Manager, Operating Practices

• Serve as the subject matter expert in operating rules, operational testing, and rule interpretation and application.
• Lead and guide a team of Operating Practices Officers.
• Review and authorize operating bulletins and notices.
• Ensure rulebooks, timetables, and related documents are accurate, aligned to standards, and accessible across operations.
• Support investigations and disciplinary processes involving rules-qualified employees.
• Represent the organization in industry operating rules forums (GCOR, ORA, etc.).
• Develop and oversee strategies for deploying rule and instructional changes to front-line supervisors and unionized employees.
• Monitor emerging regulatory changes and industry best practices to proactively adjust operating rules and supporting documents, ensuring ongoing compliance and operational consistency.

Operating Practices Training

• Provide oversight and support for officer training in operational testing.
• Partner with the Training Department to create and update materials that reflect current rules.
• Certify campus training instructors annually to ensure consistent and accurate instruction.

Network Safety Audits and Operational Testing

• Participate in integrated field audits to observe rules compliance.
• Maintain and update Safety Observation Manuals used in the operational testing program
• Oversee Operating Practices Officers to ensure adherence to the Safety Action Plan.

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular Monday-to-Friday schedule, though some weekend and evening work may be required. The role requires occasional travel (30%) for meetings and audits within Canada and the United States (U.S.). Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in railroad operations such as Transportation, Mechanical, Engineering, Network Operations
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with Operating Rules
• Experience in Operating Practices
Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset but is not required.

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• One of the following: Conductor Certification, Locomotive Engineer Certification or Qualification under 49 CFR Part 243
Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset but is not required.

Competencies

• Leads by example for the safety and security of all
• Considers environmental impacts in every action and decision
• Demonstrates active listening
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Promotes diversity and equity
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Applies critical thinking
• Demonstrates agility and drives change

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with Comply365
• Knowledge of the Railroad Supplied Electronic Device (RSED)
• Knowledge of Performance Monitoring Compliance Rules (PMRC) system
*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset but is not required.

About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. 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. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.

Client-provided location(s): Homewood, IL, Murray, KY

Job ID: CN-16746

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-25T18:42:25