Senior Manager, Signals and Communication – Standards and Help Desk - Canadian National Railway Company

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Signals and Communication – Standards and Help Desk is responsible for overseeing the standards of all regions including documentation and expiration of testing and installation processes. The role is accountable for overseeing and handling the advanced monitoring systems and operational efficiency of the system call desks. The incumbent leads the department responsible for governing all Signals and Communications (S&C) maintenance, installation for the field, back office, General Instructions (GI), and federal testing in set intervals. The role requires following codes of practices and reviews of documentation to ensure CN’s full compliance in the United States (U.S.) and Canada.

Main Responsibilities

S&C Standards

·       Oversee priority items and provide vision and guidance for the task

·       Execute final approval of work completed before it is communicated to the Chief Engineer

·       Connect with related CN stakeholders to efficiently remove roadblocks and understand certain action items

·       Work with Information and Technology (I&T) for changes to or issues in Signals and Communications Inspection System (SCIS)

·       Handle S&C costs related to material, quality, and processes by collaborating with vendors

·       Handle all changes required in engineering technologies enhancements

·       Secure funding from special capital portfolio for S&C, resolve budget allocation, and forecasting for vendors to provide equipment delivery on time for high-level projects

·       Ensure all documentation and installation practices are created in compliance under Transport Canada (TC) and Federal Railway Association (FRA) regulations

Call Desk

·       Facilitate the procurement of monitoring systems and the future development of new systems

·       Enhance the operation efficiency of all Call Desks while ensuring accuracy and standards are maintained

·       Collaborate with Transportation and Train Control teams on any changes involving control and monitoring systems

·       Lead teams of unionized and management in multiple locations

·       Ensure teams have adequate training and development plans and ensure regular audits are completed to evaluate quality of work

Vendor Management

·       Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for supply management regarding purchases, equipment selection and related negotiations

·       Conduct follow-through for quality control and process standards, along with
lead-time issues and deviations from standards

·       Participate in meetings for open and project management issues

Represent S&C in the Safety Community at CN

·       Provide high-level recommendations on safety with S&C matters to improve liability and reduce failures

·       Assess safety risks on CN lines related to S&C

·       Evaluate risks found in the “root cause investigation report” regarding critical failure during significant incidents before it is published

·       Present team recommendations from investigation report to important CN safety stakeholders

·       Collaborate with the Public Works and Legal departments after accidents

·       Stay abreast of government standards and regulation changes from a S&C perspective

Working Conditions

The role is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environments with various conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires travel (up to 35%) in Canada and U.S. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress.

Requirements

Experience

·       10 years of railroad experience

Engineering and Managerial

·       Between 5 to 7 years of relevant for experience

o   Broad set of experiences at CN

o   Managerial experience

o   Experience building collaborative relationships with CN stakeholders

o   Experience in the railway field

Education/Certification/Designation

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Electronic or Computer Engineering or Engineering*

·       Certified in the United States Operating Rules (USOR) Or Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR)

·       Master’s Degree in Engineering, Technology, Project Management, or related field*

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

Competencies

·       Demonstrates agility and drives change

·       Sets direction and inspires others

·       Communicates with impact

·       Delegates and empowers others to create accountability

·       Collaborates with others and shares information

·       Identifies needs and solves problems to create value for all stakeholders

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·       Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office PowerPoint and Systems, Applications, and Products (SAP)

·       Knowledge of budgets, metrics, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

·       Knowledge of TC and FRA regulations

·       Knowledge of CN General Instructions and Signals and Communications Practices (SCPs)

·       Knowledge of signal systems infrastructure and related safety appliances, S&C project management, applicable regulatory signal systems, GIs, railway S&C standards, specifications, and procedures