Operations Manager - Railcar Vehicle Unloader

Roadandrail; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company‑m

Paid holidays and vacation

Paid time off

Job summary

Road & Rail Services is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the Vehicle Handling department in Elwood, Illinois. You will manage daily operations, staffing, and safety programs to meet customer expectations in a fast-paced rail environment.

The role reports to the Director of Operations and requires hands-on leadership, clear communication, and a strong commitment to safety and quality across operations.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising or managing employees in railroad operations or vehicle handling.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced operation.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership for the Vehicle Handling department.
• Plan daily operations and adjust staffing based on workload.
• Complete and communicate railcar vehicle unloading and operation plans.
• Interview applicants, hire, and onboard new employees.
• Train, coach, and evaluate team members for safety and productivity.
• Lead safety meetings and reinforce a safety-first culture.
• Monitor workflow to meet customer deadlines and ensure SOP adherence.
• Conduct operational audits and site inspections per applicable reviews.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, FRA, DOT, and customer requirements.
• Investigate concerns and take appropriate follow-up.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Safety

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Job description

Operations Manager – Vehicle Handling & Rail Operations

Company: Road & Rail Services
Location: Elwood, IL
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Flexible schedule based on operational and customer needs

Lead a Safety-Focused Rail Logistics Operation

Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee our Vehicle Handling department in Elwood, Illinois. This position is responsible for leading employees who unload and handle new vehicles transported by railcar while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to customer expectations.

Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager will coordinate daily staffing and workflow, support employee development, conduct safety meetings, and ensure compliance with company procedures and applicable regulations. The successful candidate will be a hands on leader who communicates clearly, makes sound operational decisions, and remains organized in a fast-paced logistics environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and management for the Vehicle Handling department.

Plan daily operations, assign work, and adjust staffing based on workload and business requirements.

Complete and communicate railcar vehicle unloading and operational plans.

Interview applicants, make hiring recommendations, and support the onboarding of new employees.

Train, coach, and evaluate team members to promote safe and productive performance.

Lead safety meetings and reinforce a safety-first workplace culture.

Monitor workflow to ensure vehicles are handled safely and customer deadlines are met.

Ensure employees follow customer work instructions, quality procedures, standard operating procedures, and company policies.

Conduct operational audits and site inspections, including applicable AAR, ISA, and ISO reviews.

Maintain compliance with relevant OSHA, EPA, FRA, DOT, customer, and company requirements.

Investigate operational, safety, attendance, or quality concerns and complete appropriate follow-up.

Exercise independent judgment regarding employee performance, promotions, corrective action, and other employment-status recommendations.

Identify, document, and implement opportunities to improve service quality, safety, productivity, and operating efficiency.

Maintain accurate operational records, reports, and other required documentation.

Communicate regularly with company leadership, customers, and frontline employees.

Required Qualifications

Previous experience supervising or managing employees in railroad operations, vehicle handling, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, warehousing, or a related environment.

Valid state-issued driver's license.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Ability to prioritize responsibilities and make decisions in a fast-paced operation.

Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.

Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and quality.

Ability to work a flexible schedule based on operational demands.

Railroad supervisory or management experience is preferred but not required for candidates with relevant operations leadership experience.

Benefits

Road & Rail Services offers eligible full‑time employees a competitive benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Paid time off

Annual steel‑toe boot allowance

Company‑provided personal protective equipment

Advancement opportunities through our promote‑from‑within culture

Veteran-friendly workplace

About Road & Rail Services

Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services is a leading provider of rail‑related services throughout North America. Our skilled employees deliver plant and terminal operations, vehicle handling, and rail‑asset maintenance services for railroads, rail shippers, and owners of rail equipment and facilities.