General Manager – Railroad Operations (Multi-Division)

Railroad Operations Leadership Required

Multi-Division Territory | Senior Leadership Role
Applicants MUST have direct railroad operations leadership experience.

Relevant experience includes: railroad operations, rail services, derailment response, rail mechanical operations, or railroad maintenance.

About the Role

We are seeking a General Manager – Railroad Operations to lead multi-division railroad field operations with full responsibility for safety, personnel, mechanical equipment, customer relationships, and financial performance.

This role oversees division leadership teams, railroad field crews, mechanical programs, safety compliance, and operational growth across multiple locations.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in railroad operations leadership and managing large operational teams in the rail industry.

What You’ll Lead

✔ Senior Division Managers, Division Managers & Sales Managers
✔ Railroad field operations and mechanical teams
✔ Safety culture and regulatory compliance
✔ Railroad equipment and preventative maintenance programs
✔ Operational performance, staffing, and profitability

Key ResponsibilitiesSafety Leadership

  • Lead railroad safety programs and FRA compliance
  • Investigate incidents and conduct root cause analysis
  • Drive safety training, accountability, and operational standards
  • Ensure compliance across rail shops and field operations

Railroad Operations & Mechanical

  • Oversee railroad field operations across multiple divisions
  • Manage preventative maintenance programs for rail equipment
  • Ensure equipment readiness, inspections, and utilization
  • Maintain facility standards and operational compliance

Leadership & Workforce Development

  • Recruit, hire, and develop railroad operations leaders
  • Manage performance reviews, coaching, and discipline
  • Build succession plans for division leadership
  • Strengthen employee retention and operational culture

Financial & Asset Performance

  • Manage operational budgets and division profitability
  • Monitor labor utilization and equipment efficiency
  • Ensure proper staffing and profitable project execution

Sales & Customer Relationships

  • Lead sales strategy and market development
  • Maintain strong railroad customer partnerships
  • Analyze market conditions and competitive positioning

Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)

✔ 7+ years of Railroad Operations Leadership Experience
✔ Experience managing railroad field operations or rail services teams
✔ Strong knowledge of railroad safety regulations and mechanical operations
✔ Experience overseeing multiple locations or divisions
✔ Bachelor’s degree preferred (or equivalent experience)
✔ Valid driver’s license

Work Expectations

  • Travel: Up to 50%
  • Schedule: Long and irregular hours with 24/7 operational responsibility
  • Environment: Combination of office leadership and railroad field operations

Why Join Our Team

✔ Lead large-scale railroad operations across multiple divisions
✔ Make a direct impact on safety, performance, and operational success
✔ Develop and mentor the next generation of railroad leaders
✔ Work in a high-impact leadership role within the rail industry

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • What are your salary expectations?

Experience:

  • Managerial leadership: 7 years (Required)
  • Railroad industry: 5 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

  • 50% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60617

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