Description

This position oversees train operations and is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of all trains within an assigned territory of high scope, size, or volume. Ensures the safety of crews and meets operational and financial targets as outlined by the Transportation Service Plan (TSP) and associated Key Performance Indicators (KPI's).

Accountabilities

• Leads the operational testing program by observing, documenting, and evaluating safe work practices per GCOR (General Code of Operating Rules), communicating results, and applying the elevation process, if necessary.
• Facilitates employee meetings and programs to emphasize safety and discuss safety risks.
• Investigates accidents and incidents, identifies root cause, and resolves or escalates.
• Works closely with management on strategic coordination of multiple complex plans, subdivisions, terminals, and customer bases.
• Meets the tactical goals of the TSP (Transportation Service Plan) by managing equipment and staff, reporting results, and recommending solutions. Metrics may include equipment dwell, on-time train origination, right car/right train, work order compliance, customer performance reporting, and accuracy.
• Leads crew starts, crew size, and overtime in a cost-effective manner.
• Facilitates smooth transfers between territories.
• Serves as a first responder to critical incidents.
• Makes recommendations regarding hiring, performance, and termination of staff.
• Grows relationships and is an effective partner through strong daily communication with Mechanical, Engineering, Signaling, MLU (Management of Locomotive Utilization), NOC (network Operations Center), and foreign line carriers.
• Uses MCS (Management Control System) and computerized planning tools to create trip plans and make tactical adjustments to the TSP.
• Provides subject matter expertise to Marketing as they set up service plans to meet customer needs.
• Demonstrates operational excellence by knowing and applying the business requirements. Demonstrates customer focus and contingency planning to ensure stakeholder expectations are met.
• Understands the relevant business metrics and applies effective tactics to sustain a culture of operational effectiveness that produces teams of high performing, engaged and empowered operational leaders.
• Identifies when a rule/regulation/policy has been violated and has one-on-one accountability conversations with an individual who has not met expectations, using KCS Candor, Aligning the Stars & KCS ABC's, and have the individual produce better results.
• Demonstrates KCS's commitment to being ONE TEAM - Living a Speak Up Culture - by using communication and interpersonal skills to enhance inclusion, civility, respect, innovation, safety, customer focus, teamwork within KCS, while encouraging and enabling others to do the same.
• Defines and communicates clearly the teams roles and responsibilities; holds people accountable for accomplishing objectives; recognizes and rewards people who achieve results and deliver on performance expectations; provides pinpointed (specific & measurable) feedback on performance.
• Develops and retains a strong team of high performers; creates a challenging and rewarding work environment; organizes a diverse group of people into a cohesive team to leverage their energy, knowledge and skills; creates grassroots / localized events to train & develop others - including location-specific safety training, localized Speak Up events, regular recognition or team-building activities.
• Exemplifies KCS Vision, Values, and Culture in each and every interaction with team, clients, and stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a job-related major field of study
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including leading and managing projects or programs with outcome-focused deliverables, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum one (1) year of experience directly or indirectly leading a team

Preferred

• Network Operations experience

Working Conditions

• Shift work is an essential function of this job. Employees must have the ability and willingness to support critically important railroad operations 24 hours per day/7 days per week, working various shifts as assigned. Schedule assignments may include after-hours, weekends and holidays.
• Business travel is an essential requirement of this job. Employees must be able and willing to travel away from their primary work location up to 50% of the time.

We Offer:

• Complete health and welfare benefits package
• Competitive salary
• Incentive plan
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• 401k savings
• Leave/vacation plan

EEO Statement

We value a culturally diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer while providing reasonable accommodations for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Company Overview

In 1887, Arthur Stilwell constructed a north-south railroad while others were heading east and west, setting the tone for a century-old legacy of outstanding vision; entrepreneurial spirit; resilience in the face of adversity; and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Building on that legacy, our culture is further defined by a new vision for the future and a core set of values - Safety, Customer Focus, Communication, Teamwork, Initiative & Innovation, and Diversity & Civility. We believe that the way we do business is as important as the business we do.

In addition to a culture that allows employees to thrive, we encourage resourcefulness with an award, recognizing employees who see a problem (or opportunity), find a solution, and use whatever authority and resources are available to get a job done well - accomplishing what was previously thought could not be done.

If you want to do work that is creative and strategic, be heard, grow professionally, be valued by your employer, and know that you are making an important contribution to an essential industry, a global supply chain, and the larger economy, Kansas City Southern may be the place for you.