Trainmaster

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

CPKC is seeking a Trainmaster in Bensenville, IL for full‑time on‑site leadership of yard and road operations, delivering safe, efficient movement in line with LOSP and OP while building safety culture through coaching. You’ll supervise train movements, coordinate with partners, manage safety and performance metrics, and conduct investigations as needed, with occasional train operation and required certifications (CROR in Canada, GCOR in the U.S.). Ideal candidates have railway conductor experience, a valid driver’s license, 2+ years supervisory experience, and strong communication and problem‑solving skills; be prepared for nights, weekends and holidays; proficient in MS Office and English safety materials. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight safety leadership, investigations, and pre‑employment considerations, and show alignment with CPKC values.

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S. Canada and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Trainmaster will deliver efficient movement of traffic within the road territory and yard-terminal by developing, coordinating and ensuring the daily yard-terminal/road operating plan is completed in a safe and cost-effective manner. The successful candidate will lead by example to build a strong safety culture along with providing coaching on operational standards.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance yard and road fluidity to achieve Local Service Operating Plan (LOSP) and Operating Plan (OP)
• Oversee all train movements within the yard and mainline ensuring safe, tactical execution of the LOSP and OP through active supervision of personnel and communication across departments
• Accountable for safety, service, productivity and financial metrics for their terminal
• Lead safety compliance within the terminal, providing corrective actions as needed to uphold standards, engage in safety discussions to promote a culture of safety
• Handle investigations in accordance with company policies and collective bargaining agreement and recommend corrective action plans
• Conduct efficiency tests, train rides and safety related activities to support a safe, efficient operation; and may be required to attend derailments/incidents/injuries when on duty
• Responsible for inventory management for terminals and line of road in their areas of responsibility
• Coach and mentor Train & Engine employees
• Occasionally operate trains; maintain certifications and licenses (Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) for Canada, General Code Operating Rules (GCOR) for U.S., Engineer, etc.) as per industry regulations

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Previous railway experience as a conductor, required. Locomotive engineer qualification is an asset
• Valid driver’s license
• 2+ years’ previous supervisory experience in logistics or an operational environment is an asset
• Available to work all types of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays in all weather conditions
• Leadership presence with the drive and commitment to career advancement
• Strong troubleshooting skills; drill down to understand root cause and resolve complex issues
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing task priorities and work situations
• Excellent communication skills (provide clear and concise instructions/directions including over radio)
• Read and understand safety instructions, operating rules and regulations and other written or printed material in English
• Previous experience conducting investigations; analyzing, understanding, and resolving local issues related to interpreting variances to operating protocols, an asset
• Proficient in MS Office Outlook, Word, and Excel

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Annual fitness subsidy
• Part-time studies program

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Medical and Drug Testing 

This is a safety critical position and a successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company or regulated drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Social Security Number verification

BECOMING A RAILROADER:

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

CULTURE OF INCLUSION:

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provide, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

• Req ID: 106293
• Department: Operations Southern Region
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 30-40%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade: 4
• Compensation Rate: 115k - 120k
• Job Available to: Internal & External

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