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Rail Operations Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Methanex

Senior Rail Operations Coordinator

Houston, TX

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Proactive management of our railcar fleet by the incumbent is essential to delivering security of ... Rail Operations * Manage relationship with Rail System provider, ensuring adequate fleet and ...

TrinityRail

Rail Site Manager

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

Manage coordination activities to meet loading and unloading requirements ... Ensure alignment of rail operations with the overall supply chain strategy of the organization.

Targa

Rail Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

... rail operations. JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan and manage tank car loops to ... proactively meet supply & demand targets Schedule shipments to meet production forecasts and ...

Targa

Rail Analyst

Houston, TX

... rail operations. JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan and manage tank car loops to ... proactively meet supply & demand targets Schedule shipments to meet production forecasts and ...

Targa Resources

Rail Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

... rail operations. JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Plan and manage tank car loops to proactively meet supply & demand targets • Schedule shipments to meet production forecasts and ...

Patriot Rail

Regional VP, Transportation Central PROG

TX · On-site +1

Minimum 10 years of progressive railroad operations experience. Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing multiple locations, departments, or business units. Comprehensive knowledge of ...

TrinityRail

Rail Network Coordinator

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

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

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Rail Operations Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$29.6K

$60.6K

$113.2K

How much do rail operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail operations manager in Houston, TX is $60,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 does a rail operations manager do?

A rail operations manager oversees the daily functioning of railway services, including scheduling, safety compliance, and coordination of train movements. They ensure efficient operations by managing staff, monitoring equipment, and implementing safety protocols, often using specialized software and adhering to industry regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Rail Operations Manager jobs in Houston, TX? For Rail Operations Manager jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Operations Manager jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Operations Manager jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Rail Operations Manager jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Rail Operations Manager job openings:
Rail Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Operations Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,599 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Senior Rail Operations Coordinator

Methanex

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
Position Summary
The Senior Rail Operations Coordinator will be primarily responsible for executing the railcar fleet and positioning strategy for Methanex North America Marketing & Logistics. Proactive management of our railcar fleet by the incumbent is essential to delivering security of supply to our customers during standard operations as well as contingency events, including but not limited to natural disasters, weather related issues, demand shifts and planned and unplanned plant outages. This role is also responsible for freight repositioning and ancillary cost management associated with the Methanex railcar fleet, ensuring adherence to Methanex Preventative Maintenance program, and supporting Responsible Care related initiatives.
Additionally, the rail coordinator oversees our rail management software (QTS). The coordinator will work with QTS daily to adjust rail routing and to expedite rail cars where necessary. This position will also be responsible for creating/maintaining internal and external KPIs related to the movement of the rail fleet utilizing the QTS software. In addition, the rail coordinator will be responsible for validating and troubleshooting billing related to the maintenance and upkeep of the railcar fleet. The incumbent will provide periodic back-up support for the Senior Rail Analyst for day-to-day requirements as needed
Position Responsibilities
Fleet Strategy
  • Develop short and medium-term fleet plans to meet demand requirements at all ship points
  • Understand Methanex supply chain and proactively anticipate impact of shifting supply and demand
  • Understand customer requirements to anticipate and mitigate potential supply impacts
  • Manage fleet positioning during contingency events to ensure 100% customer supply
  • Control costs through fleet repositioning and understanding of contractual rights and obligations
  • Proactively manage empty railcar pipelines to ensure plant loading requirements are met to avoid production impact.
  • Monitor railcar location and schedule, communicating to Customer Service as necessary.
  • Manage railcar movements in and out of storage according to demand patterns
  • Optimize fleet to minimize demurrage and lease track expenses
  • Monitor and actively communicate to stakeholders, any impacts to orders arising from rail disruptions (weather related, railroad strikes, contingency events, railroad schedule outages, derailments, route blockades, etc)
  • Prepare and distribute report on cars at terminals vs open order to ensure that customers can be covered
  • Follow ISO (Corporate and Regional) and Responsible Care procedures.

Rail Operations
  • Manage relationship with Rail System provider, ensuring adequate fleet and railroad performance.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance processes with our Rail System provider
  • Manage railcar onboarding and offboarding or at start and end lease terms, respectively
  • Review specifications on proposed cars to ensure they meet Methanex requirements
  • Manage rail fleet related communications to Sales and Customer Service teams
  • Support development of customer messaging regarding transit times, delays, or rail requirements
  • Coordinate inspections of new cars with receiving locations, address discrepancies as required
  • Work with lessors to ensure all rail cars adhere to Methanex's technical specifications (gaskets, O-rings, etc.)
  • Ensure that lease contract data is maintained (rider details, car ID, rate, expiration, etc.)
  • Ensure robust understanding of contractual rights and obligations in lease agreements, for effective cost control.
  • Manage billing patterns
  • Procure placards, seals and other materials required by terminal locations
  • Manage and track off-lease periods, ensuring all credits due are captured
  • Coordinate with outsourcing rail party to troubleshoot any rail delays
  • Collaborate with railroads and Rail System provider to expedite shipments as required
  • Communicate with Customer Service &Logistics team if transit time needs to be updated due to weather related delays, new routes or deviations
  • Coordinate with the outsourcing rail partner the actual billing of the cars to different locations
  • Coordinate with Customer Supply Specialists when customer needs to return empty cars

Maintenance and Responsible Care
  • Support the implementation and execution of the Responsible Care plan
  • Contribute to the development Responsible Care procedures
  • Share best practices in industry with customers and suppliers and initiate implementation at Methanex
  • Obtain and maintain hazmat certification as required
  • Lead the fleet preventive maintenance plan and report monthly performance metrics
  • Lead Non-Accidental Releases (NAR) investigations and evaluate trends to avoid NARs
  • Perform root cause analysis for railcar related incidents (derailments, customer issues, plant issues, etc)
  • Ensure railcars meet Methanex and regulatory standards, lead correction of any deficiencies.
  • Manage relationships with railcar material suppliers
  • Ensure only approved suppliers perform work on Methanex railcars.
  • Coordinate new supplier review as needed.
  • Approve actions taken by 3rd party rail software and transactional support companies regarding:
    a. Railcar Preventative Maintenance program per Methanex Standards
    b. Repair work (Shop and mobile repair units)
    c. Maintenance of cars including related Railtrac data maintenance
    d. Regulatory data - umler, railink, OT57, OTMA
    e. Re-qualifications
    h. Invoice auditing & Approval of work / quotes
    i. Reporting and analysis on shop spending - budgeting improvement
Position Qualifications
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in a rail related supply chain or logistics role
  • Thorough knowledge of rail operations or processes is preferred
  • Working knowledge of 3rd party freight (rail) beneficial
  • Rail related hazmat training beneficial
  • Excellent communication, written and verbal, and relationship building skills
  • Multi-tasking and problem solving in a timely manner is essential
  • Capacity to learn and adapt to new systems quickly and efficiently
  • MS Office Suite medium proficiency required, specifically Outlook and Excel
  • QTS or any other rail tracking system is beneficial

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