Job Summary
The incumbent is a mid level management position which is responsible for the oversight of front-line supervisors (FLS) (FLS - Transportation Manager and Transportation Supervisor), and unionized conductors and locomotive engineers as it relates to day-to-day train operations of the territory or terminal to meet CN's service commitments. The incumbent's primary responsibility is to supervise the FLS in achieving the organization's targets, rules and regulation compliance, act as a point of escalation, intercede with other departments, coach and develop FLS to take on increased responsibility, and oversee the management of unionized employees. The role is critical to ensuring the FLS have the support structure in place to produce the on-time train performance, and thus, CN's commitment to customers in a 24/7 work environment.
Main Responsibilities
Safety and Compliance
- Coach and train management and unionized employees on safe work procedures.
- Enhance safety compliance and results through regular observations and feedback.
- Audit safety discussions and validate conductor trainees.
- Respond to and manage incident sites (crossings, accidents, injuries), liaising with police and Dangerous Goods Officers to ensure public and employee safety.
- Complete accident/injury investigation submissions and ensure site restoration.
- Implement and audit Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safe operations, measured by accident, incident, and injury metrics.
- Achieve safety observation targets as per the safety management plan.
- Co-chair and participate in Health and Safety Committee meetings.
- Engage with local communities through presentations.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Maintain teamwork and urgency in responding to issues.
- Make decisions with a territory-wide perspective.
- Use operational data to identify opportunities for improving asset utilization and service reliability.
- Manage crew utilization, reduce unproductive labor costs, and improve operational cost control.
- Develop and execute service recovery plans with the Rail Traffic Control (RTC) center.
- Oversee front-line supervisors in timely delay reporting and reduction strategies.
Planning and Organizing
- Collaborate with RTC to manage train line-ups, meets, and crew needs.
- Manage crew productivity against standards and recommend improvements.
- Monitor yard status, service commitments, and traffic flow to reduce dwell and meet service plans.
- Optimize traffic movement against competing demands.
- Oversee cost control, asset utilization, and compliance with company standards.
- Manage and adjust customer service plans as required.
- Build network relationships to support strategic initiatives.
Leadership and Supervision
- Communicate company goals and policies to ensure clear understanding and expectations.
- Oversee the investigation process according to the collective agreement.
- Collaborate with Occupational Health Services for employee return-to-work programs.
- Foster desired employee behaviors through feedback, recognition, and coaching.
- Participate in the hiring process and facilitate training.
- Manage time off, leave, and attendance for front-line supervisors.
Performance Management and Training
- Evaluate employee performance and review expectations.
- Support front-line supervisors in setting and achieving development goals.
- Conduct onboarding to ensure employees adopt proper work practices.
- Identify and address performance deficiencies through coaching.
- Share best practices and company information to ensure transparency.
Working Conditions
The role has irregular hours (including nights, weekends, holidays). The incumbent will work in a combination of an office environment and the outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The role requires travel for company business without advance notice which may include responding to emergencies or urgent situations.
Experience
Transportation Manager and Industrial Work
- Minimum 18 months experience in railroad, preferred experience as supervisor transportation
- Transportation Manager / Supervisor work experience
- Industrial work experience that demonstrates progression of responsibility and complexity in a safety-compliant environment
- Experience working with heavy machinery
- 4 years of supervisory experience of both management and unionized employees*
- Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered
Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).
Education/Certification/Designation
- High School Diploma
- Valid Driver's Licence
- Qualified Conductor or Locomotive Engineer*
- Bachelor's Degree in Business or Logistics*
- Candidates with equivalent practical experience, education, or training will be considered
Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).
Competencies
- We Care About Each Other
- We Strive for Excellence
- We Succeed Together
- We Lead Responsibly
- Vision and strategic thinking
- Impactful and inclusive leadership
- Performance and value delivery
- Empowerment and talent development
- Strategic communication and influence
- Managerial courage and decisiveness
- Coordination
- High
- Planning
- Prioritization
- Compliance
Technical Skills/Knowledge
- Working knowledge of other operating functions (engineering, mechanical, operations centre)
- General Microsoft and computer skills; especially with Excel, Word, SRS, SAP, PAP and applications such as RTBI, DataCity and SmartYard
- Comprehensive knowledge of safe rail operating practices
