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Railroad Operations Manager Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Operations Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... Operations Manager leads a specialized team in planning, organizing, and managing operations ... Cando Rail & Terminals is North America's leading provider of specialized rail operating services ...

The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ... Experience managing railyard operations or similar logistical operations. * Familiarity with ...

Communicate with the Operations Manager on any operational problems or issues * Provide accurate daily shift summary reports to the Operations Managers and other affected parties * Report any ...

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Showing results 1-20

Railroad Operations Manager information

See Ohio salary details

$29.5K

$60.3K

$112.7K

How much do railroad operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad operations manager in Ohio is $60,328.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $73,700.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad operations manager?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Railroad Operations Manager jobs in Ohio?

For Railroad Operations Manager jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Railroad Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Railroad Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Railroad Operations Manager job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,328 per year, or $29 per hour.

Shift Manager Railroad Maintenance

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Direct and coordinate the day-to-day maintenance activities for locomotives, railcars, track maintenance equipment, and other railroad assets.

  • Lead maintenance personnel, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and partner with Railroad Operations to maximize asset availability.

  • Manage inspection, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of railroad equipment to ensure safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.


Job description

Location: Cleveland, OHCleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for a Shift Manager Maintenance in the Railroad Department at the Cleveland Works facility. This front-line leadership position is responsible for directing and coordinating the day-to-day maintenance activities for locomotives, railcars, track maintenance equipment, and other railroad assets to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient rail operations.The successful candidate will lead maintenance personnel, drive continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives, and partner with Railroad Operations to maximize asset availability while ensuring compliance with company safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements.Summary of Responsibilities:Provide direct supervision, leadership, coaching, and development of Maintenance Technician Mechanics and other assigned employees.Manage the inspection, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of railroad equipment, including locomotives, railcars, track equipment, and support systems.Ensure railroad assets are maintained in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective manner to support uninterrupted plant rail operations. Develop and execute maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.Schedule and prioritize maintenance activities to meet operational requirements while optimizing available resources.Coordinate maintenance work with Railroad Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, Safety, contractors, vendors, and other plant departments.Promote and enforce compliance with company safety policies, environmental requirements, and applicable railroad regulations.Participate in incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.Manage maintenance budgets, contractor services, and capital improvement projects within assigned areas.Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to plan, track, and improve maintenance performance.Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, equipment reliability, and cost reduction.Support emergency maintenance activities and provide leadership during off-shift operational issues as needed.Weekend, holiday, and shift work may be required.Other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:HS Diploma, GED or equivalent from an accredited school.Two (2) years of maintenance experience in a heavy industrial, railroad, transportation, or military environment.Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical systems, equipment troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance practices.Must be able to work in an industrial environment, including climbing stairs and ladders, walking long distances, working on uneven surfaces, and performing duties outdoors in all weather conditions.Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.Five (5) years of maintenance experience in a railroad, steel, transportation, or heavy industrial environment.Two (2) years or more of supervisory or leadership experience.Familiarity with railroad operations, railroad safety practices, and FRA regulations.Experience with railroad signal systems, signal maintenance, troubleshooting, and grade crossing warning devices.Experience working with a unionized workforce.Experience utilizing CMMS, reliability-centered maintenance program, and predictive maintenance technologies.Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.The salary range for this role is $70,000 to $110,000. 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 top 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr