Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Mechanical Operations, the Manager, Mechanical is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Rocky Mountaineer’s West Coast rail fleet. This leadership role oversees mechanical and operational teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, fleet readiness, capital project delivery, and exceptional guest experience outcomes. The Manager translates business priorities into actionable plans, develops high-performing teams, fosters collaboration across departments and external partners, and drives continuous improvement while maintaining Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury brand standards.
This position is deemed Safety Critical and pre-employment testing will be required. Final candidates must successfully pass a safety critical medical exam and will undergo medical monitoring as prescribed by Transport Canada. This position requires you to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result in a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, the public, property, or the environment.
Key Responsibilities
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Lead a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with all Canadian Railway Operating Rules (CROR), General Operating Instructions (GOI), Transport Canada regulations, and company policies.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate operational and mechanical risks while proactively addressing safety concerns and fostering accountability across the team.
- Ensure required PPE, training, certifications, and emergency preparedness requirements are maintained.
- Make sound, fact-based decisions that balance safety, operational requirements, and long-term business needs.
Fleet Reliability & Mechanical Operations
- Oversee inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities to ensure fleet reliability, regulatory compliance, and alignment with brand standards.
- Lead the execution of predictive maintenance programs and equipment work orders to maximize asset performance and operational readiness.
- Provide technical guidance to team members and coordinate effectively with contractors and external service providers.
- Encourage innovative approaches, continuous improvement, and the adoption of efficient processes and technologies that enhance performance and guest experience.
- Ensure all maintenance and repair work is completed safely, efficiently, and to established quality standards.
- Maintain the operational readiness and presentation of the West Coast railcar fleet.
Operational Planning & Project Delivery
- Support execution of the operating plan, rail equipment movements, switching activities, and provisioning work orders as required.
- Lead capital and mechanical projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and in accordance with operational, safety, and quality requirements.
- Translate strategic objectives into clear team goals, actionable plans, and measurable performance outcomes.
- Monitor operational targets, metrics, and resource requirements, adjusting priorities and plans to meet business needs.
- Adapt resources and schedules effectively in response to operational challenges, changing business priorities, and emerging opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and implement opportunities for operational efficiencies and service improvements.
People Leadership & Collaboration
- Build, develop, and lead an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, recruitment, performance management, and succession planning.
- Provide timely, constructive feedback and create meaningful development opportunities that strengthen individual and team capability.
- Foster accountability, collaboration, and open communication while addressing conflict respectfully and effectively.
- Build strong relationships across departments and with external partners to ensure alignment, information sharing, and successful operational outcomes.
- Recognize and celebrate team contributions while creating an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to solve problems.
- Encourage knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and innovation across the team.
What You Bring
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams by aligning goals, priorities, resources, and performance expectations with organizational objectives.
- Strong coaching, mentoring, and talent development capabilities, with a commitment to building engaged and accountable teams.
- Ability to build trusted relationships, collaborate across functions, and influence outcomes through effective communication and partnership.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make effective decisions in complex, ambiguous, or time-sensitive situations.
- Proven ability to drive results, manage competing priorities, and maintain composure under pressure.
- A continuous improvement mindset that embraces change, encourages innovation, and challenges traditional approaches when better solutions exist.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, guest experience, and operational excellence.
- Ability to identify risks, develop practical solutions, and balance short-term operational needs with long-term business objectives.
- Strong planning, organization, and project management skills.
Experience & Qualifications
- Qualified Red Seal Trade designation or equivalent.
- Post-secondary education in Business Management or a related discipline is considered an asset.
- Valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
- Knowledge of Transport Canada regulations governing railway equipment maintenance.
- Understanding of applicable federal and industry regulatory requirements is considered an asset.
- Qualified Locomotive Engineer designation is considered an asset.
- OFA Level 1 First Aid certification, or equivalent, preferred.
- Experience leading mechanical, maintenance, operations, or transportation teams within a regulated industrial environment.
- Ability to interpret schematics, technical manuals, maintenance documentation, and operational procedures.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required operational certifications and equipment qualifications.
Work Environment
- Occasional travel may be required.
- Physical demands may include lifting up to 80 lbs. on occasion.
- Rail industrial environment requiring a combination of walking, standing, sitting, and working around active railway operations.
- Indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
- 24/7 operational environment that may require flexible or varied work schedules.
Compensation
- The base salary offered for this role is $92,000 to $105,000 per annum and can vary based on job-related expertise, qualifications, experience and internal equity.
- Eligible for Armstrong Collective’s discretionary bonus program
Eligible Benefits
Armstrong Collective supports our team members’ health and wellness by providing a comprehensive medical plan with 100% employer paid premiums. Eligible employees also receive:
- Up to 5% RRSP and/or TSFA match
- Two complimentary annual train tickets after first year of employment.
We are an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of Creating Meaningful Moments, Being One Team, and Achieving Extraordinary Outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. If you require any accommodation during the application process or throughout your employment, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met and to create a supportive environment.
