Director, Public Transport at H. Pierson Associates

Job Summary

• The Director, Transport is responsible for overseeing the operational performance and strict regulation of all public transport service providers and networks within the State.
• This role ensures the continuous delivery of safe, efficient, and coordinated mass transit services by managing operator compliance, service quality standards, and integration across various modes.
• The Director is the principal driver of the Authority's regulatory mandate in the field.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• The Director of Public Transport provides leadership and technical direction for all public transport planning, service delivery, route management, franchising, scheduling, monitoring, and operational compliance.
• Lead development of long, medium- and short-term public transport plans.
• Develop service plans, network restructuring proposals, and new route concepts.

Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance:

• Produce Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) estimates, fleet deployment strategies, service frequencies, and operational adjustments.
• Supervise the route franchising framework, including operator selection, permit approval, and contractual obligations.
• Define and enforce operator performance metrics, incentives, and penalties.
• Ensure operator compliance with safety, service quality, customer service, and operational standards.
• Oversee the Operations Control Centre (OCC), including real-time monitoring of schedule adherence, headways, incidents, and service delivery.
• Manage operational disruptions, incident reports, accidents, route blockages, and emergency response actions.
• Oversee customer complaint handling, service audits, mystery rider assessments, and satisfaction surveys.
• Recommend improvements to bus stops, terminals, and passenger amenities.

Service Quality and Performance Management:

• Monitor planned vs. actual service delivery and issue weekly and monthly performance dashboards.
• Define, monitor, and enforce KPIs for punctuality, reliability, cleanliness, customer service, and standards across all public transport modes.
• Interpret and communicate transit policies and operational procedures.
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve service issues across transit, fixed-route, and paratransit operations.
• Maintain effective professional relationships and communicate clearly (written and verbal) with stakeholders and the public.

Operational Integration and Technology:

• Oversee Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) deployment, including control room systems, electronic fare collection, real-time passenger information (RTPI), and traffic management technologies.
• Ensure mandatory collection, accuracy, and timely submission of operational data (ridership, GPS tracking, revenue data) by all franchised operators.

Safety and Security:

• Ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, women, children, and elderly passengers.
• Work with Engineering on road designs, construction impacts, diversions, and operational mitigation.
• Develop and enforce best-practice safety protocols, emergency procedures, and operational risk mitigation measures.
• Coordinate response to major incidents and service disruptions, ensuring rapid restoration of service and minimal commuter impact.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and innovation.
• Supervise, organize, and review the work of staff; lead staff training, evaluation, and performance improvement.
• Mentor emerging leaders within the Transport Authority, supporting continuous professional development.
• Any other duties as assigned by His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Transport Planning/Engineering, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or Operations Management.
• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications in Safety Management Systems or internationally recognized transport safety standards.
• Chartered membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., COREN, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria – CITA).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 - 15 years of total professional work experience.
• Prior experience in institutions similar to LAMATA or equivalent organizations is preferred.
• Experience within the transport sector is required.
• At least 7 years of industry-specific experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience at the senior management level.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• A strong focus on execution, systematic monitoring, and meticulous enforcement of standards and procedures.
• Ability to make quick, informed, and firm operational and regulatory decisions under pressure, particularly during incidents.
• Proven ability to manage, regulate, and negotiate effectively with powerful private transport unions and commercial operators.
• Understanding of transport planning, fleet management, and intelligent transport systems.
• Regulatory & Compliance Know-How
• Direct experience managing or regulating public transport service providers (either as an operator or regulator) is essential.
• Proven ability to navigate the operational and logistical complexities of the Nigerian transport environment.
• Methods and techniques of delivering public transportation programs.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.