Railcar Shop Supervisor / Foreman

This is an an excellent career opportunity for a strong operations leader working with CRWS – a new rail services shop that has just opened in Squamish.    Offering a very competitive wage, excellent benefits, and lots of room to grow and learn.   The ideal candidate has experience in the rail industry and is a hands-on leader, comfortable making real-time decisions on the shop floor, managing priorities, and driving execution, without compromising safety, quality, or compliance.

About the Role:

• Full-time, year round. 
• Based in  Squamish, BC.
• Starting salary in the range of $90,000 – $120,000.  Negotiable based on experience.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact rail and rolling stock projects across North America.

Perks and Benefits include: 

• Group insurance and health benefits plan.
• 3-4% matching RRSP or retirement savings plan.
• Paid vacation plus 10 personal days per year.
• Performance-based incentives may apply.
• Potential housing or relocation support for out-of-town applicants depending on needs.
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing, national rail organization and work on high-impact rail and rolling stock projects across North America.

About the Company: Canadian Railway Services is one of Canada’s top engineering, design and service providers in the rail industry. The new team in Squamish will be working on iconic Rocky Mountaineer rail cars and more.  This is an exciting opportunity to build a thriving career with a growing, national rail organization and work on high-impact rail and rolling stock projects across North America.  Click here for more information about these companies and other current career opportunities.

Important Note: All applicants must apply through Squamish Personnel to be considered – please do not contact or apply through CRWS or Rocky Mountaineer directly. 

• About the Company:  CRWS (Canadian Railway Services) is one of Canada’s top engineering, design and service providers in the rail industry. The new team in Squamish will be working on iconic Rocky Mountaineer rail cars and more.  This is an exciting opportunity to build a thriving career with a growing, national rail organization and work on high-impact rail and rolling stock projects across North America.  Click here for more information about these companies and other current career opportunities.
• Important Note: All applicants must apply through Squamish Personnel to be considered – please do not contact or apply through CRWS or Rocky Mountaineer directly. 

The Perfect Candidate : 

The ideal candidate has experience with trains and is comfortable wearing two hats — directing workflow and team performance while also contributing directly to shop output.   This role operates in a fast-paced, delivery-driven rail and industrial environment where timelines are tight, coordination is complex, and safety is non-negotiable.

• 7+ years of experience in a rail shop, manufacturing, maintenance, or fabrication environment.
• Erade certification in Welding, Heavy-Duty Mechanics, Electrical, or a related skilled trade, or equivalent practical experience.
• Prior experience in a foreman, lead hand, or supervisory role is strongly preferred.
• Experience in heavy fabrication, transportation, rail or industrial environments is a strong asset.
• Solid understanding of shop operations, safety practices, and quality requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, work instructions, and schedules.
• Comfortable operating in a schedule-driven, fast-paced production environment.
• Supervisory or foreman training is an asset.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to direct teams on the shop floor.
• Clear, direct communicator with tradespeople and management.
• Practical problem-solver, comfortable making decisions in real time.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
• Calm and effective under pressure and changing priorities.
• Safety-first mindset with zero tolerance for unsafe behavior.

Responsibilities Include: 

The Shop Supervisor (Foreman) is responsible for overseeing day-to-day shop floor operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of fabrication, maintenance, and refurbishment activities. This role requires the direct supervision to trades personnel (mechanics, electricians, welders, technicians) and act as the link between production teams, engineering, project management, and operations leadership  while actively participating in hands-on production work.

• Supervise daily shop activities, assigning work and coordinating tasks across trades to meet production and project schedules.
• Ensure work is executed in accordance with drawings, procedures, and project requirements.
• Monitor progress, identify constraints, and take corrective actions to maintain schedule and productivity.
• Provide hands-on guidance and technical support to shop personnel as required.
• Lead, motivate, and support shop personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Support onboarding and training of new hires and apprentices.
• Provide input on performance, skills development, and disciplinary matters as required.
• Enforce all safety rules, procedures, and PPE requirements on the shop floor.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings, and ensure compliance with CNESST and internal safety standards.
• Support audits, inspections, and corrective actions related to safety and quality.
• Coordinate closely with engineering and project management teams to clarify scope, drawings, priorities, and sequencing.
• Communicate shop constraints, risks, and progress to operations leadership.
• Support implementation of design changes and manage their impact on shop execution.
• Manage manpower allocation, work sequencing, and daily priorities.
• Identify bottlenecks and support continuous improvement of shop workflows and layout.
• Track daily production activities and report progress, issues, and risks.
• Ensure shop documentation (work orders, inspection records, timesheets) is completed accurately and on time.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of standard work practices.

Applying is Easy!

1. Create a Profile and upload your resume here (you only have to do this once):  https://www.squamish-jobs.com/application
2. OR If you have already created a profile with us, simply email talent@squamish-jobs.com to let us know that you’d like to chat about this role.
3. Please do not reach out to the company directly as Squamish Personnel is doing the first round of interviews for this position.  All applications must come through us to be considered.

Our career matching and consulting services are confidential and FREE to job seekers – with no strings or commitments required.

We will review all applications and contact candidates who have been selected for further consideration or an interview.  If you would like an update on your application, please email us at talent@squamish-jobs.com or call us at 604 398 4977 ext 2.

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Tip for Out-of-Town Applicants:  IIf you are currently living outside the area, you must be willing to relocate – be sure to tell us if you’ve already secured or researched local accommodation and your planned arrival date.   Only candidates with a valid Canadian work permit will be considered.   Click here for some resources.