Manager Northlander Operations

Ontario Northland

$97K — $114K *
Transportation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • College diploma in Business Administration or related field.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience in hospitality, preferably in a unionized setting.
  • Proven management background in the transportation field, emphasizing operational logistics.
  • Experience in emergency response planning (2+ years) and execution.
  • Knowledge of Transport Canada regulations regarding passenger rail operations.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior management to enhance customer experience.
  • Cultivate a culture focused on customer service and Northern hospitality.
  • Coordinate efficient operations for passenger boarding at Union Station.
  • Manage communication on boarding processes with station staff and third parties.
  • Identify and implement improvements for operational and service efficiency.
  • Maintain a strong presence during service and gather customer feedback.
  • Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety regulations.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for career advancement within the organization.
  • Participation in Workplace Health and Safety Committees.
  • Collaboration with a commitment to a customer-focused culture.
  • Support for ongoing professional development and training.
  • Engagement with industry events and networking opportunities.
Full Job Description
POSITION: Manager Northlander Operations
REPORTS TO: Senior Manager, Northlander and Service Excellence
DEPARTMENT: Passenger Services
LOCATION: Greater Toronto Area
REFERENCE: 500-127-27
SALARY: $97,578 - $114,790

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT:
The Manager, Northlander Operations is accountable for overseeing the delivery of Northlander services, ensuring seamless coordination among internal teams, third-party partners, and key stakeholders. This role plays a critical part in enhancing operational efficiency, supporting motor coach integration, and delivering a safe, reliable, and customer-focused travel experience for all passengers.

MAJOR DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work closely with the Sr. Manager of Northlander and Service Excellence to ensure an exceptional customer experience
  • Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture rooted in true Northern hospitality.
  • Coordinate with third-party service providers to ensure organized and efficient passenger boarding at Union Station.
  • Work closely with station staff to manage platform boarding queues and communicate special boarding requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, customer service, and responsiveness to business needs.
  • Support on-time performance by proactively addressing operational deficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
  • Maintain a visible presence during service hours; actively gather and log employee and customer feedback to monitor and enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Remain available after hours to respond to irregular operations or escalated customer service issues.
  • Provide clear guidance and direction to crew members regarding passenger volumes, special handling requirements, and equipment updates to ensure efficient operations and exceptional service delivery.
  • Participate in Workplace Health and Safety Committees; collaborate with employees and departments to identify and mitigate hazards.
  • Ensure compliance with all Provincial and Federal Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
  • Participate in investigations related to workplace injuries, lost time incidents, or property damage.
  • Enforce adherence to Health and Safety policies and procedures.
  • Review and maintain emergency response plans; ensure preparedness for service disruptions, accidents, and other unexpected events to protect passengers and staff.
  • Conduct emergency response rehearsals with employees and external partners, including third-party transportation and accommodation providers.
  • Oversee the availability and condition of onboard safety equipment; coordinate with maintenance and supply teams for replenishment and ensure daily safety checks are completed and documented.
  • Manage and monitor terminal agreements, ensuring all contractual obligations are met.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication channels with station stakeholders to relay service updates, delays, or changes.
  • Represent Ontario Northland at industry events and in the Toronto region as required.
  • Liaise with Rail Mechanical teams to report and resolve equipment issues.
  • Collaborate with Motor Coach Services and the Control Centre to coordinate boarding logistics, manage passenger volumes, and support supplemental services.
  • Maintain a visible presence at Toronto motor coach locations (Union Station, 407 terminal and Yorkdale); assist with passenger flow and boarding processes as needed.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • College diploma in Business Administration or a related discipline
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in the hospitality sector, ideally within a unionized environment
  • Proven management experience in the transportation industry, with a strong understanding of operational logistics
  • Bilingual in English and French (verbal) is an asset
  • Direct experience in passenger transportation services
  • Knowledge of Transport Canada regulations related to passenger rail operations
  • At least 2 years of experience in emergency response planning and execution
  • Exceptional customer service and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation capabilities
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Familiarity with POS and payment systems such as Moneris, Square, and Stripe
  • Experience with travel booking platforms and reservation system management
  • Working knowledge of financial reporting tools and payroll software is an asset
  • CPR certification and Supervisor Health & Safety training are assets
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be committed to company health and safety
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The successful candidate will need to pass the following clearances: criminal record check, employment references and education verification.

CLOSING DATE: September 14, 2026, no later than 11:59 p.m. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Qualified individuals are invited to apply in writing with a current covering letter and resume (provided in one document), stating reference name and number. Visit our career website to apply: https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/en/careers

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