About the position

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us! This position is posted as a grade 5. Job Summary The Senior Manager, Engineering Technical Operations is responsible for overseeing CN’s rail grinding and Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) daily operations. Moreover, the role oversees welding standards, training, and audits, and employing the latest wheel and rail interface science and best practices to extend the life of our rail. The incumbent ensures that both CN and regulatory safety standards are achieved through proper planning and risk mitigation. The position oversees significant contractor assets and spend associated with said service delivery. Additional tasks include the development and review of safety plans, procedures, and processes for the department, including contractor oversight.

Responsibilities

• Develop grinding and RFD test schedules utilizing a risk-based approach, with the latest technology and data
• Handle daily RFD and rail grinding operations, ensuring safe and efficient execution by CN employees and vendors
• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and oversee processes to verify the quality of the work performed by CN’s RFD, Grinding, and welding operations
• Handle employee and vendor safety performance
• Collaborate with Transportation and Engineering leadership to ensure equipment productivity, and maintain RFD inspection and grinding frequencies as per the plan
• Benchmark industry best practices and identify opportunities for improvement
• Educate self and team continuously on the latest trends and technologies to improve the effectiveness of our operations
• Participate in industry track standard review committees
• Ensure that all employees are properly trained and adhere to safety protocols and regulations for welding
• Contribute to developing and implementing company policies and procedures related to safety and environmental compliance
• Conduct safety audits and inspections to identify and address safety hazards and risks
• Collaborate with the Safety team to develop and implement safety initiatives and programs
• Lead a safety process to track action items as well as supervisor and employee compliance
• Perform field audits to determine and monitor compliance with established safety and regulatory standards
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the Fire Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
• Maintain up to date with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Transport Canada (TC) safety standards
• Coach, mentor, and guide team members to ensure they have the necessary tools and support to succeed
• Carry out performance management including setting and monitoring KPIs
• Participate in the selection and recruitment of new team members
• Carry out disciplinary actions when necessary and be familiar with the applicable employee collective agreements
• Communicate with union representatives, including handling issues related to grievances and investigations
• Participate in succession planning and career development activities
• Ensure team members receive appropriate training and are up to date on all training requirements
• Lead and participate in regular staff meetings
• Handle the operating and capital budgets for CN’s RFD and Grinding operations
• Monitor spending to maintain the planned budget
• Adjust working asset usage as needed based on available funds and performance
• Monitor invoices regularly and ensure their timely and accurate processing
• Ensure compliance with vendor contracts and communicate with vendors regularly
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting practices (e.g., staff travel expenses)

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of previous railroad experience in Engineering
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience directly responsible for engineering maintenance, construction, or production
• Experience in safety compliance
• Previous RFD, welding, rail grinding and lubrication experience
• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Professional Engineering (P.Eng) Designation
• Valid Driver’s Licence
• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Considers ESG principles in all operations
• Leads by example for the safety and security of all
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Communicates with impact
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Delegates and empowers others to create accountability
• Develops self and others
• Applies critical thinking
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Systems, Applications and Procedures (SAP), DataCity, Bentley, and Track Information System (TIS)
• Ability to understand and create technical documents
• Technical understanding of rail operations and ability to communicate with Senior Transportation Officers
• Knowledge of Transportation and railroad safety regulatory requirements (Canada and the United States)
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)

Nice-to-haves

• Any experience for these above would be considered an asset
• Any designation for these above would be considered an asset
• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset