Senior Operations Manager - Rail & Transload Operations (On-site in the West Kootenays, BC)

Senior Operations Manager – Rail & Transload Operations

Trail, BC

Position Summary

The Senior Operations Manager is highly responsive, communicative, and proactive in managing contract performance, operational execution, and financial outcomes for rail transload and trucking services supporting Teck operations at Waneta. You consistently provide timely, accurate, and often proactive updates to customers, subcontractors, internal teams, and cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring alignment on safety, operational performance, project priorities, risks, and financial results.
Your strong sense of urgency and commitment to clear communication support the safe, efficient, and profitable delivery of services while fostering collaboration, accountability, and trust across all levels of the operation. Through effective stakeholder engagement and information sharing, you enable informed decision-making and drive successful project execution.

WHY THE KOOTENAYS?

• Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, the Kootenays offer an exceptional quality of life where breathtaking mountain scenery meets vibrant communities and endless outdoor adventure.
• Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, paddling, or simply spending time in nature, the Kootenays provide year-round recreational opportunities.
• With affordable communities, excellent schools, and a welcoming lifestyle, it's an ideal place to build both a rewarding career and a fulfilling life.
• The region is home to diverse and welcoming communities including Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Salmo, and Fruitvale - offering everything from vibrant city energy to the charm of small mountain towns.
• Nearby Christina Lake, known for some of the warmest tree-lined waters in Canada, offers boating, beaches, fishing, and stunning scenery - making it one of the most desirable places to live in the region.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Operational Management

• Manage contractual relationships with subcontractors across rail transload and trucking operations, ensuring compliance with service agreements, safety standards, and KPIs
• Oversee daily operations for Waneta transload and transportation lanes, ensuring service reliability and efficiency
• Monitor operational KPIs (on-time delivery, utilization, turnaround times, productivity) and implement corrective actions as needed

Financial Performance (P&L Accountability)

• Maintain full P&L oversight for assigned contracts, including revenue, costs, and margins
• Identify variances against budget and collaborate with leadership to protect profitability

Site & Asset Management

• Ensure transload facilities and trucking yards are maintained in a safe, organized, and audit-ready condition
• Identify equipment and resource needs and coordinate procurement with the Director of Operations

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Provide day-to-day safety oversight and ensure adherence to company and client safety standards
• Reinforce compliance across operators, subcontractors, and equipment usage

Leadership & Workforce Oversight

• Provide HR oversight for personnel on assigned contracts, working with shared services for support and escalation
• Collaborate with Dispatch, Planning, Field Operations, Safety, and HR teams to ensure seamless execution

Reporting & Communication

• Deliver daily and weekly performance updates to the Director of Operations, including risks, issues, and upcoming needs
• Act as the primary operational liaison between stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal teams

Competencies

• Operational leadership & decision-making
• Financial and commercial management
• Stakeholder & subcontractor management
• Safety leadership and compliance
• Problem-solving in high-impact environments

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 5–10 years of experience in transportation, logistics, heavy industry, or resource operations
• Proven experience managing multi-site or contract-based operations
• Strong financial acumen with P&L management experience
• Knowledge of rail transload, bulk commodities, or trucking operations
• Demonstrated leadership in safety-focused environments
• This is an on-site position based in the West Kootenays, BC.
• Candidates must currently reside in the region or be willing to relocate before starting employment.

Preferred

• Experience working with mining or industrial clients
• Familiarity with BC safety and regulatory standards
• Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) is an asset

What we offer:

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within an essential industry.
• Work in a professional, respectful, and team-oriented workplace.
• Ability to support multiple partner companies within The Sutherland Group network, ensuring diverse and engaging work.

SUTHERLAND GROUP BENEFITS

We extend the following benefits to all Sutherland Group team members:

• Pension Program with Sutherland Group matching contributions up to 100%.
• Extended health benefits program through a cost shared benefits plan
• Confidential Employee Family Assistance Program

JOIN THE TEAM

If you think there's a fit, we look forward to meeting you and thank you in advance for your application. Visit our website to learn more about The Sutherland Group.

Different perspectives build better teams. We're committed to fair, inclusive hiring and a workplace where everyone belongs. We are committed to ethical conduct, legal compliance, and fair employment practices in everything we do.

ABOUT SUTCO

Sutco Transportation specializes in residual, flat deck, van freight, logging and heavy haul transportation and logistics services. We are dedicated to providing an industry-leading level of professionalism aimed at meeting the satisfaction, safety and success of our business partners and team members.

Recognized as a Top Fleet Employer, Top Fleet of Distinction and Premium Carrier, Sutco is a leader in safety, innovation and sustainability.

A SUTHERLAND GROUP COMPANY

The Sutherland Group of Companies is a specialized integrated network of heavy industry experts, with an offering that extends from equipment and logistics through to people and safety, in service of high-performing customers in the civil, forestry, transportation, and marine industries in search of complex supply chain solutions.

For 30 years, we have worked to position The Sutherland Group as a heavy industry leader, not only with our partners, but from within. We are proud to prioritize the success of our team members by offering a diversified workplace, competitive compensation plans, benefits, training, and ongoing growth opportunities.