Director Intermodal & Automotive Operations

CPKC; Bensenville (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Performance incentive plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC in Illinois seeks a Director, Intermodal & Automotive Operations to lead safety‑driven, high‑performing teams across Intermodal and Automotive terminals, delivering results in service, asset utilization, and cost management.

The role requires 7+ years in rail/terminal operations, strong leadership across diverse workforces, labor relations knowledge, and up to 40% travel. Based in Bensenville with opportunities for growth within a major North American railroad.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Transportation, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in rail transportation or terminal operations.
• Extensive knowledge of intermodal and automotive terminal environments.
• Experience leading diverse unionized and non-union workforces.
• Knowledge of labor relations and employment laws.
• Valid driver’s license; passport with travel ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of business strategy and operating plans for Intermodal and Automotive terminals across the assigned territory.
• Drive daily operational performance by achieving safety, service, productivity, and cost KPI objectives.
• Serve as primary escalation point for operational issues affecting network performance, customer service, terminal operations, and commercial objectives.
• Champion a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across all facilities.
• Optimize terminal fluidity and network efficiency through train design, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Develop, coach, and manage leaders through performance management, career development, succession planning, and accountability.
• Ensure terminal service metrics, including truck dwell and operational efficiency targets, meet customer and business expectations.
• Manage strategic relationships with contractors and vendors, including contract administration, RFPs, performance management, and resource planning.
• Oversee facility security, equipment regulatory compliance, and capital planning initiatives to support current and future operational growth.

Skills

Leadership experience

Rail transportation knowledge

People management

Labor relations knowledge

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Transportation, Business, or a related field

Job description

Posting Start Date: 8/13/26 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 Director, Intermodal & Automotive Operations is a key leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across all aspects of Intermodal and Automotive Operations within an assigned territory. This leader will inspire and develop a high-performing team of CPKC employees, delivering exceptional results in safety, service, asset utilization, cost management, and workforce engagement. Operating in a fast-paced, highly strategic environment, the Director will leverage strong leadership, sound judgment, and a relentless sense of urgency to optimize performance, enhance customer experience, and support the continued growth of the business.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the execution of business strategy and operating plans for Intermodal and Automotive terminals across the assigned territory.
• Drive daily operational performance by achieving safety, service, productivity, and cost KPI objectives.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues impacting network performance, customer service, terminal operations, and commercial objectives.
• Champion a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across all facilities.
• Optimize terminal fluidity and network efficiency through effective train design, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Develop, coach, and manage leaders through performance management, career development, succession planning, and accountability.
• Ensure terminal service metrics, including truck dwell and operational efficiency targets, consistently meet customer and business expectations.
• Manage strategic relationships with contractors and vendors, including contract administration, RFPs, performance management, and resource planning.
• Oversee facility security, equipment regulatory compliance, and capital planning initiatives to support current and future operational growth.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Transportation, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in rail transportation, terminal operations, logistics, or a related operational leadership environment.
• Extensive knowledge of rail operations, including intermodal and automotive terminal environments.
• Proven leadership experience developing, coaching, and leading diverse unionized, non-union, and contractor workforces.
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements, labor relations, and applicable employment laws.
• Valid driver’s license if required
• Valid passport with ability to travel to U.S./CAN without restrictions if required

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Performance incentive planAnnual 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 or regulated 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
• Social Security Number 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).

• Department: Network & Capacity Management
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Bensenville, Illinois
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 30-40%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 2
• Job Available to: Internal & External