Assistant Operations Manager

Assistant Operations Manager

Department: Operations

Reports To: Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Assistant Operations Manager supports the safe and efficient daily operations of the railcar transloading facility, including railcar movements, grain handling systems, container loading, and supervision of operational personnel. This role serves as the operational lead in the absence of the Operations Manager and ensures all transloading activities comply with company safety standards, railroad regulations, and customer requirements. The Assistant Operations Manager is expected to work in a fast-paced industrial environment while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, productivity, operational excellence, and team leadership.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Assist in coordinating daily transloading operations involving railcars, trucks, and shipping containers.
• Support scheduling and staging of railcars for loading and unloading.
• Monitor facility productivity and workflow to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ensure proper product handling procedures for grain and non-hazardous liquid transfers.
• Troubleshoot operational issues related to conveyors, pumps, and transfer systems.

Rail Operations Oversight

• Assist with safe railcar movement and switching operations.
• Ensure compliance with rail safety procedures including blue flag protection, derailer placement, and railcar securement.
• Coordinate with railroad personnel regarding railcar arrivals and pickups.
• Oversee Trackmobile operations and ensure operators are properly trained and qualified.

Personnel Supervision

• Assist with supervision of operators and lead operators during daily shifts.
• Provide direction, support, and accountability to operations staff.
• Assist with training new employees in transloading procedures, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
• Promote productivity standards and demonstrate leadership behaviors.
• Support scheduling and shift coordination.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce company safety policies, OSHA compliance, and railroad requirements.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safe work practices at all times.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and safety program implementation.
• Investigate and document incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards throughout the facility.

Equipment & Facility Oversight

• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of facility equipment including Trackmobile, forklifts, container handlers/top lifts, jockey trucks, pumps, and grain handling equipment.
• Monitor preventative maintenance schedules.
• Report equipment issues and coordinate repairs.
• Perform routine inspections and support facility organization.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Assist with operational documentation, shipping records, and product transfer verification.
• Support inventory tracking and reporting requirements.
• Assist with operational planning, performance tracking, and reporting.
• Communicate operational updates to management and relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3–5 years experience in rail, grain handling, transloading, or bulk material operations.
• Experience supervising personnel preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as forklifts, Trackmobiles, or container handlers preferred, but not required.
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening (background, drug screen, physical).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb railcars and ladders.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to safely work around heavy equipment and rail operations.
• Ability to work at heights when required.

Work Environment Industrial rail yard and grain handling facility. Exposure to dust, odors, noise, moving equipment, and outdoor elements is expected. Overtime, weekend work, and flexible scheduling may be required based on rail schedules, customer demand, and operational needs.
Additional Information This position may be required to assume full operational leadership responsibilities during periods when the Operations Manager is unavailable. In addition to the above job duties, employees will be expected to work in various capacities at other locations within the company based on the needs of the company. This job description is not exhaustive or intended to be all inclusive of all job duties that may apply to an employee of Atlantic Marine Warehouse.