Section Manager, Senior - IS Project Management

Overview

Why OCTA:

Discover work that moves you in a dynamic and innovative setting. Be part of a team delivering Orange County’s transportation network of today and creating a vision for the future.

OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs.

We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. 

Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Overview:

Under minimal direction, leads and oversees the Project Management Office (PMO) within the Information Systems (IS) department, ensuring the successful delivery of strategic technology initiatives.  Responsible for establishing governance, planning, and execution frameworks for projects with large budgets and high visibility, requiring critical oversight of consultants, contractors, third parties, vendors, and suppliers.

Provides leadership and direction to the Project Management team, preparing comprehensive work plans, managing resource allocation, and monitoring the progress of executive- and Board-visible projects.  With a strong ability to navigate complex project challenges, this role applies deep industry expertise and strategic problem-solving to deliver successful outcomes; particularly in dynamic environments where established processes may be undefined or evolving.

As a recognized thought leader in project management, drives industry innovation, sets best practices, and advances methodologies to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of IT project execution, governance, and digital transformation.

This is an exempt position in Salary Grade ­­245: Min $140,619.00 – Mid $168,742.00 – Max $196,866.00 annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

This posting will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

Displays High Integrity & Honesty: Takes personal responsibility, acts with honesty and consistency.

Has Technical and Professional Expertise: Has the technical skills, product knowledge and professional skills to do the job.

• Oversees, controls, and serves as project manager for the successful completion of multiple highly complex business applications and system requirements. Supervises the work of staff, contractors, and consultants, to achieve project completion.  Requires both broad project and strategic implementation of tasks to complete deliverables while working with teams and establishing project schedules and budgets, assigning project tasks, and monitoring all phases to completion.
• Directs and administers all project phases including, design and systems contracts with external consultants, vendors, contractors, or suppliers. Directs consultants in the preparation of research, reports, plans, specifications, and cost estimates, and performance of program management and management of technical services.  Reviews complex systems and applications studies from staff, contractors, and consultants; initiates required changes to designs, quality procedures, staffing, schedules, and/or project organization. 
• Develops funding and budget requests for board consideration to support the development of projects. Plans the development of technical systems and business application projects and oversees all project schedules, budget, and payments.
• As a technical leader, approves contractor submitted plans, reports, and other deliverables, ensuring that internal and external agency requirements and specifications are met.
• Documentation of key deliverables including project plans, presentations, requirements, communication plans, budgets, training, policies, meeting minutes, and other documents.

Communicates Powerfully & Prolifically: Shares insights on issues/problems, clarifies purpose and links that purpose to actions.

• Shares insights on issues/problems, clarifies purpose, and links that purpose to actions.
• Presents project status updates and items requiring approval to executives and project stakeholders.
• Builds and nurtures strong relationships with business units and executives, demonstrating high emotional intelligence (EQ) to foster trust, collaboration, and alignment.
• Effectively navigates complex stakeholder dynamics, adapting communication styles to different audiences and ensuring clarity, transparency, and engagement.
• Communicates and gains consensus through empathy, active listening, and a deep understanding of business needs, reinforcing partnerships between IS and the organization.
• Develops compelling narratives and strategic messaging for executive-level reporting, leveraging strong verbal and written communication, including report preparation and presentation skills.
• Proactively anticipates concerns and resistance, addressing them with diplomacy and influence to drive successful project outcomes.

Develops Others: Provides on-going feedback in a helpful manner to develop skills and talents of others.

• Directs, reviews and approves the work of staff, professional contractors and consultants who are under contract to provide technical services during the planning, design, implementation, and delivery project phases.
• Motivates and leads teams to deliver projects that meet requirements on time and on budget.

Drives for Results: Operates with speed and intensity, translates long-term goals into immediate actions.

• Manages the overall development and maintenance of the project management procedures. Provides oversight to govern project management procedures. 
• Resolves critical issues, which may arise during active assigned projects, with internal customers, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders. Identifies and corrects conditions that may adversely affect the completion of project phases on schedule and within budget.  Uses advanced technical knowledge and judgment to identify solutions and resolve issues, as necessary.
• Ensures appropriate allocation of project costs, completion of project milestones, and changes to project scope in accordance with project budget and funding availability. Negotiates critical project contracts, agreements, task orders, amendments, and change orders, manages the use of project contingencies, and makes recommendations for approval with external consultants, contractors and agencies and internal agency personnel.
• Uses technical and project management knowledge and experience to identify and forecast project risks and manages those risks to achieve project delivery commitments.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, mathematics, or a related field, with a minimum of eight (8) years of professional-level experience in IT project management.  A minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience managing project teams, budgets, vendors, and enterprise-wide IT implementations; Five (5) years is preferred.

A current Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.  At least one (1) additional project management-related certification is preferred.

Experience in overseeing IT governance, compliance, and funding considerations related to transportation infrastructure and operations are preferred.  A strong track record in managing multimillion-dollar IT portfolios and ensuring projects align with the company’s strategic goals is highly desirable.  Familiarity with state and federal transportation regulations impacting IT systems and project funding is also preferred.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities:(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. OCTA provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work may be performed in a stressful, fast-paced office environment, depending upon assignment.
• Ability to understand verbal communication and to respond effectively.
• Reaching, Finger Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, and Repetitive Motions in computer use.

Compensation and Benefits:

OCTA offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision health insurance programs, flex time (may be available), paid sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, deferred compensation plan, educational reimbursement, excellent in-house training programs, free transportation passes for the employee and dependents, wellness and ergonomic programs, and much more. OCTA has a hybrid remote work program. Eligibility is dependent on manager’s approval.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Salary : $140,619 - $196,866