Operations Supervisor, Field Services

About the role

Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work, Sasser prides itself on supporting an employee-driven, opportunity-based culture that empowers, recognizes, and rewards its employees. From highly competitive benefits to exciting employee events to organic, grassroots philanthropy and volunteerism, Sasser is an awesome place to begin and grow your career. We are a transportation asset services and management company with roots dating to 1928. Sasser’s subsidiary units are leaders in providing commercial- and industrial-focused rail, automotive, and containerized shipping solutions, including asset leasing, fleet administration management, asset repair and maintenance, and innovative technology services. Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services, Moventum Fleet Management, Express 4x4 Truck Rental, and Falcon Lease. This role supports our CF Rail Services team. Delivering the highest-quality railcar repairs quickly and safely with uncompromising customer service, CF Rail Services is a leading railcar repair and maintenance provider offering quality repair work for railroads, private car owners, lessors, contracts agents, and shippers across North America. The Operations Supervisor drives the day-to-day performance of railcar repair operations, leading repair projects from customer coordination through successful completion. This role combines hands-on operational leadership with financial accountability to deliver safe, high-quality, environmentally responsible work and strong business results. The Operations Supervisor also builds a high-performing team through employee development, succession planning, and ongoing motivation, empowering site personnel to achieve strategic business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Model CFRS core values and foster communication, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
• Lead safety initiatives and enforce railcar safety procedures.
• Supervise 1–20 employees servicing railcars to meet quality, safety, customer, and schedule requirements.
• Manage workforce performance to meet or exceed budgeted operational and financial goals.
• Plan and supervise production to meet priorities and customer needs on time.
• Perform in-process quality inspections.
• Communicate site performance to maintain efficient production flow.
• Apply technical expertise and problem-solving skills to ensure quality repairs.
• Train, coach, and motivate staff to maintain workforce efficiency.
• Ensure accurate, timely completion of required and regulatory documents.
• Enforce timekeeping, quality, safety, and site rules; take corrective action as needed.
• Support hiring, recognition, development, discipline, training, and termination.
• Coordinate with all repair facility functions.
• Maintain materials and supplies needed for safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.
• Coordinate reporting with customers, engineers, estimators, vendors, material supervisors, and site management.
• Ensure compliance with CFRS and all applicable safety, environmental, labor, and transportation regulations.
• Coordinate repairs to meet customer, CFRS, and regulatory quality standards.
• Support community projects that enhance local living standards.
• Assist with bids and quotes for railcar repair projects.
• Manage customer expectations, satisfaction, and agreed production goals.
• Ensure proactive maintenance of site assets.
• Maintain adequate supplies for safe, productive, and cost-effective repair operations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent technical education.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and BRC/shop operating systems.
• Strong phone and in-person customer service skills.
• Collaborative team player.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ADP Workforce Now for timekeeping.
• Basic AAR auditor training.
• AAR Advanced Auditor certification.
• Basic finance and accounting knowledge, including KPIs, budgeting, margins, and income statements.
• Proven leadership experience.
• Effective interviewing skills.
• Ability to conduct effective performance reviews.
• Lean Six Sigma experience.
• Participation in management-assigned training.

Physical Demands

Work assignments involve standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching in strained and awkward positions for prolonged periods of time at various heights up to 20 feet. Uses hands, legs, and arms to climb vertical ladders to staging or suspended platforms. Lifts, carries, and sets up equipment and components that weigh up to 50 lbs. Employee must be medically certified to wear a respirator, as well as be able to wear respirators for prolonged periods of time.

Work Environment

Work will be performed outdoors and indoors in all types of weather, on and around heavy equipment. The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. May be required to work overtime and/or varied shifts to meet the demands of the business.

Compensation & Benefits

The hiring range for this role is $80,000 – $90,000 USD annual. This role is classified as exempt for purposes of applicable wage and hour laws, which means the individual hired will not be eligible for overtime pay. This role is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on financial and personal performance throughout the plan year.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including HSA and FSA accounts with employer contributions toward HSA
• 100% Company-paid disability and life insurance plans
• 401(k) plan with company match plus additional end-of-year funding
• Paid vacation time (tiered based on tenure), personal time, sick days, and summer half days for certain roles
• 10 paid holidays annually
• Paid parental leave for new parents, plus a monetary gift toward a 529 education account
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Training and tuition reimbursement
• Community service opportunities, charity match opportunities, employee recognition programs, and many celebrations