Railroad Safety & Compliance Manager SMS Rail Service, Inc. Location: Pureland Industrial Complex, Bridgeport, NJ | Travel Required: NJ, PA, NY
About SMS Rail Service
SMS Rail Service, Inc. is a family-owned, Class III common carrier railroad headquartered in the Pureland Industrial Complex in Gloucester County, New Jersey. With operations spanning New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, SMS provides a full spectrum of rail-related logistics solutions including 24/7 railcar switching, transloading, lumber services, ISO container depot operations, and trucking services. We are a company built on a grassroots approach to doing business — and we are looking for a safety and compliance leader who shares our commitment to operational excellence, regulatory integrity, and the well-being of every person on our team.
Position Overview
The Railroad Safety & Compliance Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for building, managing, and continuously improving SMS Rail's safety and regulatory compliance programs across all rail, transloading, and logistics operations. This is a hands-on, field-present role that requires both deep regulatory expertise and the ability to connect with and influence frontline employees and operations teams in a fast-paced railroad environment.
The ideal candidate is not just a compliance officer — they are a safety leader. Someone who understands that regulations exist to protect people, who can translate complex federal requirements into practical, actionable programs, and who can build a culture where safety is not just a policy but a shared value.
This position serves as the company's primary subject matter expert on all matters related to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, and interfaces directly with regulatory agencies on behalf of SMS Rail.
What You Will Do
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full and continuous compliance with all applicable FRA regulations under 49 CFR Parts 200–299, including:
- Operating practices (Parts 217/218)
- Locomotive engineer and conductor certifications (Parts 240/242)
- Hours of service (Part 228)
- Track safety standards (Part 213)
- Accident and incident reporting (Part 225)
- Training, qualification, and oversight (Part 243)
- Serve as SMS Rail's primary point of contact for FRA inspectors, auditors, and regulatory agencies
- Maintain all required records, reports, and documentation in full compliance with federal and state requirements
- Monitor regulatory developments and proactively update company programs and policies to reflect changes in applicable law
Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE)
- Serve as or directly support the company's Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers, including:
- Overseeing engineer certification, ongoing monitoring, and re-certification processes
- Conducting annual rules classes and examinations
- Developing and administering operational and efficiency testing programs
- Investigating operational incidents and rule violations with thoroughness and objectivity
- Administering discipline in accordance with company policy and regulatory standards
Safety Program Management
- Design, implement, and continuously improve company-wide safety programs that reflect both regulatory requirements and operational realities
- Lead safety audits, job briefings, and field observations across rail yards, transload facilities, and customer locations
- Conduct thorough incident and accident investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions that prevent recurrence
- Track, analyze, and report safety metrics and trends to leadership, providing actionable insight that drives continuous improvement
- Champion a proactive safety culture in which every employee feels empowered to identify and address hazards
Hazardous Materials Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with PHMSA/DOT HazMat regulations under 49 CFR Parts 171–180, encompassing:
- Railcar loading, unloading, and securement
- Transloading operations involving hazardous commodities
- Proper classification, packaging, placarding, and documentation
- Serve as the company's HazMat Officer, coordinating training, incident response, and all required regulatory reporting
- Maintain and deliver required HazMat training programs for all applicable employees
OSHA & Facility Safety
- Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA standards under 29 CFR 1910 and 1926
- Oversee and manage workplace safety programs including:
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- Confined space entry
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance
- Hazard communication (HAZCOM)
- Conduct regular facility inspections and ensure all identified corrective actions are completed in a timely manner
Multi-Modal Compliance
- Support compliance with FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR Parts 350–399 for company drivers and third-party carriers, including driver qualification files, hours of service, and vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements
- Coordinate and align safety practices between rail and trucking operations within transloading environments to ensure a seamless, compliant multi-modal operation
Training & Culture
- Develop and deliver engaging, practical safety and compliance training programs across all departments and operational levels
- Build and sustain a safety culture grounded in accountability, open communication, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement
- Serve as a trusted resource and advisor to operations, logistics, and senior management teams on all safety and compliance matters
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5–10 years of progressive experience in railroad operations, safety, or regulatory compliance
- Comprehensive working knowledge of FRA regulations and 49 CFR requirements applicable to Class III railroad operations
- Current DSLE qualification or demonstrated ability to obtain qualification in a short timeframe
- Proven experience with hazardous materials regulations, handling, and incident response
- Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards applicable to rail and industrial environments
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and engage employees at all levels
- Excellent communication, documentation, and investigative skills
- Ability to balance regulatory compliance requirements with the practical demands of an active railroad operation
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in transloading and multi-modal logistics operations
- Familiarity with FMCSA/DOT motor carrier regulations
- Prior direct experience interfacing with regulatory agencies including FRA, OSHA, and PHMSA
- Professional safety or compliance certification such as Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Key Competencies
- Regulatory expertise and meticulous attention to detail
- Root cause analysis and incident investigation
- Field presence and operational credibility
- Strong documentation, recordkeeping, and reporting capabilities
- Strategic thinking balanced with practical, hands-on execution
- Integrity, accountability, and a genuine passion for safety
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This is an active, field-present role. The Railroad Safety & Compliance Manager will divide time between office responsibilities and field operations across rail yards, transload facilities, lumber services operations, and customer locations. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and be willing to travel within our service territory spanning New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Compensation & Benefits
SMS Rail Service is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that reflects our deep commitment to the well-being of our employees and their families.
Health & Wellness
- Company-paid medical insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- Group voluntary dental insurance, vision insurance, accident insurance and critical illness insurance
Time Off
- Paid vacation leave
- Paid sick leave
Pay: Up to $115,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
