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. Spearheading 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 Coordinating

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 act on non-compliant behaviour

Train, audit, and implement 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 among 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

Lead crew utilization, track deadheads, recrews and labour cost and act to improve the operations and cost control

Planning and Organizing Workload

Prepare daily meet plans

Monitor 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

Lead 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 act 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

o Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience of unionized employees

o 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.