Manager, Operating Practices

Armstrong Collective•Denver, CO

3d•$89,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way. Role Overview Reporting to the Senior Manager, Rail Operations, the Manager, Operating Practices provides operational leadership for the safe, compliant, reliable, and efficient operation of Canyon Spirit's Rockies to the Red Rocks (RTR) rail service. As the organization's subject matter expert in railroad operating practices, GCOR compliance, and Train & Engine (T&E) employee qualification, this role translates operational strategy into action while ensuring alignment with FRA regulations, company policies, host railroad requirements, and luxury service standards. The Manager, Operating Practices leads, develops, and coaches Dual Certified Locomotive Engineers and Conductors; drives regulatory compliance and operational excellence; fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement; and maintains strong partnerships with host railroads, regulatory agencies, and cross-functional stakeholders. Through visible field leadership, sound decision-making, and proactive problem solving, this role balances safety, service, productivity, and on-time performance while supporting execution of the Integrated Operating Plan. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive and pre-employment testing will be required. This position requires you to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result in a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, the public, property, or the environment.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build engagement, develop talent, and hold employees accountable while fostering trust, collaboration, and high performance.
Expert knowledge of GCOR, railroad operating practices, locomotive operations, air-brake systems, passenger train handling, and physical characteristics qualification.
Strong working knowledge of FRA regulations governing railroad operations, employee certification, operational testing, safety, and compliance.
Proven ability to make sound decisions in dynamic operating environments, analyze risk, manage competing priorities, and drive operational results through others.
Excellent communication, coaching, investigation, documentation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, safety leadership, and delivering a world-class guest experience.
High School Diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education in Transportation, Operations Management, Safety, Business, or a related field preferred.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Qualified Locomotive Engineer with the ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including DSLE qualification; dual Locomotive Engineer/Conductor certification preferred.
10+ years of railroad operating experience, including experience in FRA-regulated environments.
Minimum one year of people leadership experience.
Experience in operational testing, field observations, employee qualification, rules instruction, incident investigation, corrective action management, and regulatory compliance programs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and railroad operational, training, certification, and compliance systems.

Nice To Haves

post-secondary education in Transportation, Operations Management, Safety, Business, or a related field
dual Locomotive Engineer/Conductor certification

Responsibilities

Serve as the operational authority for GCOR, GOI, FRA regulations, host railroad requirements, and railroad operating practices, ensuring consistent interpretation, communication, and application across RTR operations.
Maintain oversight of operating-rule compliance, certification, qualification, operational testing, and regulatory programs under applicable FRA regulations, including Parts 217, 218, 219, 228, 229, 238, 239, 240, and 242.
Monitor regulatory and industry changes, assess impacts, and implement improvements to operating procedures, training programs, and compliance practices.
Identify operational risks, compliance gaps, and performance trends; develop practical solutions that strengthen safety, accountability, and business performance.
Support FRA inspections, audits, inquiries, and reviews while maintaining accurate regulatory, certification, testing, and operational records.
Maintain a strong field presence through train rides, operational testing, audits, safety observations, efficiency testing, and employee evaluations.
Promote safe train handling, locomotive operations, air-brake practices, physical-characteristics compliance, and adherence to operating procedures.
Lead or support investigations involving accidents, incidents, rule violations, injuries, close calls, and other operating events; conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
Support emergency preparedness, incident response, Emergency Operations Centre activities, and applicable alcohol and drug testing requirements.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging data, operational insights, employee feedback, and Lean-based problem-solving approaches to enhance service, safety, and efficiency.
Provide day-to-day leadership for train operations in partnership with the Operations Centre and Senior Manager, Rail Operations.
Execute operational objectives related to safety, service reliability, crew availability, productivity, cost control, and on-time performance.
Monitor workforce utilization, staffing levels, crew starts, overtime, and resource deployment to ensure operational readiness and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with Mechanical, Safety, Guest Experience, and other departments to resolve operational challenges and improve performance.
Maintain required certifications and operate trains when necessary to support operational needs.
Lead, develop, and inspire a team of Dual Certified Locomotive Engineers and Conductors through coaching, mentoring, recognition, performance management, and development planning.
Ensure employees receive required regulatory, operational, recurrent, remedial, and company training while promoting continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
Conduct operational instruction, field coaching, qualification assessments, and performance reviews to strengthen capability and engagement.
Foster a respectful, collaborative, and accountable team environment where employees are empowered to contribute ideas, embrace change, and deliver exceptional results.
Build strong partnerships across departments, regulatory agencies, host railroads, and industry stakeholders to support safe and reliable passenger rail operations.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision care, and Life Insurance
Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
Business travel accident insurance and business travel emergency medical insurance
Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay
401(k) plan (employee contributions only)
Friends and family rail tickets and packages discount
Two annual complimentary rail pass (beginning your 2nd season)
Seasonal wage increases
Growth opportunities
Fun and inclusive team environment