Frontline Leader (Manager of Operating Practices)

Who is Watco? Watco is a US based business first established in 1983 in Pittsburg, Kansas with strong roots tied to 'Customer First' Foundation Principles. Watco Australia is a dynamic and growth-focused organisation which operates rail services on the West and East coasts of Australia, providing container and bulk transportation solutions for customers in the grain, agriculture, livestock, rail infrastructure, minerals and steel manufacturing industries. About the Role We are seeking a Manager of Operating Practices to join our team. This role is based in Townsville and reports to our General Manager, QLD. As our Manager of Operating Practices, you will play a pivotal role as a frontline leader by engaging with the rail traffic crew (RTC) extensively and fostering a proactive and safety-conscious culture for our Townsville depot. Your responsibilities will include ensuring exceptional customer service, promoting continual improvement, and achieving workplace health and safety goals through safety interactions and the development and review of safe working procedures. You will need the ability to: Lead and coordinate reporting Team Members in day-to-day operations. Be accountable for customer satisfaction through direct contact and management of systems at the day of operations level. Ensure all Team Members are trained in accordance with statutory and company requirements. Support relationships with all applicable rail providers. Work closely with Planning, Rostering, and Maintenance teams to ensure rolling stock service requirements are achieved. Initiate and provide accurate, complete, and timely investigations of all incidents, including identification of root cause, remedial actions, and solutions. Understand the quantitative factors contributing to major costs on the railroad and their effect on financial performances. Understand all outstanding track conditions within their zone and their effect on productivity/efficiency. Maintain excellent relationships with all day-to-day operational contacts within the rail industry, including network controller supervisors/operators. Ensure all reporting is performed accurately and timely. What You Will Bring Demonstrated leadership ability in rail. Strong capability to manage priorities. Experience in safety incident investigation and managing safety requirements. Certificate IV in training and assessment or ability to obtain. Effective communication and consultation skills with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to train personnel to perform required tasks. Sound reasoning skills and ability to make independent judgments. Possess a current class C or above driver’s license. Ability to pass Category 1 rail medical. What We Can Offer Competitive salary. Flexible work arrangements. Hybrid working. Career development and growth opportunities. Novated leasing. Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members. Uniform provided. Be a part of a close-knit and supportive team. Our team are recognised, acknowledged and rewarded for the amazing work they do. Apply now, to start your career with Watco Australia! Watco Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to maintaining, growing and supporting our diverse and inclusive culture, by seeking and promoting diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women, and other diversity groups. You may be required to be vaccinated against certain illnesses or diseases as a precondition of employment.

Location: North Ward, AU

Posted Date: 5/6/2025