Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Operations Manager leads a specialized team responsible for safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient chemical loading, warehouse activities, and related operations. This opportunity is well suited to a hands-on leader who enjoys working outdoors, solving problems, and promoting a strong safety culture.

Cando Rail & Terminals is North America’s leading provider of specialized rail operating services and terminal infrastructure that allow industrial shippers to optimize their supply chains and connect to Class I railways by leveraging Cando’s operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, short line operations, railcar staging, train assembly, and related services. 

Cando Advantages

• Work Life Balance
• Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs
• Award-Winning Safety Culture
• Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Health and Dental Benefits with Voluntary Options
• Opportunities to Grow with Our Expanding U.S. Operations!

Roles & Responsibilities

• Participate in budget preparation, profit-and-loss management, and daily communication with customers and railroads regarding scheduling and other issues to support smooth, safe operations.
• Provide “Worry-Free Consistency” service to customers on every shift, every day.
• Learn, implement, teach, and execute the Cando Operating Plan and standards.
• Build strong relationships with customer contacts.
• Understand customer contracts and rate structures.
• Delegate effectively and manage time well.
• Develop and execute a business plan, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management.
• Promote a safety culture in which every team member is committed to preventing unsafe behaviors and conditions.
• Teach and reinforce personal responsibility for safe practices and environmental stewardship.
• Lead proactively by solving problems, making decisions, organizing work, directing team members, and coaching to improve performance.
• Develop innovative solutions that support team-member retention.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Use administrative systems to support operations and meet deadlines.
• Model professionalism and excellent customer service.
• Provide hands-on leadership and apply operational and technical expertise to ensure best practices are followed.
• Foster a workplace culture of professionalism and cleanliness.
• Create a team-oriented environment that supports individual development and growth.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Three or more years of management experience preferred.
• Ability to lead a team of 5–10 employees, support conflict resolution, and implement safety initiatives.
• Good listening skills and attention to detail.
• Shared leadership style with a coaching approach to team development.
• Experience working closely with customers.
• Prior transloading experience is A+.
• Hands-on, hard-working self-starter.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Mechanical maintenance background.
• Experience within safety compliance and profit/loss.
• Ability to hire, train, and treat all team members effectively.
• Leadership skills to ensure team members consistently follow procedures, even when unsupervised.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform basic computer operations, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email, and to maintain general office organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, and other company personnel.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal requirements.
• Desire and willingness to learn.

Education & Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, transportation, business, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Five or more years of chemical loading experience preferred.
• Three to five or more years of experience in transloading, warehousing, logistics, rail, trucking, refinery, or terminal operations required.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and climates.
• Must be available to work Monday through Friday.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position.
• Must satisfy all pre-employment screening requirements, including, but not limited to, a background and criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, a motor vehicle record review, and a physical or functional capacity evaluation.

Note: This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand the level of expertise required in this position.