Rail Operating Rules & Compliance Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension

Paid vacation

Paid personal leave

Discounted transportation

Job summary

Ontario Northland is seeking a Manager, Operating Practices to lead governance of railway operating rules, bulletins, and instruction standards across the North Bay network. You will ensure CROR alignment with Transport Canada and SMS requirements, and drive regulatory readiness and safety culture.

You will translate rule changes into training, supervise staff, and collaborate with operational leaders and regulators to manage compliance risks while supporting audits and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• University degree in Transportation, Railway Operations, Occupational Health & Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, or 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 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 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 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

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 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.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

CROR interpretation

Leadership

Training program development

Communication

Risk assessment

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Office

Education

University degree in Transportation or related field

Tools

CROR knowledge

Job description

Ontario Northland is seeking a Manager, Operating Practices to lead governance of railway operating rules, bulletins, and instruction standards across the North Bay network. You will ensure CROR alignment with Transport Canada and SMS requirements, and drive regulatory readiness and safety culture.

You will translate rule changes into training, supervise staff, and collaborate with operational leaders and regulators to manage compliance risks while supporting audits and continuous improvement