Chief Dispatcher - Edmonton, AB

Adecco is currently hiring a full-time Chief Dispatcher for a leading transportation organization. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment and is passionate about leading teams, optimizing network performance, and driving operational excellence.
As a Chief Dispatcher, you will oversee the day-to-day management of train operations and Rail Traffic Control Dispatchers (RTCs), ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of trains across the network. Operating in a 24/7 environment, you will play a critical role in maintaining service reliability, maximizing asset utilization, and achieving business objectives while leading a unionized workforce.

• Job type: Permanent | Full-time

Our Diversity & Inclusion Statement
At Adecco our purpose is simple: to make the future work for everyone. We live our values, Passion, Collaboration, Inclusion, Courage, and Customers at Heart, by fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated and every voice matters. This position is open to individuals who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis, the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Through this initiative, Adecco is taking proactive measures to support the equitable representation of Indigenous peoples in the workforce in alignment with section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Together, we're making the future work for everyone.
Responsibilities:
Safety & Compliance Leadership

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across all operations.
• Coach, mentor, and train Rail Traffic Control Dispatchers on safe operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct safety observations, audits, and coaching sessions to ensure compliance with operational rules and standards.
• Address non-compliance issues and support corrective actions.
• Support the organization's safety management objectives through proactive leadership and accountability.
• Ensure safe train operations while minimizing incidents, injuries, and operational risks.

Train Operations & Network Management

• Oversee train dispatching activities to ensure efficient and reliable network operations.
• Develop daily operating plans and train meet strategies.
• Monitor train movement, network fluidity, and transportation plan execution.
• Optimize crew utilization and monitor recrews, deadheads, and labor costs.
• Coordinate train lineups, crew assignments, and estimated arrival times.
• Develop recovery plans for service disruptions and operational exceptions.
• Support cost control and asset utilization initiatives through strategic planning and decision-making.
• Balance multiple operational priorities to maximize throughput and service reliability.

Planning & Operational Coordination

• Monitor track maintenance activities, repairs, and upgrades while maintaining efficient train operations.
• Collaborate with field operations teams to address service interruptions and operational challenges.
• Analyze operational data and key performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support transportation plans and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance productivity, customer service, and operational performance.

Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead and support a unionized workforce in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Communicate operational priorities, company goals, and performance expectations clearly and effectively.
• Foster a positive team environment through coaching, recognition, accountability, and performance management.
• Conduct investigations in accordance with collective agreements and support disciplinary processes when required.
• Encourage employee engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Training, Performance & Development

• Conduct employee performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Support onboarding and training initiatives to ensure employees have the knowledge and tools required to perform safely and effectively.
• Identify performance gaps and develop action plans to improve results.
• Share operational best practices and company initiatives to promote consistency and transparency across teams.

Qualifications and Skills:

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Logistics, Transportation, Operations Management, or a related field is considered an asset.
• Experience working in an industrial, transportation, logistics, or operations environment.
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory or leadership experience managing unionized employees is considered a strong asset.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Rail Traffic Control Dispatcher (RTC) is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive and highly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of railway operating rules, procedures, and policies.
• Strong computer proficiency, including:
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP
  • SRS
  • PAP
  • RTBI
  • DataCity
• Experience utilizing operational performance metrics and reporting systems.
• Understanding of workforce planning, transportation operations, and resource utilization.
• Strong leadership and employee development skills.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer-focused mindset.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills.
• Ability to identify risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on operational performance and safety.
• Mu st be legally eligible to work, and reside in Canada

Land Acknowledgement
Adecco acknowledges that our head office is located in Tkarón:to/Toronto, on the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, the Huron-Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize that our teams operate in offices and communities across the country, on the ancestral and contemporary lands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. We're committed to continued learning, respectful relationships, and taking meaningful actions in partnership with Indigenous communities.

Are you interested in this position? Apply now! Our dynamic team of recruiters will reach out if you qualify for this role.