Director of Dispatching

CPKC; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Performance incentive plan

Fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Director of Dispatching to lead a team of Train Dispatchers, ensuring safety, on-time performance, and efficient execution of the Daily Operating Plan within assigned territories. You will oversee inputs/outputs of safety, service, productivity, and financial metrics, driving excellence across multiple systems including NEXUS and TRAM.

This safety-critical role requires strong leadership, the ability to manage complex operational challenges, and collaboration with unions and

Qualifications

• High School Graduation or General Equivalency required.
• 5 years of railway experience and/or strong transportation industry-based knowledge.
• 2 years' experience in a Railway Dispatching Center.
• Ability to cope with stress, and continue to deal effectively in emergent situations.
• Strong leadership skills, able to engage unionized staff as well as influence leaders.

Responsibilities

• Meet monthly and annual safety objectives.
• Conduct safety discussions, audits, and rules review sessions.
• Maintain qualifications for all applicable rules and standards (GCOR, OTS, HazMat, etc.).
• Execute and monitor the operating plan and train performance.
• Plan ahead, address exceptions, and communicate contingencies.
• Oversee accuracy and safe operations across multiple systems (NEXUS, TRAM, CTC, CMA, Crew Balancer).
• Manage locomotive failures including lifting Bad Order locomotives and develop contingency plans.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Team supervision

Communication

Education

High School Graduation or GED

Job description

Posting Start Date: 9/23/26.

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, Dispatching provides leadership, mentorship and supports safety to a team of Train Dispatchers. You will be responsible for all operational related matters pertaining to the execution of the “Daily” Operating Plan within their assigned territories, including any bulk train slotting. This role requires display of leadership accountability for inputs and outputs of safety, service, productivity and financial metrics; and be accountable for execution of on-time and full duration Engineering Services work blocks.

Signing Bonus

• $10,000 Signing Bonus
• $5,000 Upon Hire
• $5,000 after 1 year of service

Position Accountabilities

• Meet monthly and annual safety objectives.
• Conduct safety discussions, audits, and rules review sessions.
• Maintain qualifications for all applicable rules and standards (GCOR, OTS, HazMat, etc.).
• Complete required quizzes and training with high accuracy.
• Execute and monitor the operating plan and train performance.
• Validate power plans and coordinate with third-party carriers.
• Track and document delays, variances, and performance issues in NEXUS.
• Ensure timely completion of over-the-road work events.
• Promptly report and document incidents with accurate details.
• Manage emergency response processes and recovery plans.
• Complete derailment checklists and crew interviews within required timelines.
• Monitor crew lineup and elevate manpower concerns.
• Ensure compliance with collective agreements and operational guidelines.
• Execute daily work block plans for major projects and maintenance.
• Plan ahead, address exceptions, and communicate contingencies.
• Oversee accuracy and safe operations across multiple systems (NEXUS, TRAM, CTC, CMA, Crew Balancer).
• Manage locomotive failures including lifting Bad Order locomotives and develop contingency plans.

Position Requirements

• High School Graduation or General Equivalency required
• 5 years of railway experience and/or strong transportation industry-based knowledge
• 2 years' experience in a Railway Dispatching Center
• Ability to cope with stress, and continue to deal effectively in emergent situations
• Strong leadership skills, able to engage unionized staff as well as influence leaders

What CPKC Has to Offer

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Performance incentive 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 or regulated drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references
• Social Security Number verification
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form

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: 106244
• Department: Network Operations
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 3
• Job Available to: Internal & External