Operations Manager I

What you’ll be doing:

The Operations Manager I is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight for daily rail and industrial operations while ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations and customer requirements. This position develops and supports team members, manages operational performance, maintains customer relationships, oversees equipment and facility maintenance, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. The role balances the needs of team members, customers, suppliers, and the business while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and operational excellence. 

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide hands-on leadership by modeling integrity, professionalism, accountability, and fair treatment of others.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop team members to build a skilled and engaged workforce.
• Hire, onboard, train, and manage employee performance.
• Foster a positive work environment focused on teamwork, professionalism, cleanliness, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, coaching sessions, and development planning.
• Maintain an open-door leadership approach and encourage constructive communication throughout the operation.
• Support shift coverage and provide hands-on training when operational needs require. 

Operations Management

• Plan, organize, and manage day-to-day rail and industrial operations to meet safety, service, and productivity objectives.
• Ensure effective utilization of personnel, equipment, and resources to meet customer expectations.
• Oversee railcar switching, cleaning, loading, inspections, and minor repair activities.
• Monitor operational performance and implement best practices to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing work and adapting to changing operational requirements.
• Provide on-call support and emergency response as necessary to maintain business continuity and customer commitments. 

Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Stewardship

• Promote personal responsibility for safe work behaviors, safe working conditions, and environmental compliance.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, FRA, MSHA, HAZMAT, and other applicable regulatory and customer requirements.
• Conduct operational and safety audits, identify deficiencies, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead safety initiatives, training programs, and safety meetings.
• Maintain required site certifications and support development of advanced safety qualifications.
• Champion housekeeping standards and support site 5S and continuous improvement programs. 

Customer and Business Management

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular communication, responsiveness, and operational reviews.
• Participate in customer meetings, audits, business reviews, and performance discussions.
• Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and business plans.
• Monitor financial performance and support cost management initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve services, increase operational effectiveness, and expand business growth.
• Support implementation of strategic initiatives and operational improvements. 

Asset and Maintenance Management

• Oversee asset utilization and coordinate equipment and facility maintenance activities.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained and operated in accordance with company standards and maintenance programs.
• Support capital planning and long-term asset sustainability initiatives.
• Coordinate repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance activities to maximize operational reliability. 

Requirements to be successful:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in industrial operations, rail operations, logistics, transportation, agriculture, infrastructure, or related industries.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements including OSHA and other industry-specific regulations.
• Strong leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining accountability for operational results. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with railcar switching, loading, cleaning, inspection, and repair.
• HAZMAT training or related certifications.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• Experience leading operations in rail, logistics, industrial plant, or transportation environments. 

Some physical requirements and working conditions:

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and other environmental conditions.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and around heavy equipment and machinery.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection when necessary.
• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Availability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and off-hours as required for training and operational coverage.
• Occasional travel may be required for business and training purposes