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Rail Operations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Marmon

Midland- Track Laborer (Rail)

Midland, MI · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to maintaining safe and reliable rail operations for ... manage multiple tasks and priorities safely and effectively Ability to follow safety rules ...

Trinity Industries

Rail Logistics Coordinator

Okemos, MI · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Understand railcar operations in order to identify potential issues and navigate customer service ... Strong mechanical aptitude with decision making skills Ability to multi-task and manage multiple ...

TrinityRail

Rail Logistics Coordinator

Okemos, MI · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Understand railcar operations in order to identify potential issues and navigate customer service ... Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities

TrinityRail

Rail Logistics Coordinator

Okemos, MI · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Understand railcar operations in order to identify potential issues and navigate customer service ... Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities

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Rail Operations Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$27K

$55.3K

$103.3K

How much do rail operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail operations manager in Michigan is $55,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail operations manager?

Rail Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of railway systems, ensuring that trains run safely, efficiently, and on schedule. They manage staff, coordinate train movements, and handle any operational issues that arise. Their role often includes planning and implementing safety procedures, liaising with other departments, and analyzing performance data to improve service quality. Rail Operations Managers play a crucial role in maintaining smooth and reliable rail services.

What are the main challenges a rail operations manager typically faces when coordinating schedules and resources?

Rail Operations Managers often navigate the complexities of coordinating train schedules, crew assignments, and track maintenance while ensuring safety and minimizing delays. Balancing the needs of passenger and freight services, handling unexpected disruptions like weather or mechanical issues, and maintaining clear communication with multiple teams are common challenges. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail operations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Operations Manager, you need a strong background in transportation logistics, operational management, and safety regulations, often supported by a relevant degree or significant industry experience. Familiarity with rail traffic control systems, scheduling software, and safety compliance tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills are essential to effectively coordinate teams and manage unexpected challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable rail operations while meeting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Rail Operations Manager vs Rail Supervisor?

AspectRail Operations ManagerRail Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire rail operations, manages teams, ensures safety and efficiencySupervises daily activities of rail crews, enforces safety protocols
CredentialsTypically requires relevant experience, certifications in safety and operationsOften requires experience in rail work, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffice-based planning, field oversight, coordination with multiple departmentsOn-site supervision of train crews and maintenance teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in large rail companies and freight operationsUsed in daily operational roles within rail companies

The Rail Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and coordination of rail activities, while the Rail Supervisor handles daily supervision of crews. Both roles require safety certifications and industry experience, but the manager has broader responsibilities for overall operations.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Operations Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Rail Operations Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Operations Manager jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Operations Manager jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Rail Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Rail Operations Manager job openings:

Rail Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Operations Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,308 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Operations Manager

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Escanaba, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Operations Manager leads a specialized team in planning, organizing, and managing operations, ensuring chemical loading, warehouse activities, and related processes are performed in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a working at a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you!
Cando Rail & Terminals is a leader in specialized rail services across Canada, offering industrial switching, terminal/transload services, short line operations, and more. With over 50 operations, we manage the third-largest locomotive fleet in Canada.
Cando Advantages
  • Work Life Balance
  • Cando's Technical and Leadership Training Programs
  • Award Winning Safety Culture
  • Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurances
  • Health & Dental Benefits including voluntary options
  • Expanding in the US and we welcome you to come grow with us!

The Operations Manager is responsible for providing a safe, customer oriented, cost effective response to our customers' industrial switching needs. The Operations Manager coordinates the safety initiatives, workflow processes and procedures, people management, and daily operational needs on the site.
Role & Responsibilities
Safety
  • Perform Safety Management System activities such as Employee Efficiency Testing, Loss Prevention Observations, Incident Reporting.
  • Implement changes as a result of site and employee performance audits in a timely manner and follow-up to ensure effectiveness of changes.
  • Respond to incidents, lead and implement and recommend solutions / corrective actions as a result of incidents.
  • Works with employees on a daily basis to ensure that all Cando's safety policies are strictly adhered to with a focus on operational practices, identifying potential hurdles, targeting inconsistencies and aligning the services of the operations to meet customer needs.
  • Design/implement work systems and procedures for operational effectiveness.
  • Be a leader in safe work practices; responsible for the mentoring of employees in all aspects of safe railway operations.

Management, Administration & Planning
  • Ensure service aligns with vision, mission, goals and the needs of the customer.
  • Implement plans for managing growth and delivering on goals and objectives.
  • Supervises contractors on site and ensure they have the understanding, skills, training, and resources to achieve objectives.
  • Lead activities related to division initiatives; deliver initiatives around company programs and policies.
  • Identify new business leads; implement start up plans for new business.
  • Assists with invoicing and purchasing for sites and ensure accurate tracking of key consumables.
  • Monitor locomotive and equipment procurement and maintenance programs.

Leadership & Employee Development
  • Work with site supervisors to improve operational practices, identify hurdles, target inconsistencies and align services.
  • Promotes harmonious employee relations while guiding and coaching supervisors; build and maintain healthy customer relationships at the site level.
  • Prepares and implements employee development plans; ensures all employees have adequate training to contribute fully to the project.
  • Supervises site staffing including participating in interviews, onboarding new employees, managing schedules and absenteeism, performing payroll activities, coordinating training, and conducting performance evaluations.
  • Work with local Class 1 providers to resolve day to day issues.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities
  • Communicates effectively both orally and in writing with people of all backgrounds, levels of comprehension including managers, employees, customers, and the public.
  • Demonstrates initiative to work with others to foster a respectful workplace; creates a work environment that is open to maintaining positive relationships.
  • Considerable knowledge of modern principles, practices, and techniques in motivating employees and building successful working teams.
  • Ability to measure and report financial metrics and align with department budgets.
  • General understanding of the principles of efficient service delivery.
  • Demonstrates innovation and responsibility in the decision making process.
  • Ability to implement best practices in skill development, training, and service delivery which will be sustainable.
  • Proficient in a Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook with the skill to adapt easily to other software systems.
  • Ability to perform rail switching as a ground person and/or locomotive operator if necessary.

Education & Experience
  • Experience managing railway personnel in a customer focused environment.
  • Experience in managing for efficiency and effectiveness to bring about change in a fast-paced environment.
  • Minimum two (2) years in a leadership position preferably in the rail switching and/or industrial environment.
  • One (1) year experience working with Safety Management Systems in an industrial environment.
  • One (1) year experience developing and managing capital and operating budgets.
  • Experience in SAP operating & accounting software is very desirable.

Note: This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand of the level of expertise required in this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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