ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Railroad Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Shift Manager Operations

MN · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Babbitt, MN Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Shift Manager Railroad Operations at our Northshore Mining Company facility located in Babbitt, MN. The primary responsibility of this ...

RailPros

MN · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Opportunities for career advancement and development within the railroad industry, gaining valuable experience in railway operations and safety management. * Impactful Role: Critical role in ensuring ...

RailPros

MN · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Opportunities for career advancement and development within the railroad industry, gaining valuable experience in railway operations and safety management. * Impactful Role: Critical role in ensuring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRailroad Operations JobsRailroad Operations Manager JobsRailroad Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Railroad Operations Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$30.4K

$62.1K

$116.1K

How much do railroad operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad operations manager in Minnesota is $62,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $75,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Railroad Operations Manager do?

A Railroad Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of railway systems, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains, personnel, and cargo. They coordinate schedules, manage staff, and monitor compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Additionally, they troubleshoot operational issues, optimize resource allocation, and collaborate with other departments to maintain smooth railway operations. Their work is crucial for minimizing delays, improving service reliability, and ensuring the safety of both passengers and freight.

What is the difference between Railroad Operations Manager vs Railroad Dispatcher?

AspectRailroad Operations ManagerRailroad Dispatcher
CredentialsExperience in rail operations, sometimes certifications in logistics or transportation managementTraining in dispatching, communication, and railroad safety protocols
Work EnvironmentOversees entire operations, manages teams, and coordinates across departmentsWorks in control centers, communicates with train crews and field personnel
Industry UsageUsed in managerial roles overseeing operationsUsed in daily train movement coordination

The Railroad Operations Manager focuses on overseeing overall rail operations, managing teams, and strategic planning. In contrast, the Railroad Dispatcher handles real-time train movements and communication. Both roles are essential in rail industry operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Railroad Operations Manager, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Railroad Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex schedules, ensuring safety compliance, and managing unexpected delays due to weather or equipment issues. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are key to addressing these challenges. Proactively collaborating with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and logistics teams can help minimize disruptions and keep operations running smoothly. Staying updated on industry regulations and leveraging technology for real-time tracking also contribute to effective problem-solving in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Railroad Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Operations Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of rail operations, transportation logistics, and safety regulations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in transportation management or a related field. Familiarity with dispatching software, scheduling systems, and federal compliance tools is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills help manage diverse teams and respond effectively to operational challenges. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and reliable rail service while maintaining regulatory compliance and high team performance.
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Operations Manager jobs in Minnesota? For Railroad Operations Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Operations Manager jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Operations Manager jobs in Minnesota are:
Railroad Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Operations Manager job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,150 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Shift Manager Operations

Shift Manager Operations

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

MN • On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Cleveland-Cliffs rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 115 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 39 rated mining

Job description

Location: Babbitt, MN
Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Shift Manager Railroad Operations at our Northshore Mining Company facility located in Babbitt, MN. The primary responsibility of this position of the Shift Manager Railroad Operations is to direct and monitor Railroad Operations crews with effective leadership to safely execute the work set in the Railroad Operating and Maintenance of Way plans. The Shift Manager must be willing to work with all departments to prioritize safe production, monitor and correct any quality or environmental issues, and ensure all employees' adherence to company policies. The Shift Manager will be required to maintain safety as a top priority throughout the day and when contacted after hours, effectively communicate with all employees, and demonstrate consistent leadership.
Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Create and promote a positive working atmosphere in order to safely and efficiently execute the goals of the railroad operating and maintenance plan.
  • Continually monitor technicians for adherence to safety standards and the RR operating rulebook through performance of assigned tasks
  • Previous supervisory experience.
  • Communicate to all crew members their job assignments, timing expectations, and associated tasks. Follow-up on progress throughout the shift.
  • Conduct safety and informational meetings to crew and complete safety contacts in the field
  • Coach, direct, and develop technicians on tasks completed in the RR department.
  • Consistently follow-up on any safety concerns.
  • Take proactive measures to correct any safety or production problems that arise.
  • Communicate with Railroad Dispatcher, Mine Dispatcher, Railroad maintenance technicians, coarse crusher, and the Silver Bay Railroad Shift Manager to meet the production goals set forth by the train schedule and maintenance schedule.
  • Manage training needs and promotions for department personnel.
  • Manage the daily train schedule to achieve inventory necessary for successful pellet production. This may also require management on the off-shift.
  • Coordinate the response to emergencies utilizing the resources available
  • Be available to respond to derailments or other threats to production.
  • Oversee contractors involved in railroad maintenance of way projects and any contractor performing work within the railroad right of way.
  • Complete and submit all necessary safety, environmental, and production reports within the required timeframe.
  • Ensure work order discipline is adhered to and work completion documentation is maintained.
  • Manage weekly personnel schedule and yearly vacation schedule to ensure proper staffing levels for required activities.
  • Developing portions of the track maintenance program. This will include (but not limited to) contractor management, project development, material ordering and maintenance component inventory management.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience in mining or heavy industry, with preference given to those with railroad operations or railroad maintenance experience.
  • Must be willing to work a rotating dayshift schedule including weekends.
  • Must be a champion of safe production methods and ideals. Promote continuous improvement. Must understand and be able to communicate and implement company safety rules, MSHA standards, environmental policies and procedures, and quality standards.
  • Previous successful leadership experience is required.
  • Must understand the broader vision of the job function, company organization, and the mining industry.
  • Must have the ability to plan, coordinate and follow-up on multiple work tasks with a variety of employees, departments, and contractors. Must be able to set clear goals and develop strategies to meet these goals.
  • Must have excellent communication skills. Must be able to clearly communicate the shift operating plan to employees and interact with other departments to meet the goals of the operating plan.
  • Must be able to think logically using factual data provided. Must be able to make decisions based on information provided and input from others. Must be able apply knowledge of safety rules, RR operating rules, and other company policies to guide the decision-making process.
  • Clearly communicate and implement all new policies introduced and be able to provide technicians with up-to-date information regarding current best practices and standards.
  • Must have strong computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office Software

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preference is given to applicants with two or more years of college education.
  • Knowledge of the Ellipse maintenance management software is preferred.

Please note that all applicants must meet the physical requirements of the position by the close of the posting period.
The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $105,000. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location and business or organizational needs.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

What Cleveland-Cliffs employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply