Job Summary
When stationed at a main terminal, the incumbent is responsible for leading all mechanical operations on a day-to-day basis, including inspection, maintenance, and repair of freight cars and to ensure the on-time performance of trains and delivery of freight cars to meet customer requirements. This Manager may also oversee a team of supervisors stationed at remote locations (line points) and spearhead the maintenance, inspection and repair of railcars and locomotives when required outside of a main terminal (line points). Ultimately, by monitoring, supervising, and correcting the performance of both supervisory and unionized employees in a 24-7 operation, the role is crucial in ensuring the on-time performance of trains, and thus, CN's commitment to customers.
Main Responsibilities
Safety Orientation, Compliance and Implementation
- Oversee safety processes, procedures, efficiency testing and quality audits
- Lead accident and injury investigations, corrective actions, safety walkabouts and employee coaching
- Develop operating practices and ensure safe, compliant railcar inspection and repair
- Coach Front-Line Supervisors (FLS) and lead employee onboarding and training
- Respond to dangerous goods incidents with DG Officers to protect employees and the public
- Maintain compliance with AAR inspections, chain inspections, recertification and equipment requirements
- Support Joint Health and Safety and Workplace Location Joint Apprentice committees and follow-up actions
Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Manage budgets, workforce productivity and staffing
- Review operational reports and resolve maintenance issues to reduce costs and delays
- Coordinate wrecking response with Transportation and Engineering to restore service
- Analyze inspection and repair data and implement actions that improve fleet reliability and efficiency
- Maintain effective teamwork among employees, contractors and internal clients
Planning and Organizing Workload
- Ensure mechanical activities are executed safely across the zone and within budget
- Establish strategies and metrics to improve freight-car reliability and availability
- Maintain supervisory and unionized schedules and adequate staffing
- Ensure timely inbound and outbound inspections and coordinate repair priorities with Transportation
- Direct repairs on trains, RIP tracks and in the shop
- Improve fleet availability and terminal performance through productivity, attendance and labour-cost management
- Maintain appropriate inventory based on consumption
General Leadership and Supervision of Union and Non-Union Workforce
- Build and lead a high-performing team and manage employee performance
- Plan and control freight-equipment repair, maintenance and purchasing activities
- Develop FLS and deploy people and assets efficiently
- Maintain effective labour relations and comply with collective agreements
- Ensure work meets CN, FRA, Transport Canada and AAR standards
- Supervise hourly employees, investigate issues, recommend corrective actions and address grievances
- Lead onboarding, training and operational change
- Set goals and action plans and reinforce continuous improvement through feedback, recognition and coaching
Working Conditions
The incumbent may be required to work varying shifts in support of operations that run 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, including holidays. The work environment is primarily indoors, but the role may require outdoor field support. The working schedule may vary and may include weekdays, weekends, and statutory holidays based on territory requirements. Minimal travel is required, up to 10%, and may include overnight stays away from home. The role also requires responding to some emergency situations.
Experience
Electrical and Mechanical
- Experience in Electrical and Mechanical environments
- Minimum 3 years of experience in railroad Mechanical Shopcraft or comparable position*
- Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience of both unionized and non-union 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
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering*
- Technician or Technologist Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical*
- 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
- Compliance
- High
- Planning
- Coordination
- Prioritization
Technical Skills/Knowledge
- Leadership, Finance/business acumen, communication, planning and organizing, problem solving and decision making, process improvement, investigation of accidents budget control and customer service (internal and external)
- Billing requirements
- General Microsoft computer skills (Excel, Word), SRS, SAP, PAP, RTBI, DataCity, SmartYard
- Comprehensive knowledge of car construction and operation, inspection and repair, operating rules, Transport Canada, AAR, and mechanical railroad operation measures
- Comprehensive knowledge of car types, components and operation, inspection and repair, yard operating rules and regulatory requirements