Senior Manager, Network

Company: Chicago Transit Authority
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 28, 2025

Job Description:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for network systems technology advances and solutions for the Authority. Provides technical expertise and guidance to requesting departments in relation to voice, data, and Internet/Intranet network technological systems, advances, issues and solutions. Develops and promotes economical technological advances that fit within the goals and mission of the CTA in order to provide advances that benefit our customers. Manages staff, budgets, and contracts responsible to carry out the responsibility of providing data network services to the Authority. Responsibilities include data network design, operations, management, monitoring, maintenance and implementation. Manages projects, personnel, procurement, and budgetary requirements associated with these areas of responsibility. Works closely with our Cybersecurity team to respond to vulnerabilities and threats. Leads various technical projects to meet the changing technology needs of the Authority in regard to data network, video and audio visual systems. Evaluates costs and time requirements for projects. Assigns work, sets priorities, and monitors progress to ensure priorities and standards of performance are met. Assists in resolving complex problems. Implements changes to meet performance goals and ensure projects remain within budget and scope. Prepares work status reports. Develops work plans and schedules for evaluation, installation, modification, and training for audio visual, video, data & cellular networks. Oversees department activities, provides reports and status updates to management, participates in interdepartmental meetings, represents the CTA at sister city agency network meetings, and in general manages the day-to-day functions of the department. Researches network and data communication technologies and pursues advances in educational opportunities, including but not limited to professional associations, higher education, seminars, workshops, etc. Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval. Performs other duties as assigned. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to this position are the following jobs: Job Title Senior Network Architect Senior Network Engineer Senior Coordinator, Optical Systems Senior Coordinator, Video Systems Consultants & Contractors CHALLENGES Maintaining old network and telecommunications infrastructure across the system while upgrading to new technology. Navigating and understanding Government Procurement and Funding regulations. Maintain adequate knowledge and keep abreast of new and emerging technological advances. Shaping a vision, developing strategies, leading and building competence of staffing in networking and telecommunications technologies, procedures, and tools. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Technology, Business or a combination of education relating to this position with 6 years of practical experience including WAN, LAN and telecommunications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position. Master’s degree preferred. Technology vendor management, contract, and budget administration experience. Managerial experience in the architecture, design, installation, and maintenance/support of network and telecommunications technology. Telecommunications experience working with a telco or utility provider preferred. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery. Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Advanced knowledge in several areas of responsibilities assigned to this position. Strong management skills. Strong written and verbal communications skills. Ability to manage a major technology operation. Working knowledge of budgets and contracts. Strong strategic planning skills. Strong technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. WORKING CONDITIONS General office environment. May be required to work various extended hours in order to meet project deadlines or respond to CTA emergencies. Must be available to respond to calls or email inquiries outside of regular work hours. Conducts field visits and exposed to hazardous environments such as moving trains and other vehicles, electrically energized conductors, construction noise, dust, and weather conditions. EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED Personal computers, smartphones, tablets, IP telephones, routers, switches, servers, and various software including Microsoft Office and other specialized software. Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts. Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target. Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance. CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided. During the hiring process, CTA's Human Resources department will contact candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness. Please click link below to review the benefits offered at the CTA. https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/

Keywords: Chicago Transit Authority, Evanston , Senior Manager, Network, IT / Software / Systems , Chicago, Illinois