Operations Manager

The Operations Manager manages the day-to-day operation of their assigned territory and is responsible for dealing with both customers and staff. This role is critical to ensuring the on-time performance of the railroad. The railroad may operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and this position may work irregular hours and must be available to work weekends and holidays as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews.
• Receives oral or written instructions from General Manager, Customer Service or the customer indicating which cars are to be switched.
• Daily job briefings with train crews to ensure a clear understanding of switching orders.
• Manage cars online using Wabtec or MCrew and/or through various Wabtec reports.
• Must ensure daily train lists are accurate as generated by the customer service department, and accurate as completed by the train crews within his/her territory.
• Must ensure all reporting is done accurately and timely, including daily crew work sheets and weekly operational reporting.
• Download and effectively read a locomotive event recorder.
• Perform safety and rule efficiency test, document and mentor employees on an ongoing basis.
• Will perform DSLE responsibilities.
• Clearly understand car hire and demurrage.
• As needed approve all man hours under his/her area of responsibility, and process and approve using ADP or other payroll methods.
• Initiate and provide an accurate, complete, and timely investigation of all accidents and incidents, including causes, remedial action, and recommended solutions.
• Adjust locomotive requirements to consist based on HP and trailing tons on a daily basis, with a goal to minimize locomotive fuel and maximize locomotive utilization.
• Understand all outstanding track conditions within his/her territory, including slow orders, and their effect on productivity/efficiency.
• Fill in as required in Engineer or Conductor capacity.
• Cover for other Transportation Managers as required.
• Other duties as requested or required.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a railway operating environment
• Must be GCOR qualified
• Must be qualified Locomotive Engineer.
• Ability and experience to interact with customers, government agencies and local communities in a professional manner.

• Ability to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedure and safety manuals, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and/or to apply principles of logic to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; and/or to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate instructions, directions, processes, procedures, safety rules and regulations to co-workers, supervisors, and others in written, oral, diagrammatic and schedule form.
• Ability to train switch crews and other yard personnel to perform job-related duties; and to provide training related to federal and company regulations, rules, safety guidelines and preventive maintenance.
• Ability to make independent judgments using sound reasoning skills and knowledge base. Ability to think and act quickly in responding to emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to talk to and effectively communicate with co-workers, yard personnel, switching crew, engineers, conductors, railroad officials and others in a clear, concise, courteous, efficient and professional manner.
• Ability to pass training and required testing.
• Working schedule may vary based on operational requirements.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An inspirational and approachable leadership style that serves as a positive role model for the organization.
• A collaborative leadership approach that fosters teamwork, alignment, and effective problem solving.
• A visible commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, consistently reinforcing safe operating practices.
• Thoughtful and disciplined decision-making supported by sound judgment.
• A strong commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing future leaders.
• Fair, balanced leadership with a strong sense of integrity and accountability.
• Humility, empathy, and a purpose-driven leadership approach.
• Clear, direct communication and the ability to represent the organization effectively both internally and externally.

Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.