Position Summary
The Regional Vice President (RVP) of Rail Operations is a senior operational leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable performance of multiple short line and regional railroad properties within an assigned geographic territory. This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and workforce development while ensuring compliance with all Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT), OSHA, and company regulations.
The RVP partners closely with local Operations Managers, Mechanical, Engineering, Commercial, and People teams to drive a culture focused on safety, service excellence, regulatory compliance, employee engagement, and financial performance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, operational expertise, and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.
Ideal Candidate Profile: A hands-on railroad leader who prefers to be in the field rather than behind a desk, regularly engaging with employees and customers while driving operational and financial results across multiple railroad properties.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Provide direct leadership and oversight of multiple railroad operations across the assigned region.
Ensure safe and efficient train operations, maintenance activities, and infrastructure management.
Drive operational performance through established key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety, service, productivity, and financial results.
Develop and execute regional business plans aligned with company strategic objectives.
Review operational trends and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Champion a safety-first culture throughout all railroad operations.
Ensure compliance with FRA regulations, operating rules, environmental standards, and company policies.
Conduct safety reviews, operational audits, and field inspections.
Lead incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented.
Promote continuous safety improvement through coaching, accountability, and employee engagement.
Financial & Business Management
Manage regional operating budgets and capital expenditure plans.
Drive profitability and operational efficiency initiatives.
Monitor expenses and identify opportunities to improve productivity and cost management.
Support commercial growth by partnering with Sales and Marketing teams to meet customer needs and expand business opportunities.
Participate in strategic planning, forecasting, and business reviews.
Leadership & Talent Development
Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to General Managers and operational leaders.
Build leadership bench strength and succession plans for critical roles.
Promote employee engagement, accountability, and performance excellence.
Partner with Human Resources to support workforce planning, employee relations, and talent development initiatives.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Customer & Stakeholder Relations
Develop strong relationships with customers, communities, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.
Represent the company with local, state, and federal organizations.
Collaborate with customers to ensure service expectations are met or exceeded.
Support business development efforts and strategic customer initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, Transportation, Engineering, Logistics, or related field; equivalent railroad leadership experience will be considered.
Minimum 10 years of progressive railroad operations experience.
Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing multiple locations, departments, or business units.
Comprehensive knowledge of FRA regulations, railroad operating practices, and transportation operations.
Proven ability to lead large teams and deliver operational improvements.
Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship management skills.
Ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned region.
Executive leadership experience within short line, regional, Class I railroad, or transportation organizations.
Experience leading union and non-union workforces.
Knowledge of railroad engineering, mechanical, and commercial operations.
Continuous improvement or Lean management experience.
Travel Requirements & Expectations
This position is designed to be highly visible across the region and requires a strong field presence. The Regional Vice President is expected to routinely engage with railroad operations, employees, customers, and community stakeholders throughout the assigned territory.
Travel approximately 50% to 75% of the time, depending on business needs, operational priorities, acquisitions, special projects, and incident response requirements.
Maintain a regular presence at railroad properties, terminals, shops, customer locations, and field operations.
Field Leadership Expectations
Lead through visible engagement by spending meaningful time in the field observing operations and interacting with frontline employees.
Conduct ride-alongs, site inspections, safety observations, and leadership coaching sessions throughout the region.
Promote a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement through regular on-site engagement.
Physical Requirements
Ability to safely navigate rail yards, locomotive facilities, industrial sites, and outdoor environments.
Ability to walk on uneven surfaces, climb rail equipment and stairways, and perform site inspections in varying weather conditions.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be eligible to operate a company vehicle or rental vehicle as necessary.
Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package including:
o Annual incentive opportunity
o Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
o 401(k) with company match
o Paid time off and holidays
o Company-provided travel resources
o Professional development opportunities
