Senior Manager, Mechanical Operations

Armstrong Collective•Denver, CO

30d•$111,000 - $125,000•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 Director, SOM USA, the Senior Manager, Mechanical is responsible for leading the execution of maintenance and operating plans for Rocky Mountaineer’s rail equipment, highway fleet, and mechanical facilities. This role translates operational objectives into action by ensuring the Mechanical team delivers safe, reliable, and efficient operations aligned with organizational priorities and regulatory requirements. As a key member of the Operations leadership team, the Senior Manager fosters a high-performing, engaged workforce; drives continuous improvement; and collaborates across departments, host railways, regulatory agencies, contractors, Indigenous communities, and industry partners. The role exercises significant autonomy in decision-making while balancing safety, service excellence, equipment reliability, operational performance, and fiscal accountability. 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 through change, build engagement, and create accountability for results.
Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and risk assessment capabilities, including the ability to perform effectively in complex and ambiguous situations.
Expertise in railway mechanical operations, equipment maintenance programs, regulatory compliance, and asset reliability.
Ability to develop collaborative relationships across departments and external stakeholder groups.
Strong communication, coaching, organizational, and project leadership skills.
Commitment to safety excellence, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and maintenance or operational reporting systems.
High School Diploma or equivalent required
Valid U.S. Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
10+ years of railroad industry experience, including 5+ years in people leadership roles.
Knowledge of FRA, AAR, and other applicable railway regulations.
Experience with budgeting, capital planning, material management, and operational performance management.

Nice To Haves

post-secondary education in Business Management or a related discipline is an asset.
Qualified Maintenance Person (QMP) certification and First Aid certification are assets.
Project management experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance by ensuring adherence to FRA regulations, GOI requirements, host railway rules, and all company safety standards.
Ensure incident reporting, investigations, corrective actions, and Environmental Health & Safety processes are executed effectively.
Conduct safety, compliance, and performance audits, proactively identify risks, and implement solutions that protect team members, guests, contractors, and assets.
Serve as a first responder to critical incidents when required and support Emergency Operations Centre activities.
Oversee inspection, maintenance, cleaning, repair, provisioning, and servicing programs for rail equipment and the highway fleet.
Ensure execution of the Systems Operating and Mechanical Plan while achieving equipment reliability, asset utilization, productivity, and on-time performance targets.
Develop, monitor, and continuously improve maintenance programs, work orders, schedules, processes, and performance metrics.
Provide technical leadership and guidance on equipment maintenance standards, regulatory requirements, schematics, manuals, and operating procedures.
Lead execution of mechanical programs across all operating locations and support major maintenance and capital projects.
Build engaged, diverse, and high-performing teams by fostering trust, collaboration, inclusion, and open communication.
Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor team members while supporting succession planning and long-term talent development.
Conduct performance reviews, provide timely feedback, create development plans, and recognize contributions that support engagement and retention.
Empower employees to solve problems, make informed decisions, share ideas, and contribute to departmental and organizational goals.
Ensure training, certification, and competency programs are in place to support operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with Operations, Safety, Commercial, and other stakeholders to deliver integrated operational objectives.
Build and maintain productive relationships with regulatory agencies, host railways, contractors, industry partners, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples.
Translate organizational priorities into actionable plans, manage competing priorities, and adapt resources to meet changing operational demands.
Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and change initiatives that enhance safety, efficiency, service delivery, and the overall Rocky Mountaineer experience.
Support development and execution of operating and capital budgets, including long-term asset and capital planning.
Allocate resources effectively, manage costs responsibly, and ensure achievement of operational, mechanical, and financial targets.
Analyze operational trends, identify improvement opportunities, and implement strategies that enhance scalability, performance, and business outcomes.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision care, and Life Insurance
Armstrong Collective is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits.
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