Manager Operating Practices

CPKC; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension plan

Employee share purchase plan

Fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Manager Operating Practices to lead the development of operating rules and practices across its Canadian network. You will oversee investigations, drive continuous safety improvements, and partner with cross-functional teams to reduce risk and enhance performance.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to influence across departments, with travel to U.S./Canada as needed. A Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of railway experience are essential.

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 operating leadership experience.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational change.
• Valid driver’s license and passport with ability to travel to U.S./CAN without restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and improvement of rules, standards, and practices across CPKC Network.
• Manage Operating Practices team with leadership, coaching, and strategic direction.
• Oversee derailment investigations, root cause analysis, and train handling assessments to identify risks and improve safety.
• Analyze locomotive event recorder, LVVR, and camera data to support investigations and regulatory compliance.
• Act as primary liaison with regulatory agencies (Transport Canada, TSB) and support investigations.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Mechanical, Legal, Corporate Risk, and Technology to address safety challenges.
• Drive adoption of data-driven solutions to enhance performance and reduce risk.
• Participate in industry committees and regulatory groups to implement rule changes.
• Prepare and present findings, recommendations, and reports to senior leadership.
• Support train dynamics simulations, operational reviews, and safety initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Railway operations knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Posting Start Date: 10/7/26

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
• Part-time studies program

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.

Background Investigation

• 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).

• Req ID: 106566
• Department:
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Calgary, Alberta
• Country: Canada
• % of Travel: 10-20%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 3
• Job Available to: Internal & External