Operations Manager

The Operations Manager leads a specialized team responsible for safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient chemical loading, warehouse activities, and related operations. This opportunity is well suited to a hands-on leader who enjoys working outdoors, solving problems, and promoting a strong safety culture.

Cando Rail & Terminals is North America’s leading provider of specialized rail operating services and terminal infrastructure that allow industrial shippers to optimize their supply chains and connect to Class I railways by leveraging Cando’s operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, short line operations, railcar staging, train assembly, and related services. 

Cando Advantages

• Work Life Balance


• Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs


• Award-Winning Safety Culture


• Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurance


• Health and Dental Benefits with Voluntary Options


• Opportunities to Grow with Our Expanding U.S. Operations!

Roles & Responsibilities

• Participate in budget preparation, profit-and-loss management, and daily communication with customers and railroads regarding scheduling and other issues to support smooth, safe operations.


• Provide “Worry-Free Consistency” service to customers on every shift, every day.


• Learn, implement, teach, and execute the Cando Operating Plan and standards.


• Build strong relationships with customer contacts.


• Understand customer contracts and rate structures.


• Delegate effectively and manage time well.


• Develop and execute a business plan, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management.


• Promote a safety culture in which every team member is committed to preventing unsafe behaviors and conditions.


• Teach and reinforce personal responsibility for safe practices and environmental stewardship.


• Lead proactively by solving problems, making decisions, organizing work, directing team members, and coaching to improve performance.


• Develop innovative solutions that support team-member retention.


• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships.


• Use administrative systems to support operations and meet deadlines.


• Model professionalism and excellent customer service.


• Provide hands-on leadership and apply operational and technical expertise to ensure best practices are followed.


• Foster a workplace culture of professionalism and cleanliness.


• Create a team-oriented environment that supports individual development and growth.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Three or more years of management experience preferred.


• Ability to lead a team of 5–10 employees, support conflict resolution, and implement safety initiatives.


• Good listening skills and attention to detail.


• Shared leadership style with a coaching approach to team development.


• Experience working closely with customers.


• Prior transloading experience is A+.


• Hands-on, hard-working self-starter.


• Ability to multi-task.


• Mechanical maintenance background.


• Experience within safety compliance and profit/loss.


• Ability to hire, train, and treat all team members effectively.


• Leadership skills to ensure team members consistently follow procedures, even when unsupervised.


• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.


• Ability to perform basic computer operations, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email, and to maintain general office organization.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, and other company personnel.


• Knowledge of local, state, and federal requirements.


• Desire and willingness to learn.

Education & Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, transportation, business, or a related field preferred.


• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Five or more years of chemical loading experience preferred.


• Three to five or more years of experience in transloading, warehousing, logistics, rail, trucking, refinery, or terminal operations required.


• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and climates.


• Must be available to work Monday through Friday.


• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position.


• Must satisfy all pre-employment screening requirements, including, but not limited to, a background and criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, a motor vehicle record review, and a physical or functional capacity evaluation.

Note: This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand the level of expertise required in this position.