The Director, Route Planning & Forecasting is a new position within the Amtrak Finance Department’s Business Line Planning & Strategy group.
To apply, those interested should go to www.Amtrak.com/careers, or use the following link to Amtrak’s employment portal:
and select Finance within the Functional Area box, and then click Start at the bottom of the screen. The Director, Route Planning & Forecasting position should then come up, where one can then see the position description and apply on line.
Job Posting Title: Director – Route Planning and Forecasting
Effective Date: 02/24/2014
Reference Code: EB-90167660
Additional Information: Band/Zone – D1
Job Title: Director – Route Planning and Forecasting (1)
Company: Amtrak
Department: Finance
Tasks:
SUMMARY OF DUTIES: This position is responsible for leading the route and service change evaluation process and the development of state corridor payment forecasts and charges. It directly supervises two Senior Planning Officer/Service Planner positions that assist in these efforts. The position manages cross-functional and inter-department teams to develop accurate cost and contribution impact forecasts. It also provides, both in written and presentation form, evaluation results and recommendations to senior management and external customers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Route and Service Change Analysis – Develops and delivers recommendations and supporting analyses for all service change requests. Uses the cost, capital and revenue models to estimate the operating cost, capital and revenue impacts. Evaluates criteria and analyses data regarding operating and overhead costs, as well as revenues that would be impacted by the proposed service change. Designs and conducts the appropriate analysis so that the conditions outlined in the proposed service changes are accurately reflected in the cost, capital and revenue analysis. Ensures that analyses of services that cross business line boundaries are properly structured to correctly depict financial and operating effects. Provides recommendations and reports in a consistent format.
State Supported Service Pricing – Develops, manages, and delivers state payment forecasts, fixed fee rates,
applicable additives and fees consistent with PRIIA section 209, and related data to Amtrak state partners for
annual funding requirements, including operating revenues and costs and associated capital use charges.
Prepares detailed cost proposal packages for submittal to the state partners, and participates in face-to-face
presentations as necessary. The state payments total on order of $300 million annually. Become a PRIIA 209
State Pricing Methodology subject matter expert.
Shared Functions and Expenses – Performs analyses of functions and activities that result in significant costs
that are allocated to routes and services. The focus of these analyses is to suggest areas and strategies for
cost reduction that would benefit all services, but not any analysis that would merely suggest reallocation among
services. Supports the work of process improvement and outsourcing teams created to effect cost savings in
the designated areas.
Forecast Quality Assurance/Quality Control – Reviews draft documents, compares forecast results to various
benchmarks, and ensures that the work product is delivered at Finance Department quality standards.
Recommendations must be based on a consistent, rigorous analytic approach and shaped in the context of
broader business, market and policy considerations.
Scheduled & Ad-hoc Reporting and Analysis – Develops and delivers required analysis and reports as needed.Understands and accesses all available data and information sources (including data bases, reports, decision support systems and other departments) needed for assigned analytical tasks. Provides analytical support for all decisions regarding strategic planning and asset utilization and productivity. Evaluates the financial impact of proposed policy changes, such as the state payment methodology and infrastructure access payments.
Project Management – Works collaboratively with representatives across departments and business lines,
representing the department. Role may be as project manager or participant. Follows proper project
management requirements, including assignment of tasks and resources, developing timelines for deliverables,
tracking of progress using project management tools, and thorough documentation including agendas and
meeting notes.
Requirements:
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Transportation, Accounting, Planning, Public Administration or
related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and work experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION:
Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Transportation, Planning, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field or other related advanced degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Must have extensive highly relevant business and analysis experience, including demonstrated years in a
decision support or related role.
• Proven ability to explain complex financial methods to customers and non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communications.
• Ability to organize and coordinate projects.
• Proven analytical ability and quantitative skills, including fluency in PC based applications, including Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and financial planning/reporting systems.
• Ability to work with limited supervision, and successfully deliver multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior satisfactory job performance required.
• Demonstrated skills using PC-based applications, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
• Provide excellent customer service.
PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Demonstrated experience in preparing costing and other information for proposed services to potential customers.
• Demonstrated familiarity with railroad operations/infrastructure, especially Amtrak’s existing corridors; and with US transportation policies, legislation, and funding mechanisms relating to Amtrak.
• Some supervisory experience of a professional staff.
• Experience with Amtrak databases and information systems, e.g., SAM_Finance, APT, RRDW and ARROW.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes
TRAVEL: Yes – 10%
Amtrak is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.
Contract Type:Regular
Employment Fraction: Full-time
Location: 40 Mass
City: Washington