Chief Dispatcher

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Chief Dispatcher is a front-line supervisor position responsible for the management of day-to-day train operations of the territory and unionized Rail Traffic Control Dispatchers (RTC) in order to meet CN’s service commitments. The incumbent’s primary responsibility is to ensure network fluidity, optimal crew utilization and transportation plan implementation. The Chief Dispatcher oversees the dispatching of trains by providing direction to the RTC based on regional goals and initiatives.  Managing the day-to-day operations of a 24/7 function, the role is critical to ensuring the on-time performance of trains, and thus, CN’s commitment to customers.

Main Responsibilities

Safety Orientation, Understanding, Compliance and Enforcement

·         Coach and train unionized employees on safe operating procedures for train movement

·         Build safety compliance and improve safety results through regular safety observations; provide feedback (positive and constructive) to subordinates and take action on non-compliant behavior

·         Train, audit, and enforce standard operating procedures
·         Ensure safe operation as measured by accidents and incidents and employee injuries

·         Achieve weekly and monthly safety observation expectations and objectives in regards to the safety management plan

Problem Solving and Decision Making

·         Maintain teamwork and order amongst staff, contractors, and internal clients by acting with a sense of urgency to respond to issues as they may arise

·         Use operational data in CN systems to identify opportunities to improve asset utilization and service reliability

·         Manage crew utilization, track deadheads, recrews and labor cost and take action to improve the operations and cost control

Planning and Organizing Workload

·         Prepare daily meet plans

·         Responsible for the oversight of track maintenance, track repairs, and upgrades while overseeing the operation of train movement

·         Set recover plans for service exceptions in conjunction with field

·         Manage train line ups and train meets and to predict estimated time of arrival and train crew needs

·         Align train crews and schedule

·         Determine best opportunity to move trains against multiple demands

·         Give recommendations to cost control and asset utilization when planning workflow and implementing decisions

General Leadership of Union Workforce

·         Communicate company goals and policies to create clear understanding of direction and expectations

·         Conduct investigations per collective agreement and issue discipline in collaboration with the leadership team

·         Develop and sustain the right employee behaviours with feedback, recognition, reinforcement and coaching

Performance Management, Training and Onboarding

·         Evaluate employee performance and review performance expectations, actual performance, and overall performance ratings
·         Conduct onboarding conversations to ensure employees are adopting proper work practices, and have the knowledge, tools and understanding to perform their job safely and efficiently

·         Identify and coach performance deficiencies, and take action to build required behaviour

·         Share best practices, information and operational concerns in order to create transparency and clear understanding of CN’s direction and expectations

Working Conditions

The role has irregular hours (including nights, weekends, holidays). The incumbent has an overall commitment to safety, while working in conjunction with collective agreement.

Requirements

Experience

Industrial Work

·         Industrial work experience that demonstrates progression of responsibility and complexity in a safety-compliant environment*

·         Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience of unionized employees*

·         2 years of experience as a Rail Traffic Control Dispatcher*

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

·         High School Diploma

·         Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Logistics*

*Any designation education for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

·         Tracks metrics to achieve ambitious targets and holds self accountable to meet performance expectations

·         Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts well to its audience

·         Makes informed and timely decisions to succeed

·         Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity

·         Continuously displays a customer centric attitude in order to improve the customer’s journey

·         Addresses risks in a timely manner to eliminate them

·         Time management

·         Project management

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·         Knowledge of operating rules, procedures and policies

·         General Microsoft and computer skills; especially with Excel, Word, SRS, SAP, PAP, Applications such as RTBI and DataCity

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. 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. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.