Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations Manager

GFT is a leader in infrastructure planning, design, and program management, partnering with transportation agencies across North America to deliver innovative solutions that improve safety, mobility, and the communities we serve.

As GFT continues to expand our transportation operations presence throughout Tennessee, we are seeking experienced professionals to support an anticipated statewide Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations contract for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

GFT is known for high-quality work, but it's our culture of excellence and strong leadership that drive our reputation for delivering award-winning, community-shaping, and innovative solutions.

GFT is a leader in infrastructure planning, design, and program management, partnering with transportation agencies across North America to deliver innovative solutions that improve safety, mobility, and the communities we serve.

As GFT continues to expand our transportation operations presence throughout Tennessee, we are seeking experienced professionals to support an anticipated statewide Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations contract for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

As the Traffic Management Center Operations Manager for Regions 1 & 2…

You'll lead daily operations supporting TDOT's Knoxville and Chattanooga Traffic Management Centers, serving some of Tennessee's most critical interstate corridors and freight routes. Working closely with TDOT leadership, law enforcement, emergency responders, and regional transportation partners, you'll guide a team responsible for real-time traffic operations, incident management, traveler information, and operational excellence throughout East Tennessee.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced transportation operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment and enjoys mentoring teams, building strong client relationships, and driving continuous improvement.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead day-to-day operations for TDOT's Region 1 and Region 2 Traffic Management Centers.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.
• Build strong partnerships with TDOT leadership, public safety agencies, and transportation stakeholders throughout East Tennessee.
• Ensure Traffic Management Center operations support safe, efficient, and reliable travel across the region.
• Develop and mentor Shift Supervisors and TMC Technicians while promoting professional growth and operational readiness.
• Use operational performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhanced service delivery.
• Support statewide Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) initiatives through effective leadership and regional collaboration.

In this capacity you will be responsible for the following

• Managing daily Traffic Management Center operations for the Knoxville and Chattanooga facilities, including staffing, scheduling, resource coordination, and operational issue resolution.
• Providing leadership, coaching, and direction to Shift Supervisors and Traffic Management Center Technicians.
• Coordinating regularly with the TDOT State Project Manager, Regional TMC Team Leads, GFT leadership, and other transportation partners.
• Supporting Traffic Incident Management (TIM) meetings, after-action reviews, and multi-agency operational coordination efforts.
• Preparing monthly operational performance reports and evaluating team performance using established performance measures.
• Overseeing employee onboarding, training, certification, refresher training, and professional development activities.
• Supporting updates to the TDOT Traffic Management Center Operations Manual and related operational procedures.
• Ensuring adequate staffing coverage for all assigned Traffic Management Center operations while proactively addressing vacancies, leave coverage, and operational surge requirements.
• Monitoring operational performance and implementing process improvements that enhance incident response, traveler information, and transportation system reliability.
• Supporting special transportation initiatives, regional coordination meetings, Traffic Incident Management activities, and other assignments as directed by TDOT.
• Promoting compliance with established operating procedures, safety requirements, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
• Building a collaborative team environment focused on professionalism, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

What you will bring to our firm:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing operations within a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations environment with responsibilities involving staff supervision, operational procedures, technology systems, and safety protocols.
• Public safety, law enforcement, fire service, emergency management, or first responder leadership experience within Tennessee.
• Strong understanding of freeway operations, traffic incident management, traveler information systems, dispatch operations, and transportation operations principles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Traffic Incident Management (TIM) practices and real-time transportation operations.
• Experience using Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) or comparable transportation operations software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising operational staff and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, 24/7 operations environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience preparing technical reports, operational summaries, correspondence, and performance documentation.
• Ability to travel between regional Traffic Management Centers and participate in alternate work schedules or on-call support as operational needs require.

What we prefer you bring:

• Experience supervising Traffic Management Center operators, dispatchers, Shift Supervisors, or other real-time transportation operations personnel.
• Experience supporting TDOT SmartWay, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Road Ranger/HELP programs, work zone operations, or related transportation initiatives.
• Experience with operational dashboards, Power BI, performance analytics, or data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working with TDOT or another state Department of Transportation.
• Professional certifications related to transportation operations, emergency management, leadership, or project management.

Compensation: $60.00-$62.00 per hour (Eligible for GFT's comprehensive benefits package)

Status: This position is contingent upon contract award, final scope confirmation, candidate qualifications, and TDOT approval.

Featured Benefits:

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Nashville, TN

Core Business Hours: 24/7/365 operational coverage for assigned shifts. Employment Status: Full-Time