POSITION: Manager, Operating Practices
REPORTS TO: Director, Training & Compliance
DEPARTMENT: Rail Transportation
LOCATION: North Bay
REFERENCE: 100-118-27
SALARY: $127,790 to $150,332

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT:
The Manager, Operating Practices is responsible for the governance, interpretation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Ontario Northland's railway operating rules, operating bulletins, special instructions, and operating practice standards. The incumbent serves as the organization's subject matter expert for railway operating rules and regulatory compliance, ensuring alignment with Transport Canada requirements, the Railway Safety Act, the Safety Management System (SMS), and industry best practices. The position provides leadership in regulatory readiness, operating rule governance, workforce integration, and operational safety across Ontario Northland's rail network.

MAJOR DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide governance, interpretation, and oversight of railway operating rules, operating bulletins, timetables, special instructions, and operating practice standards.
• Maintain centralized ownership of operating rule interpretation and ensure consistent application of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) across Ontario Northland operations.
• Develop, review, authorize, and standardize operating bulletins, General Operating Instructions (GOIs), timetables, and subdivision special instructions
• Ensure operating instructions remain aligned with federal legislation, Transport Canada requirements, the Railway Safety Act, Safety Management System requirements, and industry best practices.
• Support regulatory audits, inspections, investigations, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives related to operating rules, governance processes, manuals, and regulatory documentation.
• Translate operating rule changes and regulatory requirements into training programs, qualification standards, learning materials, and operating procedures.
• Provide guidance and expert advice to operational leaders, regulators, project teams, and stakeholders regarding operating rule interpretation and compliance risks.
• Supervise the Operating Practices Officer and provide leadership, coaching, and direction to support departmental objectives.
• Participate on the RAC Operating Rules Committee as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• University degree in Transportation, Railway Operations, Occupational Health & Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, Adult Education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive railway operating experience.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in railway operations, rail traffic control, transportation management, compliance, training, operating rules.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR), General Operating Instructions (GOIs), special instructions, operating bulletins, timetables, and applicable railway regulations.
• Railway Safety Management System (SMS), Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG), Incident Management, Transport Canada regulatory compliance, and adult education or instructional design certifications are considered assets.
• Experience supporting Transport Canada inspections, audits, investigations, regulatory reviews, and compliance programs.
• Experience developing, implementing, or overseeing operating procedures, operating standards, governance frameworks, training programs, qualification standards, or compliance initiatives.
• Current Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) qualification, or the ability to obtain and maintain qualification.
• Qualification as a Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, Rail Traffic Controller, Rules Instructor, Transportation Supervisor, or equivalent railway operating certification is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership experience providing technical direction, coaching, supervision, and guidance across multiple operational groups.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel throughout Ontario Northland's rail network as required.
• Strong focus on health and safety

APPLICATION PROCESS: The successful candidate will need to pass the following clearances: criminal record check, employment references and education verification.

CLOSING DATE: September 6, 2026 no later than 11:59 p.m. 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
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
If it is determined that any information provided in the application or during the recruitment process is false, misleading, or incomplete, Ontario Northland may discontinue your candidacy from further consideration.