General Manager

CN is a leading North American railroad company renowned for its commitment to safety, service excellence, and sustainable operations. Operating an extensive 20,000-mile network that connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts to the U.S. South, CN plays a vital role in the transportation of natural resources, manufactured goods, and finished products. Established in 1919, CN has a long-standing history of contributing to community prosperity and economic growth while emphasizing social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Their operations impact a broad range of stakeholders including customers, shareholders, employees, and the communities they serve, making them a central figure in North America’s transportation infrastructure.

The General Manager (GM) role at CN is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing and guiding carload operations across a designated territory. This position demands a strategic, problem-solving leader who can effectively manage multi-disciplinary teams to ensure seamless network fluidity, safety adherence, and superior customer experience. The GM also plays a critical role in driving volume growth, managing operational costs, and mitigating risks associated with labor and safety. Working at CN means being part of a close-knit, safety-focused culture that encourages collaboration and recognizes hard work.

As a General Manager, you will lead diverse teams including crew management, rail traffic control, and transportation control systems to ensure streamlined operations and cross-functional coordination. This role requires strong strategic planning to ensure organic growth through enhancing customer service offerings and optimizing workforce utilization. Inorganic growth strategies, such as mergers and acquisitions integration, are also integral to the GM’s responsibilities.

The role demands a robust focus on safety, embedding a safety-first mindset all across the operational spectrum, from frontline unionized employees to senior managers. You will be responsible for developing safety plans, responding to emergencies, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Moreover, the GM is entrusted with fostering leadership capacity within the team through coaching and development initiatives, managing labor productivity, handling grievances, and promoting succession planning and talent development.

Given the critical nature of the rail industry and the 24/7 operations environment, this role requires availability for significant travel (60-80%) across the territory, handling high-pressure situations and urgent operational challenges. CN offers a competitive salary range of $215,400 to $261,660 annually, with compensation tailored based on skills and experience. Additional benefits include an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), pension, railroad retirement benefits (RRB), and other perks.

Joining CN means building a meaningful career in an environment that values inclusivity and sustainability. The company encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those who may not meet every listed requirement, reflecting its commitment to diversity. CN’s workplace is dynamic and challenging, providing exceptional opportunities for those eager to contribute to one of North America’s safest and most innovative railroads.