General Manager

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 General Manager (GM) is responsible for planning, developing, and overseeing carload operations across a designated territory. This role ensures the safety of operations, network fluidity, volume growth, and customer satisfaction while managing costs and mitigating risks. The GM leads multi-disciplinary teams and drives strategic initiatives aligned with CN's operational and cultural priorities.

Main Responsibilities

Organic Growth

• Mobilize and manage multi-disciplinary teams including crew management, rail traffic control, and transportation control systems to ensure network fluidity and cross-functional collaboration.
• Integrate new T&E employees in partnership with CN Campus to optimize resource utilization.
• Deepen understanding of customer base and service requirements to develop full supply chain offerings that support year-over-year volume and pricing growth.

Cost Efficiencies

• Improve T&E employee retention through proactive engagement and workforce planning.
• Mitigate collective agreement violations to minimize operational costs and labor risks.

Inorganic Growth

• Efficiently integrate and manage resources (assets and staff) resulting from mergers and acquisitions.
• Align operational practices and workforce culture post-integration to ensure continuity and performance.

Risk Management

• Embed a safety-first mindset across all levels of the function, from unionized employees to direct reports.
• Develop and manage safety plans based on operational data and trends.
• Respond to emergencies and service disruptions with strategic coordination and leadership.

Team Development

• Evaluate and coach senior and mid-level managers to build leadership capacity.
• Manage labor productivity, manpower planning, and budget adherence.
• Handle grievances and disciplinary decisions in alignment with collective agreements.
• Foster succession planning and talent development across the territory.

Working Conditions

This role operates in a 24/7 environment with significant travel (60-80%) across the assigned territory. It requires outdoor work and availability to respond to emergencies. The incumbent must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadline

Requirements:

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of railway management experience, including oversight of day-to-day operations across multiple terminals or territories.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive safety, service, and financial performance.
• Experience in labor relations, service design, and rail traffic control.

Education

• Post-secondary education in Transportation, Logistics, Management, or related field.
• Conductor or Locomotive Engineer qualification preferred.
• Post-graduate education and bilingualism (English/French) are assets.

Competencies

• Safety focus, accountability, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.
• Ability to manage complex operations and lead through change.

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of railway operations, including CROR and CN systems (LMS, CATS, SRS, RTBI).
• Strong understanding of operational and financial metrics.
• Ability to leverage analytics and reporting tools to drive performance.