facilities Maintenance as well as Engineering, Compliance and Administration units. Together these teams directly support four of the five SFMTA transit modes including trolley bus, light rail, historic streetcar and cable car. The MOW section works collaboratively with other SFMTA divisions and other city departments to provide services to our customers by operating and maintaining over 100 track miles of railway, 500 miles of electrical overhead and critical supporting systems.

Transportation connects us all. That's why every single day the SFMTA is working hard to build a safer, more reliable transportation system for our city. We strive to ensure that our community, and the nearly 25 million visitors that our city receives each year, have access to safe and reliable transportation options. Join us to be a part of delivering this mission

Examples of Important and Essential Duties for the 9180-Manager VI:

• Oversees all day-to-day Maintenance of Way mechanical infrastructure functions.
• Provides direction to subordinate managers on operations, maintenance priorities, and performance improvement efforts within mechanical infrastructure teams.
• Plans, assigns, and oversees the work of staff engaged in the maintenance and repair of mechanical systems, cable car propulsion, cable car track and LRV track infrastructure.
• Adjusts plans and programs to address emerging problems and maintenance needs; develops and implements new initiatives to support departmental goals.
• Maintains and refines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),
• Monitor staff assignments, service levels, and organizational efficiency and recommend adjustments to the DCMO as needed.
• Identifies and implements opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Coordinates with Administration on budget development, tracking expenditures and evaluating cost estimates for repair options.
• Prepares and approves requisitions for materials and supplies.
• Investigates field work and complaints for procedural compliance, quality, and safety; ensures inspections are completed in accordance with regulations and standards.
• Works collaboratively with engineering personnel, contractors, and vendors on mechanical and facility projects, including capital improvements and emergency repairs.
• Supports employee development through training, coaching, and performance management.

The 9180 – Manager VI may perform other duties as assigned/required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
   AND
2. Eight (8) years of full-time experience at a mass transit agency in the operation, maintenance and repair in any of the following: buildings, stations or passenger infrastructure; and/or use of heavy construction equipment; and/or track work; and/or maintenance engineering, which must have included three (3) years at the second supervisory level or management level which includes responsibility for supervising staff;
   AND
3. Possession of a valid driver's license.

Desirable Qualifications:

The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify candidates advancing to the interview process and/or to identify job finalist(s) at the end of the selection process when referred for hiring.

• Ability to plan, assign, and direct maintenance and repair activities of a large, multidisciplinary workforce.
• Ability to supervise the preparation of detailed operating records and maintenance reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with staff, peers, and the public.
• Capacity to manage shifting priorities, emergencies, and operational challenges.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Substantial leadership experience in a senior position within a large, complex organization.
• Experience working with oversight boards or commissions is highly desirable.

For questions or inquiries, please contact: Maggie Gonzalez Diaz, at

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