Leadership Management Trainee - Operations

CPKC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join CPKC as a Leadership Management Trainee in Operations where you'll receive paid training designed to equip you with leadership and industry knowledge. This intensive six-month program involves classroom instruction and hands-on training with opportunities for relocation across the CPKC network. Ideal candidates will be flexible, effective communicators, and ready to embrace challenging duties. You will learn essential skills in a dynamic environment focused on safety, accountability, and personal growth.

Benefits

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

Qualifications

• Relocation willing across CPKC's network.
• Ability to work demanding physically.
• 2 years' supervisory experience in logistics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete management train conductor certification.
• Lead Train and Engine operating employees.
• Utilize railroad operating systems for efficiency.

Skills

Effective time management

Strong verbal communication skills

Strong written communication skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Education

General equivalency diploma or equivalent experience

Post-secondary education (preferred)

Job description

Leadership Management Trainee - Operations

Join to apply for the Leadership Management Trainee - Operations role at CPKC

Leadership Management Trainee - Operations

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Leadership Management Trainee - Operations role at CPKC

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 Leadership Management Trainee Operations (LMT-O) Program is a six-month, paid intensive training crafted to equip participants with crucial leadership and industry knowledge for the role of Assistant Trainmaster (ATM).

Successful completion of the program necessitates relocation to a terminal within the CPKC network and dedication to future relocations. The training includes classroom instruction, online training, workshops, projects and on-the-job training. Participants will undergo an 11-week manager conductor training course followed by 12 weeks of infield training where you’ll learn the proficiencies required to safely lead the operations and supervision of yard/ train movement.

This position requires relocation across our network within the U.S.

Apply now to join our class starting September 22, 2025.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Quickly learn, retain and use railroad operating systems, applications and local operating plans to assign tasks and handle efficiency within operations teams
• Complete and pass management train conductor certification and be able to be deployed once qualified and as the business requires - failure to pass the conductor certification will result in removal from the program
• Achieve minimum requirements on all phases of the LMT-O program including written, and practical evaluations; and deliver all reading, assignments and projects within assigned timelines
• Effectively lead Train and Engine operating employees acting as safety leader through active observations and discussions about rule compliance and by implementing preventative measures through staff engagement
• Model the proficiencies of effective leadership: commit to results, lead others, lead thought and lead by example
• Act critically when prioritizing work and make decisions aligned with CPKC’s values of accountability, diversity and pride as well as the five foundations: operate safely, develop people, control costs, optimize assets and provide service
  
  

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to relocate anywhere across CPKC's Canadian network upon graduation and throughout your career
• Must be able to perform work that can be physically demanding
• General equivalency diploma or equivalent experience is required, with preference given to those with post-secondary education
• Must be able to travel for up to 6 months during your initial training program
• Achieve minimum requirements on all phases of the LMT-O program including written, and practical evaluations; online independent learning, and complete all assignments and projects within assigned timelines
• Must be able to work all shifts including nights, weekends and holidays in all weather conditions
• Must have the ability to speak up and hold people accountable to CPKC’s core safety principles
• Effective time management skills and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to develop trust and credibility across the business
• 2 years’ previous supervisory experience in logistics or an operational environment is helpful
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing task priorities and work situations
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Valid U.S. passport: allowing entry/re-entry to Canada required or ability to obtain one within 90 days of starting
  
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Training Program Location

Majority of the training will take place in St. Paul, MN; however, some on-the-job training will be required in the field within various provinces or territories throughout CPKC’s network in the U.S.

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
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Passport verification
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form
• 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 provide, 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: 104648
• Department: Operations Central Division
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 60-70%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 5
• Job Available to: Internal & External
  
  

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Truck Transportation

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Leadership Development Program - Operations

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