Director Research Industry Intelligence

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, Research & Industry Intelligence, is responsible for advancing CUTA’s position as the national authority on transit data, research, and technical knowledge. This role leads the development of CUTA’s research agenda, industry intelligence, technical studies, and statistical publications, including flagship products such as the Canadian Transit Statistics (Fact Book), Issue Papers, and technical reports such as the Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Readiness Report.

The Director serves as the organization’s evidence and insight engine, ensuring that CUTA’s advocacy, member services, and industry leadership are grounded in credible, relevant, and actionable data.

An important aspect to this role is acting as CUTA’s lead for the Technical Services and Zero-Emission Bus Committees, working directly with transit system members and industry experts to translate operational realities into research, guidance, and sector-wide knowledge, particularly in priority areas such as bus manufacturing, planning, safety, and policy.

1. RESEARCH LEADERSHIP & KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTS

• Lead the development and delivery of CUTA’s research agenda, ensuring alignment with member priorities, advocacy objectives, and emerging industry trends.
• Oversee the production of flagship research and knowledge products including the Fact Book, Industry Highlights report, Issue Papers, economic analyses, and technical studies.
• Oversee the full research lifecycle: design, data collection, methodology, analysis, and publication.
• Lead the continued development of CUTA’s national transit data dashboard (Power BI).
• Commission and manage external research partners and consultants.
• Identify and synthesize emerging trends in transit technology, operations, and policy.

2. INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE & MEMBER VALUE

• Develop research and technical outputs that deliver value to transit agencies and business members.
• Produce actionable outputs such as benchmarking tools, readiness assessments, and best practice frameworks.
• Translate complex findings into clear insights for members and stakeholders.
• Support CUTA events and conferences with data-driven content.
• Ensure a balanced research agenda across member needs.

3. TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE & ZEB LEADERSHIP

• Serve as CUTA’s staff lead for the Technical Services and Zero-Emission Bus Committees.
• Work with members to identify sector challenges and opportunities.
• Facilitate stakeholder discussions and extract results into research and guidance outputs.
• Lead national coordination on ZEB initiatives by engaging members on ZEB deployment challenges and insights.

4. MEMBER ENGAGEMENT & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS

• Build and maintain strong relationships with transit agencies, business members, government partners, and industry stakeholders
• Engage members to identify emerging industry trends, operational challenges, and research priorities.
• Represent CUTA at conferences, committee meetings, industry events, and external forums.
• Facilitate collaboration between members, industry partners, and external stakeholders to support sector initiatives and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as staff lead and strategic advisor for assigned committees and working groups.

5. DEPARTMENTAL LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Oversee departmental planning and budgeting.
• Establish metrics to evaluate impact of outputs.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate research.

1. SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Work with the senior management team to define and execute CUTA’s strategic vision and priorities.
• Develop reports, briefings, and presentations for the Board of Directors.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Establish and track key metrics and outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Post Secondary degree in transportation, public policy, business economics, engineering, or an equivalent combination of practical industry experience and education.

Experience

• Minimum 5- 7 years of experience in research or technical experience in the transit sector.
• Experience working with transit agencies or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience leading research programs and outputs.
• Experience of managing stakeholder relationships.
• ZEB or electrification project experience.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Data literacy and reporting skills.
• Bilingualism (English and French) is considered a strong asset.