Manager Operating Practices

Ontario Northland; North Bay; Hybrid; CAD 128,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Northland North Bay is seeking a Manager, Operating Practices to govern railway operating rules, bulletins, and procedures in alignment with Transport Canada requirements and the Safety Management System. The role leads regulatory readiness and governance across the rail network.

The position translates changes into training programs, leads the Operating Practices team, supports audits, and collaborates with operational leaders, regulators, and project teams to mitigate compliance risks

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years in railway operations or related field.
• Experience interpreting CROR, GOIs, and timetables.
• Understanding SMS and regulatory inspections.

Responsibilities

• Govern railway operating rules and bulletins across Ontario Northland.
• Maintain ownership of rule interpretation and CROR application.
• Develop and standardize GOIs, timetables, and instructions.
• Ensure alignment with Transport Canada requirements and safety acts.
• Support audits, investigations, and risk assessments.
• Lead improvement initiatives in rules governance and documentation.
• Translate rule changes into training materials and procedures.
• Provide guidance to operational leaders on compliance risks.
• Supervise the Operating Practices Officer and lead the team.
• Participate on RAC Operating Rules Committee as required.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Training development

Policy interpretation

Education

University degree relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION

Manager, Operating Practices

REPORTS TO

Director, Training & Compliance

DEPARTMENT

Rail Transportation

LOCATION

North Bay

REFERENCE

100-118-27

SALARY

$127,790 to $150,332

WHO WE ARE

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is an Agency of the Province of Ontario that provides efficient and vital transportation services. We are a modern, forward-thinking organization focused on providing safe and reliable transportation services. ONTC has a rich history of over 120 years and strong connections to the communities we serve. With over 1200 skilled professionals, we work together to enhance transportation services and ensure that they are sustainable for future generations. We offer a dynamic workplace culture, along with a competitive salary, excellent benefit package, a defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation, paid personal leave days and discounted transportation on our bus and passenger rail services.

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT

The Manager, Operating Practices is responsible for the governance, interpretation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Ontario Northland's railway operating rules, operating bulletins, special instructions, and operating practice standards. The incumbent serves as the organization's subject matter expert for railway operating rules and regulatory compliance, ensuring alignment with Transport Canada requirements, the Railway Safety Act, the Safety Management System (SMS), and industry best practices. The position provides leadership in regulatory readiness, operating rule governance, workforce integration, and operational safety across Ontario Northland's rail network.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide governance, interpretation, and oversight of railway operating rules, operating bulletins, timetables, special instructions, and operating practice standards.


• Maintain centralized ownership of operating rule interpretation and ensure consistent application of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) across Ontario Northland operations.


• Develop, review, authorize, and standardize operating bulletins, General Operating Instructions (GOIs), timetables, and subdivision special instructions


• Ensure operating instructions remain aligned with federal legislation, Transport Canada requirements, the Railway Safety Act, Safety Management System requirements, and industry best practices.


• Support regulatory audits, inspections, investigations, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.


• Lead continuous improvement initiatives related to operating rules, governance processes, manuals, and regulatory documentation.


• Translate operating rule changes and regulatory requirements into training programs, qualification standards, learning materials, and operating procedures.


• Provide guidance and expert advice to operational leaders, regulators, project teams, and stakeholders regarding operating rule interpretation and compliance risks.


• Supervise the Operating Practices Officer and provide leadership, coaching, and direction to support departmental objectives.


• Participate on the RAC Operating Rules Committee as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• University degree in Transportation, Railway Operations, Occupational Health & Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, Adult Education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive railway operating experience.


• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in railway operations, rail traffic control, transportation management, compliance, training, operating rules.


• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR), General Operating Instructions (GOIs), special instructions, operating bulletins, timetables, and applicable railway regulations.


• Railway Safety Management System (SMS), Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG), Incident Management, Transport Canada regulatory compliance, and adult education or instructional design certifications are considered assets.


• Experience supporting Transport Canada inspections, audits, investigations, regulatory reviews, and compliance programs.


• Experience developing, implementing, or overseeing operating procedures, operating standards, governance frameworks, training programs, qualification standards, or compliance initiatives.


• Current Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) qualification, or the ability to obtain and maintain qualification.


• Qualification as a Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, Rail Traffic Controller, Rules Instructor, Transportation Supervisor, or equivalent railway operating certification is considered an asset.


• Demonstrated leadership experience providing technical direction, coaching, supervision, and guidance across multiple operational groups.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and exercise sound professional judgment.


• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.


• Ability to travel throughout Ontario Northland's rail network as required.


• Strong focus on health and safety

APPLICATION PROCESS

The successful candidate will need to pass the following clearances: criminal record check, employment references and education verification.

CLOSING DATE

September 7, 2026 no later than 11:59 p.m.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

At Ontario Northland, we are committed to employment equity.

We value the unique skills and experiences each person brings to Ontario Northland and invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+.

Ontario Northland will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

ONTC does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make or inform hiring decisions. We do use an external applicant tracking system (ATS) to help manage applications efficiently. While the ATS may apply basic automated filters or sorting functions, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by human recruiters.

Les offres d'emploi sont également disponibles en français. Visitez notre site Web sur les carrières ou appelez le 1-800-363-7512, pour plus de renseignements.