Senior Manager, Engineer Technical Operations- FR

Hiring salary range: $130,500.00 - $163,100.00. Salaries are determined individually based on skills and experience.

About the role

As the Senior Manager, Engineering Technical Operations, you will oversee CN’s rail grinding and Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) daily operations. The role includes overseeing welding standards, training, and audits, and employing the latest wheel and rail interface science and best practices to extend rail life. You will ensure CN and regulatory safety standards are met through proper planning and risk mitigation, while managing significant contractor assets and spend. Additional responsibilities include developing and reviewing safety plans, procedures, and processes for the department, including contractor oversight.

Responsibilities

• Operations Management
  • Develop grinding and RFD test schedules using a risk-based approach, leveraging 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 work performed by CN’s RFD, grinding, and welding operations.
  • Manage 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.
  • Continuously educate yourself and your team on the latest trends and technologies to improve operational effectiveness.
  • Participate in industry track standard review committees.
• Safety Management
  • Ensure 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 knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Transport Canada (TC) safety standards.
• People Management
  • 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 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.
• Cost Management
  • 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).

Working Conditions

• The role is performed in a combination of office (40%) and outdoor environments (60%) in various weather conditions, with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends is required.
• The role requires being on-call 24/7 to carry out field visits and respond to critical incidents.
• Regular travel (50%) within Canada and the United States for field visits and stakeholder engagement.
• The incumbent must be able to walk long distances and sit for extended periods.

Requirements

• Experience
  • 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 (considered an asset).
• Education/Certification/Designation
  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (considered an asset).
  • Professional Engineering (P.Eng) Designation (considered an asset).
  • Valid Driver’s License.

Skills

• Competencies
  • 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.
• Technical Skills/Knowledge
  • 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 (English and French) both written and verbal (considered an asset).

Benefits

• Annual bonus.
• Employee Share Investment Program (ESIP).
• Pension.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB).
• Other perks.

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, CN safely transports over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN’s 20,000-mile rail network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South. CN and its affiliates have contributed to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive, and sustainable railroad, reflecting the communities in which we operate.