Facility Manager - Rail

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC•Victoria, TX

About The Position

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America. Waste Services VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration. Railcar Services VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance. Marine Services VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products. Qualifications Our continued growth in railcar repair and coating has created the need for a highly technical rail industry leader to assist in directing our Victoria facility. We are seeking a seasoned rail professional with deep expertise in AAR/FRA compliance, tank car qualification, mechanical repair, and industrial coating systems. This role requires a hands-on operator who understands the technical rigor, regulatory scrutiny, and production discipline required to run a high-performing railcar repair shop. The Facility Manager is responsible for all elements of the business's safety, compliance, operational performance, and profitability of an AAR-certified repair and coating facility, including:

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred; High school diploma with equivalent technical rail industry experience required.
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in railcar repair, tank car qualification, coating, or heavy industrial rail operations.
Proficiency with financial reporting systems and standard business software applications.
Direct experience operating within an AAR-certified repair facility.
Deep working knowledge of FRA regulations (49 CFR), AAR MSRP requirements, tank car qualification intervals, and repair certification standards.
Demonstrated experience managing AAR audits and regulatory inspections.
Strong understanding of mechanical repair processes, valve systems, structural repairs, and coating systems.
Direct P&L management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial performance analysis.
Established track record of driving safety performance and continuous operational improvement.
Demonstrated success developing frontline and leadership teams, including performance management and accountability practices.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound operational and financial decisions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with employees, senior leadership, customers, and regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

Lead all mechanical repair, valve repair, tank car qualification, and coating operations in accordance with AAR and FRA regulations.
Ensure strict compliance with 49 CFR regulations, the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), and applicable tank car qualification requirements.
Maintain audit readiness and serve as the primary liaison during AAR/FRA inspections and customer technical audits.
Oversee quality assurance programs, inspection protocols, documentation accuracy, and repair certifications.
Drive continuous improvement in cycle times, throughput, and repair quality while maintaining regulatory integrity.
Provide technical oversight of surface preparation, blasting standards, coating application, cure cycles, inspection methods, and failure analysis.
Ensure compliance with customer specifications for specialty coatings.
Lead root cause analysis of coating or mechanical failures and implement corrective actions.
Direct safety performance in high-risk operations, including confined space entry, hot work, and coating processes.
Ensure full compliance with HSE, FRA, AAR, and environmental regulations.
Drive a culture of procedural discipline and operational accountability.
Maintain full P&L responsibility for the railcar repair and coating business.
Develop and execute strategic plans to grow repair volume, expand technical capabilities, and enhance market position.
Optimize labor utilization, production scheduling, and capital investment planning specific to rail repair operations.
Lead and develop supervisors across mechanical repair, and coating departments.
Mentor technical teams to strengthen inspection discipline, documentation accuracy, and workmanship standards.
Foster a culture of technical excellence, regulatory precision, and operational ownership.
Other duties as assigned to support the rail division and operations.