Rail Operations Director: Mechanical & Safety Leader

Canadian Pacific Railway; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Pacific Railway (CPKC) in the United States seeks a Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a team of railroad professionals, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service across the territory. The role emphasizes safety culture, clear communication, and driving accountability to achieve high-performance results.

You will lead improvement initiatives, manage the mechanical operating budget, mentor talent, and coordinate with Train & Engine

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ of railway maintenance experience or strong heavy industry maintenance based knowledge.
• Proven capabilities in driving and implementing cultural change.
• Experience in a unionized environment is necessary.
• Ability to travel to all locations required in the territory.
• Ability to drill down, understand root cause and resolve complex issues.
• Ability to provide pinpointed positive and constructive feedback and apply balanced consequences.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance of all train servicing, repairs, and planned program work with standards, AAR requirements, and TC/FRA regulations, delivering a safe, reliable product to Operations.
• Lead the execution of improvement strategies to enhance productivity, operational effectiveness, and asset reliability.
• Provide leadership during train incidents within the assigned territory, directing mechanical forces to safely manage the event and restore service.
• Manage and control the mechanical operating budget for the territory, ensuring resources are optimized and financial targets are achieved.
• Drive talent development and succession planning with ongoing coaching and growth opportunities.
• Maintain 24/7 availability to provide oversight and senior-level support for safety, operations, and regional matters.

Skills

Safety culture leadership

Root-cause analysis

Budget management

Team coaching

Union environment experience

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma

University degree preferred

Job description

Canadian Pacific Railway (CPKC) in the United States seeks a Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a team of railroad professionals, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service across the territory. The role emphasizes safety culture, clear communication, and driving accountability to achieve high-performance results.

You will lead improvement initiatives, manage the mechanical operating budget, mentor talent, and coordinate with Train & Engine