Job Title: Head of Operations
Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA
Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $150,000 - $190,000 annually
Work Model: Onsite
Our Client headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, CA, is a fast-growing manufacturer specializing in electric equipment for rolling stock and light rail vehicles. We proudly serve North American customers with advanced technologies that deliver safe, reliable, and long-lasting transportation equipment.
About the Role
Our Client is seeking an experienced and driven
Head of Operations to lead our railcar production facility in Carson, California (once the facility is ready). This position plays a critical role in overseeing all operational activities — including safety, production, quality, and employee development — to ensure our manufacturing teams deliver high-quality rail vehicle components that meet customer expectations and project commitments.
As the Head of Operations, you’ll lead a talented production team, manage day-to-day plant operations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, safety, and performance. This is a hands-on leadership role suited for an operations professional with strong organizational, technical, and people management skills who thrive in a dynamic, project-based manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Plan, organize, and direct daily production activities for railcar refurbishment, overhaul, and modification projects, ensuring adherence to project scope and technical requirements.
- Establish and monitor production priorities, schedules, and workflow based on project plans, including structural repairs, interior upgrades, electrical systems rework, HVAC, door systems, and other railcar subsystems.
- Ensure all refurbishment tasks follow approved procedures, engineering documentation, and industry standards specific to passenger rail vehicles.
- Review production performance versus established KPIs (schedule, cost, quality); identify variances and implement corrective actions.
- Coordinate production activities with Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Warehouse, and Program Management to ensure proper material availability, technical clarity, and timely project execution.
- Maintain the facility in an organized, clean, and efficient state; ensure compliance with 5S standards across all railcar bays and work areas.
Safety, Quality, and Compliance
- Ensure all employees follow established safety procedures and that safety training is current, especially in areas specific to railcar refurbishment such as confined space entry, elevated work, electrical lockout/tagout, welding, and hot work.
- Oversee quality assurance and ensure compliance with rail industry standards such as APTA, FRA, and customer-specific requirements.
- Monitor and verify that all work on railcars — including structural welding, interior installations, component replacements, wiring, and mechanical adjustments — meets specifications and approved inspection points.
- Support safety and quality audits; document findings and implement corrective actions as needed.
Leadership and Employee Development
- Supervise, train, and develop production supervisors, leads, and employees performing railcar rebuild and refurbishment activities.
- Provide coaching and performance feedback to ensure individual and team development.
- Conduct regular employee evaluations in partnership with HR to assess performance, identify strengths, and address areas for improvement.
- Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and teamwork across all levels of the production organization.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels, including specialized skills needed for railcar refurbishment (welders, electricians, mechanics, interiors technicians).
Performance Monitoring and Improvement
- Track productivity, schedule adherence, and budget performance for each railcar project or unit; develop improvement plans where targets are not met.
- Approve weekly labor hours and ensure accurate allocation of costs to each railcar or project phase.
- Evaluate labor hours per unit versus budget; implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing cycle times, improving workflow in railcar bays, and optimizing refurbishment processes.
- Support management in bid and proposal efforts by providing accurate refurbishment labor estimates, process definitions, and production planning data.
Facility and Resource Management
- Oversee Maintenance department to ensure equipment reliability, including heavy tooling, lifting equipment, cranes, jigs, and railcar-specific fixtures.
- Ensure employees have the proper tools, PPE, materials, and equipment required for safe and effective refurbishment of railcars.
- Manage production resources and expenses within established budgets; request additional resources when justified.
- Maintain accountability for the condition, utilization, and productivity of facility assets and equipment.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises production supervisors and team leads.
- Indirectly manages all production employees assigned to refurbishment and overhaul of railcars.
- Responsible for hiring, training, evaluation, and performance management in collaboration with HR.
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of supervisory or management experience in manufacturing, railcar refurbishment, heavy equipment repair, or related fields.
- Experience overseeing railcar overhaul, midlife refurbishment, or new rail vehicle assembly (LRV, Metro, Commuter, Intercity, or APM sectors) strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of railcar systems (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, structural, interior components, propulsion, HVAC, and doors).
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Industrial Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/manufacturing software.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale refurbishment or re-manufacturing projects, including budgets and schedules.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Performance Indicators
- Achievement of railcar refurbishment schedules and customer delivery commitments.
- Compliance with safety and quality standards specific to rail industry requirements.
- Performance within budgeted labor and material costs.
- Employee engagement, development, and retention.
- Implementation and sustainability of 5S and continuous improvement initiatives.
Working Conditions
- On-site position at the Carson facility.
- Frequent work on or around railcars, including shop, yard, pits, and platforms.
- May require extended hours or weekend work to meet customer schedules.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid time off, holidays and retirement plan.
- Opportunity to lead a key facility in a growing, innovative rail manufacturing company.
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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