Senior Vice President

Job Title: Senior Vice President                                     

Department: CTW                                          

Reports to: NPR President/COO                                         

Job Status: Full Time                                          

Schedule: Varies. Irregular hours. Travel is required throughout U.S.A. up to 50+ %

As the Senior Vice President (SVP), you will be responsible for leading safe day to day operations, and strategic growth of Complete Track Works, a track construction and maintenance company that is part of the Northern Plains group of companies.  This includes providing executive level leadership for the senior management group which includes strategic planning, setting annual targets for production and growth, directing and coordinating the annual budgeting process, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. This individual will foster innovation, and ensure the implementation of NPR principles of Safety, Service and Growth, developing people, managing costs, and optimizing assets. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, this individual will have the overall responsibility for achieving business objectives, meeting customer commitments, and delivering maintenance and construction projects on time and within budget. In addition, this executive will focus and work with key executive leaders on improving margins, sustainability, competitiveness, organizational structures, systems, and work processes.??

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and implement the strategic vision for Complete Track Works that are aligned with overall organizational goals in safety, service and growth, personnel development, finance targets, and internal and external communications.
• Achieve CTW growth objectives as jointly established in collaboration with the NPRC Chairman and Board, President and Chief Operating Officer, and the NPR Executive committee.
• Collaborate with the executive team to integrate CTW into the broader NPRC business strategy to anticipate the needs of customers and employees.
• Team Leadership:
• Provide strong executive leadership to both management and personnel of the CTW group, fostering a culture of flawless safety, constant collaboration, universal accountability, clear vision, employee development with teamwork initiatives to build a successful enterprise.
• Develop and continually monitor and refine organizational structure to support competitiveness, business growth objectives and continuous improvement in quality and customer satisfaction.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing individuals within CTW.
• Build and sustain an excellent working relationship with employees, customers and public entities based on mutual respect and strong business ethics.
• Project Management:
• Provide Executive oversight for those senior managers who are accountable for the planning and execution of the business, and specifically for material contracted track construction and maintenance projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Implement project management best practices to optimize efficiency and resource/asset utilization.
• Budgeting and Cost Control:
• Provide executive leadership in respect to the development and management budgets for CTW activities.
• Encourage the implementation of cost control measures and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising safety or quality.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Technology and Innovation:
• Identify and implement innovative technologies and best practices to enhance track construction and maintenance processes.
• Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the department.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, leaders to achieve cross-functional goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
• Review and/or approve contracts, legal matters and other information of a highly sensitive or confidential nature.
• Design and monitor key performance metrics and processes to improve efficiency and meet corporate goals.
• Maintains a dedication to safety, quality, productivity, and progress always by acting as a role model, enforcing safe work practices & procedures, and educating project team on company & customer policies.
• Identify and correct service issues to ensure service reliability and provide continuous improvement to meet customer demands.
• Knowledge to lead team with compliance of Federal Contracting Bids/Guidelines
• Perform Various Duties as request by the President and Chief Operating Officer

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

·        Ability to effectively solve problems and conflicts, make objective decisions.

·        Extensive experience performance & management in track construction, track maintenance, production gang work, track inspection, and track consultation.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a face paced environment autonomously and manage a wide variety of projects simultaneously. Experience working and managing complex projects & multiple operations effectively.
• Working knowledge of railroad construction contracts, estimates and accounting for all aspects of CTW activities. Must understand the railway broadly, and the dynamics of the transportation service marketplace.

·        Ability to analyze and interpret technical materials and processes accurately and effectively.

·        Knowledge of engineering drawings and specifications

·        Ability to work with construction contractors, vendors, and consultants

·        Excellent listening and communication skills, with ability to demonstrate analytical skills

·        Understand the needs of customers and present tailored solutions – ranging from offering construction alternatives and offering maintenance and inspection proposals to clients that will meet any industry engineering or safety standard. 

·        Must effectively lead and supervise employees and demonstrate a commitment to team & safety.

·        Possess solid business skills to determine profitable products and to negotiate agreements with customers.

• Effective communication and collaboration within all departments, including senior management is required. Able to pull together a strong team without direct authority over parts of the team.

·        Networking, Persuasion, Prospecting, Public Speaking, Research, Writing, Closing Skills, Motivation, Prospecting Skills, Sales Planning, Identification of Customer Needs and Challenges, Territory Management, Market Knowledge, and Professionalism.

·        Inspiring Trust – Maintains high standards of personal integrity; behaves in accord with expressed beliefs and commitments; establishes open, candid, and trusting relationships; treats others fairly and consistently; collaborates as a team player

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

·        Continuous: Work outside on or near railroad tracks, (most of day spent on feet standing). Grasping hand & track tools, materials & equipment. Vision & hearing while on duty & balancing.

·        Frequent: Must be able to perform manual labor consisting of lifting & carrying 10-50 lbs, bending, and working at ground level in all types of weather.  Crouching, reaching above & below shoulder level, stooping and walking. Throwing a switch. Perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs, moving the whole body, such as standing, climbing, bending, lifting, balancing, and handling of materials, equipment, and tools. Exposed to loud noises. Exposed to live track/trains/ high voltage/ moving equipment.

·        Occasional: Must be able to lift and carry 50 to 100 lbs, climbing on & off equipment or machines, driving, kneeling, squatting, ascend & descend ladders, sitting, ascend & descend stairs, twisting. Pushing & pulling.

·        Rare: crawling & jogging, sitting.

·        Continuous: Must be able to work outdoors in all extreme weather conditions. Work outdoors at project sites in harsh weather conditions including very hot and very cold weather. Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required. Exposure to dust. Uneven surfaces. Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company.

• Frequent: Noise
• Occasional: Vibration, works at heights.

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Master’s degree a plus.  Equivalencies based on industry knowledge and experience will be considered.
• Advanced Training in Leadership Skills
• OSHA 10/30
• GCOR qualification in track protection, E-Rail Safe eligible.
• First Aid/ CPR Certification
• Experience:
• Proven track record of at least 15 years in track construction and maintenance, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects and budgets.
• Leadership Skills:
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Industry Knowledge:
• In-depth knowledge of track construction and maintenance practices, regulations, and industry trends for both railroads and large industry.
• Problem-Solving:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed decisions.
• Results-Driven:
• Proven ability to deliver results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• 5+ Years Developing Budgets and Business Plans

·        Familiarity / Proficiency with the following software or internet-based programs:

o   Bid 2 Win Estimate, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Project Management, Google Earth

·        Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.

·        Strong understanding of AREMA, FRA, UP,  CPKC, CN, BNSF, OSHA, and other industry standards, together with qualifications in GCOR and Roadway Protection Training.  

·         

Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.