Manager Operating Practices

Canadian Pacific Railway; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension plans

Employee share purchase plan

Fitness subsidy

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Manager Operating Practices to lead the development of railway operating rules, oversee investigations, and drive continuous safety and efficiency improvements across the Canadian network. The role partners with cross-functional teams to mitigate operational risk and support business performance.

The position requires five years of railway operating experience, locomotive engineer qualification, and proven leadership. Travel between U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of railway operating experience, including qualification as a Locomotive Engineer and experience in an operating leadership role.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational change.
• Strong knowledge of railway operating rules, train handling, derailment investigations, regulatory requirements, and operational risk management, combined with exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid passport with ability to travel to U.S./CAN without restrictions

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of rules, standards, and practices across CPKC Network.
• Manage and develop the Operating Practices team, providing leadership, coaching, and strategic direction
• Oversee derailment investigations, root cause analysis, and train handling assessments to identify risks and improve operational safety
• Analyze locomotive event recorder, LVVR, and camera data to support incident investigations and regulatory compliance
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and support investigations involving Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Mechanical, Legal, Corporate Risk, and Technology teams to address operational and safety challenges
• Drive the adoption of technology and data-driven solutions to enhance operational performance and reduce risk
• Participate in industry committees and regulatory working groups to influence and implement operating rule changes
• Prepare and present findings, recommendations, and reports to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Support train dynamics simulations, operational reviews, and network-wide safety initiatives

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder influence

Analytical thinking

Railway operations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Manager Operating Practices plays a key leadership role in shaping safe and efficient railway operations across CPKC's Canadian network. This position leads the development of operating rules and practices, oversees incident investigations and compliance programs, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, reduce operational risk, and support business performance. Working closely with senior leaders and cross-functional partners, the Manager Operating Practices has a direct impact on how CPKC safely operates today and into the future.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of rules, standards, and practices across CPKC Network.
• Manage and develop the Operating Practices team, providing leadership, coaching, and strategic direction
• Oversee derailment investigations, root cause analysis, and train handling assessments to identify risks and improve operational safety
• Analyze locomotive event recorder, LVVR, and camera data to support incident investigations and regulatory compliance
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and support investigations involving Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Mechanical, Legal, Corporate Risk, and Technology teams to address operational and safety challenges
• Drive the adoption of technology and data-driven solutions to enhance operational performance and reduce risk
• Participate in industry committees and regulatory working groups to influence and implement operating rule changes
• Prepare and present findings, recommendations, and reports to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Support train dynamics simulations, operational reviews, and network-wide safety initiatives

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of railway operating experience, including qualification as a Locomotive Engineer and experience in an operating leadership role.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational change.
• Strong knowledge of railway operating rules, train handling, derailment investigations, regulatory requirements, and operational risk management, combined with exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid passport with ability to travel to U.S./CAN without restrictions

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Annual fitness subsidy

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Medical and Drug Testing

This is a safety critical position and a successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Passport verification

BECOMING A RAILROADER

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

CULTURE OF INCLUSION

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).