Chief Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Summary

The Chief Dispatcher is a front-line supervisor position responsible for the management of day-to-day train operations of the territory and unionized Rail Traffic Control Dispatchers (RTC) in order to meet CN's service commitments. The incumbent's primary responsibility is to ensure network fluidity, optimal crew utilization and transportation plan implementation. The Chief Dispatcher oversees the dispatching of trains by providing direction to the RTC based on regional goals and initiatives.  Spearheading the day-to-day operations of a 24/7 function, the role is critical to ensuring the on-time performance of trains, and thus, CN's commitment to customers.

Main Responsibilities Safety Orientation, Understanding, Compliance and Coordinating

       Coach and train unionized employees on safe operating procedures for train movement

       Build safety compliance and improve safety results through regular safety observations; provide feedback (positive and constructive) to subordinates and act on non-compliant behaviour

       Train, audit, and implement standard operating procedures

       Ensure safe operation as measured by accidents and incidents and employee injuries

       Achieve weekly and monthly safety observation expectations and objectives in regards to the safety management plan

Problem Solving and Decision Making

       Maintain teamwork and order among staff, contractors, and internal clients by acting with a sense of urgency to respond to issues as they may arise

       Use operational data in CN systems to identify opportunities to improve asset utilization and service reliability

       Lead crew utilization, track deadheads, recrews and labour cost and act to improve the operations and cost control

Planning and Organizing Workload

       Prepare daily meet plans

       Monitor the oversight of track maintenance, track repairs, and upgrades while overseeing the operation of train movement

       Set recover plans for service exceptions in conjunction with field

       Lead train line ups and train meets and to predict estimated time of arrival and train crew needs

       Align train crews and schedule

       Determine best opportunity to move trains against multiple demands

       Give recommendations to cost control and asset utilization when planning workflow and implementing decisions

General Leadership of Union Workforce

       Communicate company goals and policies to create clear understanding of direction and expectations

       Conduct investigations per collective agreement and issue discipline in collaboration with the leadership team

       Develop and sustain the right employee behaviours with feedback, recognition, reinforcement and coaching

Performance Management, Training and Onboarding

       Evaluate employee performance and review performance expectations, actual performance, and overall performance ratings

       Conduct onboarding conversations to ensure employees are adopting proper work practices, and have the knowledge, tools and understanding to perform their job safely and efficiently

       Identify and coach performance deficiencies, and act to build required behaviour

       Share best practices, information and operational concerns in order to create transparency and clear understanding of CN's direction and expectations

Working Conditions

The role has irregular hours (including nights, weekends, holidays). The incumbent has an overall commitment to safety, while working in conjunction with collective agreement.

Requirements Experience

Industrial Work

       Industrial work experience that demonstrates progression of responsibility and complexity in a safety-compliant environment*

o   Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience of unionized employees*

o   2 years of experience as a Rail Traffic Control Dispatcher*

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

       High School Diploma

       Bachelor's Degree in Business or Logistics*

*Any designation education for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

       Tracks metrics to achieve ambitious targets and holds self accountable to meet performance expectations

       Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts well to its audience

       Makes informed and timely decisions to succeed

       Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity

       Continuously displays a customer centric attitude in order to improve the customer's journey

       Addresses risks in a timely manner to eliminate them

       Time management

       Project management

Technical Skills/Knowledge

       Knowledge of operating rules, procedures and policies

       General Microsoft and computer skills; especially with Excel, Word, SRS, SAP, PAP, Applications such as RTBI and DataCity

This position is posted as a grade 8.