Head of Railways Operations

About the role

The Head of Railways Operations leads all railway-related activities, ensuring smooth traffic flow, compliance, and optimal utilization of assets. This senior position works closely with senior railway officials, internal teams, and external stakeholders to support business development and port operations.

Key responsibilities

• Liaise with local and central senior railway officials to obtain approvals, clear pending invoices, and manage rakes.
• Monitor indents placed with railways, intervene to secure the required number of rakes according to the operations plan.
• Oversee yard operations, rake loading/unloading, and trigger corrective actions when needed.
• Track locomotive and wagon turnaround times, utilization rates, and implement improvements.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and adherence to safety norms.
• Review breakdown, preventive, and predictive maintenance activities and take corrective actions to meet service standards.
• Provide railway intelligence to business development and manage railway liaison for uninterrupted traffic movement.
• Handle railway commercial and audit matters, both internal and external.

Required profile

• Strategic orientation with ability to visualize long‑term implications and translate industry trends into business strategies.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to identify and act on medium‑ and short‑term opportunities.
• Strong stakeholder partnering skills, building trust‑based relationships with internal and external parties.
• Outcome‑orientation with focus on efficient, safe execution and risk mitigation.
• Transformation mindset, continuously updating knowledge and driving change.
• Innovation focus, leveraging technology to improve processes.

Required skills