Production Supervisor jobs in Canada

The Transportation Supervisor is an entry-level front line supervisor position responsible for meeting CN's service commitments by managing the day-to-day train operations within a territory or terminal and the unionized train crews. The incumbent is responsible for learning the operation and organizing the territory in order to ensure train departures and operations are performed safely, efficiently and in compliance with governing regulations and CN's operating rules. The Transportation Supervisor may also be an on-call position that reports to remote locations (line points) and deals directly with customers and main line concerns. The incumbent will manage the day to day operations of a 24/7 function.

Location: Jasper, AB; Shift and schedule: Weekends as needed; Holidays; On call

• Safety
  • Attend Front Line Supervisor Development Programs to learn and understand the organization, operational rules and regulations.
  • Coach and train unionized employees on safe and productive work procedures.
  • Build safety compliance and improve safety results through regular safety observations; provide feedback (positive and constructive) to subordinates and take action on non-compliant behaviour.
  • Ensure safe operation as measured by accidents and injuries.
  • Achieve weekly and monthly safety observation objectives in regards to the safety management plan.
  • Respond to incidents; support the Trainmaster and Assistant Superintendent for crossing accidents and incidents; manage the site until the track and service have been restored; support investigations and draft close-out of accident/injury reports.
  • Respond to dangerous goods incidents or leaks; liaise with the Dangerous Goods Officer to protect employee and public well-being.
  • Train, audit and enforce Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Play a role in the investigation of accidents and incidents.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
  • Attend Front Line Supervisor Development Programs to learn internal systems, processes, policies and procedures for solving issues and making decisions.
  • Maintain teamwork and order amongst staff, contractors, and internal clients; respond to issues with urgency.
  • Use operational data in CN systems to identify opportunities to improve asset utilization and service reliability; take action for own territory and make recommendations with network implications.
  • Oversee crew utilization, track deadheads, recrews and labour costs; work with the Trainmaster and Assistant Superintendent to improve operations and cost control for the terminal.
  • Set recovery plans for service exceptions in conjunction with Rail Traffic Control (RTC), Trainmaster and Assistant Superintendent.
  • Responsible for overseeing accurate timely reporting of delays and identifying ways to reduce delays.
• Planning and Organizing Workload
  • Attend Front Line Supervisor Development Programs to understand service design and support tools to plan and organize workflow.
  • Work with rail traffic control to manage train lineups and train meets; predict estimated time of arrival and train crew needs.
  • Manage crew productivity against switching standards; recommend improvements when appropriate.
  • Keep track of the yard status, service commitments, old dates, inbound arrivals, and process traffic to reduce dwell; ensure train connections and departures meet the service plan.
  • Determine best opportunity to move traffic against multiple demands; give recommendations to cost control and asset utilization in planning and implementation.
  • Monitor customers service plan and adjust as needed.
• General Leadership and Supervisions of Union Workforce
  • Attend Front Line Supervisor Development Programs to understand the organization’s desired leadership behaviours, communication expectations and enforcement of the collective agreement.
  • Communicate company goals and policies to create clear understanding of direction and expectations to unionized employees.
  • Conduct investigations per collective agreement and issue discipline with support from Trainmaster or Assistant Superintendent as well as Labour relations.
  • Develop and sustain the right employee behaviours with feedback, recognition, reinforcement and coaching.
  • Process the administration leave of absence and time off requests (varies depending on location).
• Performance Management, Training and Onboarding
  • Evaluate employee performance and review performance expectations, actual performance, and overall performance ratings.
  • Conduct onboarding conversations to ensure employees are adopting proper work practices, and have the knowledge, tools and understanding to perform their job safely and efficiently.
  • Identify and coach performance deficiencies, and take action to build required behaviour.
  • Share best practices and information to create transparency and clear understanding of company direction and expectations.

The role has irregular hours (including nights, weekends, holidays). The incumbent will work in a combination of an office environment and the outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The role requires travel for company business without advance notice which may include responding to unexpected emergency or urgent situations. The Transportation Supervisor has an overall commitment to safety, while working in conjunction with the collective agreement.

• Experience
  • Industrial work experience in a safety-conscious, production environment.
  • Experience working with heavy machinery.
  • 4 years of supervisory experience (management or with unionized employees).
  • 3 years of experience on railroad as conductor.
  • Any experience in these areas would be considered an asset.
• Education/Certification/Designation
  • High School Diploma.
  • Valid Driver's Licence.
  • Certified Conductor or Locomotive Engineer.
  • Degree in Business or Logistics. (Asset)
• Competencies
  • Knows the business and stays current with industry trends to elevate expertise and work.
  • Tracks metrics to achieve targets and holds self accountable to meet performance expectations.
  • Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to diverse audiences.
  • Makes informed and timely decisions to succeed.
  • Shows initiative and empowers others to raise the team's performance.
  • Improves processes to enhance safety, security and reduce CN's environmental footprint.
  • Identifies risks and anticipates impacts to ensure a safe and secure environment.
  • Time management and project management skills.
  • Technical Skills/Knowledge: general Microsoft and computer skills; Excel, Word, SAP, and related systems; knowledge of safe rail operating practices.