Assistant Operations Manager – Railroad

Assistant Operations Manager – Railroad

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $100,000/year — higher salary available depending on experience
CDL: Not required

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Operations Manager to support field crews handling railroad emergency response, derailment recovery, specialty lifting, railcar repair, and track maintenance projects.

This is a hands-on management position focused on crew coordination, field execution, safety, customer communication, and problem-solving. The role requires someone comfortable working in fast-paced and time-sensitive field environments.

Responsibilities

• Support Supervisors with the safe and efficient completion of multiple field projects.
• Coordinate personnel, assignments, equipment, schedules, and project priorities.
• Track project progress and help ensure work meets timelines, budgets, and customer requirements.
• Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and problem-solving at job sites.
• Respond to emergency service calls when needed.
• Conduct site visits to monitor safety, quality, productivity, and potential risks.
• Communicate with railroad customers, field partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Train, mentor, and develop employees.
• Assist with hiring, performance evaluations, and employee coaching.
• Support workforce planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Review payroll, labor hours, equipment usage, and project documentation.
• Monitor equipment condition and coordinate maintenance or replacement.
• Support customer relationships and participate in industry events.
• Identify operational issues and help implement effective solutions.
• Ensure field activities comply with DOT, FRA, and applicable safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in railroad, heavy equipment, construction, or related field operations preferred.
• Previous leadership or team-management experience in a field environment.
• Strong knowledge of DOT and FRA regulations.
• Experience working with or operating heavy equipment such as cranes, trucks, and excavators.
• Ability to read and understand crane load charts and rigging requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn operational software.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Class A or Class B CDL preferred, not required.
• Ability to complete required safety training and certification programs.

Work Requirements

• Frequent overnight travel.
• On-call availability with the ability to report within 1 hour when required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Extended hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required.
• Active field role involving walking and working in railroad and other physically demanding environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Benefits