Rail Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hiring Salary Range : $ 130,500.00 - 163,100.00
This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.
At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary
The Senior Manager, Engineering Technical Operations is responsible for overseeing CN's rail grinding and Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) daily operations. Moreover, the role oversees welding standards, training, and audits, and employing the latest wheel and rail interface science and best practices to extend the life of our rail. The incumbent ensures that both CN and regulatory safety standards are achieved through proper planning and risk mitigation. The position oversees significant contractor assets and spend associated with said service delivery. Additional tasks include the development and review of safety plans, procedures, and processes for the department, including contractor oversight.
Main Responsibilities
Operations Management
• Develop grinding and RFD test schedules utilizing a risk-based approach, with the latest technology and data
• Handle daily RFD and rail grinding operations, ensuring safe and efficient execution by CN employees and vendors
• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and oversee processes to verify the quality of the work performed by CN's RFD, Grinding, and welding operations
• Handle employee and vendor safety performance
• Collaborate with Transportation and Engineering leadership to ensure equipment productivity, and maintain RFD inspection and grinding frequencies as per the plan
• Benchmark industry best practices and identify opportunities for improvement
• Educate self and team continuously on the latest trends and technologies to improve the effectiveness of our operations
• Participate in industry track standard review committees
Safety Management
• Ensure that all employees are properly trained and adhere to safety protocols and regulations for welding
• Contribute to developing and implementing company policies and procedures related to safety and environmental compliance
• Conduct safety audits and inspections to identify and address safety hazards and risks
• Collaborate with the Safety team to develop and implement safety initiatives and programs
• Lead a safety process to track action items as well as supervisor and employee compliance
• Perform field audits to determine and monitor compliance with established safety and regulatory standards
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the Fire Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
• Maintain up to date with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Transport Canada (TC) safety standards
People Management
• Coach, mentor, and guide team members to ensure they have the necessary tools and support to succeed
• Carry out performance management including setting and monitoring KPIs
• Participate in the selection and recruitment of new team members
• Carry out disciplinary actions when necessary and be familiar with the applicable employee collective agreements
• Communicate with union representatives, including handling issues related to grievances and investigations
• Participate in succession planning and career development activities
• Ensure team members receive appropriate training and are up to date on all training requirements
• Lead and participate in regular staff meetings
Cost Management
• Handle the operating and capital budgets for CN's RFD and Grinding operations
• Monitor spending to maintain the planned budget
• Adjust working asset usage as needed based on available funds and performance
• Monitor invoices regularly and ensure their timely and accurate processing
• Ensure compliance with vendor contracts and communicate with vendors regularly
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting practices (e.g., staff travel expenses)
Working Conditions
The role is performed in a combination of office (40%) and outdoor environment (60%) in various types of weather conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The incumbent must be available to work evenings and weekends. The role requires being available
on-call 24/7 to carry out field visits and respond to critical incidents. The role requires regular travel (50%) within Canada and the United States (U.S.) to carry out field visits and stakeholder engagement. The incumbent must be able to walk long distances and sit for extended periods.
Requirements
Experience
Railroad Engineering
• Minimum 7 years of previous railroad experience in Engineering
o Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience
o Minimum 2 years of experience directly responsible for engineering maintenance, construction, or production*
o Experience in safety compliance
o Previous RFD, welding, rail grinding and lubrication experience*
*Any experience for these above would be considered an asset
Education/Certification/Designation
• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering*
• Professional Engineering (P.Eng) Designation*
• Valid Driver's Licence
*Any designation for these above would be considered an asset
Competencies
• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Considers ESG principles in all operations
• Leads by example for the safety and security of all
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Communicates with impact
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Delegates and empowers others to create accountability
• Develops self and others
• Applies critical thinking
Technical Skills/Knowledge
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Systems, Applications and Procedures (SAP), DataCity, Bentley, and Track Information System (TIS)
• Ability to understand and create technical documents
• Technical understanding of rail operations and ability to communicate with Senior Transportation Officers
• Knowledge of Transportation and railroad safety regulatory requirements (Canada and the United States)
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)*
*Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset
About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
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