Regional VP, Transportation Central PROG

Patriot Rail Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive opportunity

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Company-provided travel resources

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Patriot Rail Company is seeking a Regional Vice President of Rail Operations to lead multiple short line and regional railroad properties. You will drive safety, service, regulatory compliance, employee engagement, and financial performance across the region.

This hands-on leader partners with operations managers, mechanical, engineering, commercial, and HR teams to build high-performing teams in the field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent railroad leadership experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive railroad operations experience.
• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing multiple locations or units.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FRA regulations and transportation operations.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and deliver operational improvements.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel extensively within the region.
• Executive leadership experience in short line, regional, Class I railroads, or transportation organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct leadership and oversight of multiple railroad operations across the region.
• Ensure safe and efficient train operations, maintenance, and infrastructure management.
• Drive operational performance using KPIs for safety, service, productivity, and financial results.
• Develop and execute regional business plans aligned with company objectives.
• Review trends and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead incident investigations and enforce corrective actions.
• Manage regional operating budgets and capital plans; drive profitability.
• Support growth by partnering with Sales/Marketing to meet customer needs.
• Develop leadership bench strength and succession plans.
• Foster engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Financial acumen

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/Transportation/Logistics

Job description

Position Summary

The Regional Vice President (RVP) of Rail Operations is a senior operational leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable performance of multiple short line and regional railroad properties within an assigned geographic territory. This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and workforce development while ensuring compliance with all Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT), OSHA, and company regulations.

The RVP partners closely with local Operations Managers, Mechanical, Engineering, Commercial, and People teams to drive a culture focused on safety, service excellence, regulatory compliance, employee engagement, and financial performance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, operational expertise, and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile: A hands-on railroad leader who prefers to be in the field rather than behind a desk, regularly engaging with employees and customers while driving operational and financial results across multiple railroad properties.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Provide direct leadership and oversight of multiple railroad operations across the assigned region.

Ensure safe and efficient train operations, maintenance activities, and infrastructure management.

Drive operational performance through established key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety, service, productivity, and financial results.

Develop and execute regional business plans aligned with company strategic objectives.

Review operational trends and implement corrective actions to improve performance.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Champion a safety-first culture throughout all railroad operations.

Ensure compliance with FRA regulations, operating rules, environmental standards, and company policies.

Conduct safety reviews, operational audits, and field inspections.

Lead incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented.

Promote continuous safety improvement through coaching, accountability, and employee engagement.

Financial & Business Management

Manage regional operating budgets and capital expenditure plans.

Drive profitability and operational efficiency initiatives.

Monitor expenses and identify opportunities to improve productivity and cost management.

Support commercial growth by partnering with Sales and Marketing teams to meet customer needs and expand business opportunities.

Participate in strategic planning, forecasting, and business reviews.

Leadership & Talent Development

Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to General Managers and operational leaders.

Build leadership bench strength and succession plans for critical roles.

Promote employee engagement, accountability, and performance excellence.

Partner with Human Resources to support workforce planning, employee relations, and talent development initiatives.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Customer & Stakeholder Relations

Develop strong relationships with customers, communities, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.

Represent the company with local, state, and federal organizations.

Collaborate with customers to ensure service expectations are met or exceeded.

Support business development efforts and strategic customer initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, Transportation, Engineering, Logistics, or related field; equivalent railroad leadership experience will be considered.

Minimum 10 years of progressive railroad operations experience.

Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing multiple locations, departments, or business units.

Comprehensive knowledge of FRA regulations, railroad operating practices, and transportation operations.

Proven ability to lead large teams and deliver operational improvements.

Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.

Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship management skills.

Ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned region.

Executive leadership experience within short line, regional, Class I railroad, or transportation organizations.

Experience leading union and non-union workforces.

Knowledge of railroad engineering, mechanical, and commercial operations.

Continuous improvement or Lean management experience.

Travel Requirements & Expectations

This position is designed to be highly visible across the region and requires a strong field presence. The Regional Vice President is expected to routinely engage with railroad operations, employees, customers, and community stakeholders throughout the assigned territory.

Travel approximately 50% to 75% of the time, depending on business needs, operational priorities, acquisitions, special projects, and incident response requirements.

Maintain a regular presence at railroad properties, terminals, shops, customer locations, and field operations.

Field Leadership Expectations

Lead through visible engagement by spending meaningful time in the field observing operations and interacting with frontline employees.

Conduct ride-alongs, site inspections, safety observations, and leadership coaching sessions throughout the region.

Promote a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement through regular on-site engagement.

Physical Requirements

Ability to safely navigate rail yards, locomotive facilities, industrial sites, and outdoor environments.

Ability to walk on uneven surfaces, climb rail equipment and stairways, and perform site inspections in varying weather conditions.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be eligible to operate a company vehicle or rental vehicle as necessary.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package including:

• o Annual incentive opportunity
• o Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• o 401(k) with company match
• o Paid time off and holidays
• o Company-provided travel resources
• o Professional development opportunities

About Us

We are dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused rail transportation solutions. Our success is built on operational excellence, employee engagement, and a commitment to serving the communities and industries that depend on rail transportation every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.