At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary 

The Manager, Safety – United States is responsible for the safety planning, oversight and implementation of new engagement techniques and corrective action plans for a division. The role is pivotal and entails collaborating with senior leadership across operational sectors within the assigned territory to offer counsel, technical proficiency, and discernment regarding safety risks and avenues for enhancement. Additionally, the incumbent is tasked with delivering comprehensive training on all aspects pertaining to safety.   

Main Responsibilities 

Safety Orientation, Understanding, Compliance and Implementation 

Organize and implement the safety action plan and strategy at the divisional level 

Monitor Health and Safety (H&S) compliance for the division review processes, activities, and initiate improvements 

Work with the safety function, the general manager, and the superintendents to promote and oversee safety in the field as well as coach all levels of management on safety engagement targets 

Identify and initiate improvement opportunities via analysis of performance data within area of responsibility 

Create or provide input into procedures to effectively complete compliance tasks 

Plan and lead Life Critical Rule safety audits as well as Exposure Reduction Discussions (ERD) 

Escalate compliance concerns to senior management, ensure that the corporate (CN) vision of safety is implemented and abided by  

Initiate strategies that are in line with that vision and improve safety  

Educate and develop all levels of management, within the division, continuously on safety appropriate behaviors with a focus on brain centered hazards 

Analyze injury and accident data, including leading and lagging indicators to come up with trends and specific corrective actions that are driven from accurate root cause analyses 

Planning, Problem Solving, and Decisions  

Maintain a collaborative work environment within the division amongst staff, contractors, and internal clients by proactively responding to issues 

Be able to defend a position that is in line with CN’s safety goals even if there is an operational impact 

Act as a liaison with all other CN departments                                              

Review the operational safety processes and take appropriate courses of action  

Lead, participate, and coach incident root cause analysis 

Identify and implement corrective or preventative actions and follow up 

Performance Management, Training and Onboarding  

Collaborate with the leadership team to create comprehensive development goals and support the achievement of technical and leadership development relating to safety, while providing opportunities for growth 

Share best practices, information, operational concerns, and company information to create transparency and a clear understanding of company direction and expectations 

Identify and initiate improvement opportunities via analysis of performance data within area of responsibility 

Participate in the divisional leadership meeting and take leadership on safety issues and discussions, providing safety guidance plans 

General Leadership and Supervision 

Create and foster a clear understanding of direction and expectations on safety for all levels of management within the division 

Favour the development and sustain the right employee behaviors with feedback, recognition, reinforcement, and coaching 

Participate and facilitate the training schedules 

Oversee the investigation process relating to Safety infractions, as per the collective agreement, and ensure timelines are met and actions progress 

Be proficient on holding high-level hearings, as well as building Front Line Supervisors (FLS) to further their skills for hearing preparations and giving witness testimonies 

Conduct a comprehensive review of hearing transcripts subsequent to each session, in addition to participating as a silent observer during in-person monitoring sessions with a primary objective to furnish constructive feedback aimed at enhancing the competencies of both frontline staff and mid-level managers within the organization 

Working Conditions 

The role is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environments in various types of weather conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidents. The role requires extensive travel (up to 50%) within the United States (U.S.). Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, ambiguity, and stress.  

Requirements 

Experience 

Management  

Minimum 5 years of experience leading teams 

Experience with railroad operations (network optimization and operations)  

Experience with operating rules and procedures 

Experience in a Manager role within operations* 

*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset 

Education/Certification/Designation 

Post-Secondary Education or equivalent  

Competencies  

Delegates and empowers others to create accountability 

Knows the business and stays current on industry needs 

Identifies potential safety and security risks 

Leads by example for the safety and security of all 

Considers environmental impacts in every decision and action 

Collaborates with others and shares information 

Develops self and others 

Technical Skills/Knowledge 

Extensive knowledge of railroad-specific transportation drivers and safety 

Knowledge of collective agreements and transportation regulations in the U.S. 

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.