POSTION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, the AVP & Regional General Manager is responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision for the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad (FGA) and Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad (GAR). This role provides overall leadership to ensure the organization achieves its operational, financial, and growth objectives.
The General Manager translates strategy into action by guiding the leadership team, establishing short and long-term goals, and driving profitability and sustainable growth across the railroad. The role ensures alignment between the property's operational priorities and the broader strategic objectives of Pinsly Railroad Company.
This position oversees critical business functions including operational safety and environmental compliance, rail operations, efficiency initiatives, regulatory compliance, maintenance and repair strategy, and customer relationship management. The General Manager works closely with internal teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service while strengthening the long-term performance of the business.
The role requires strong leadership, operational and financial acumen, and the ability to foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, and performance. The General Manager also represents the railroad externally, maintaining strong relationships with key customers, industry partners, and connecting carriers, particularly CSX.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with Pinsly Railroad Company senior leadership to align FGA's strategy with overall enterprise objectives.
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives that support the long-term growth and profitability of the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad.
- Provide leadership and direction to departmental leaders to ensure operational, financial, and performance goals are clearly defined and achieved.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement with a strong focus on safety, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Maintain financial discipline through effective expense management, resource allocation, and utilization of company assets.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers while working closely with the commercial team to identify growth opportunities.
- Engage with customers to understand their operational needs and ensure high levels of service and responsiveness.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance across the organization.
- Maintain a visible leadership presence and support leadership development, performance management, and succession planning.
- Promote strong collaboration with corporate support functions including Human Resources, Finance, and Commercial teams.
- Oversee budgeting and financial planning processes, including revenue forecasting, profitability analysis, and equipment utilization.
- Apply deep knowledge of rail operations and industry dynamics to guide operational and commercial decision-making.
- Maintain strong relationships within the rail industry, including key partners such as CSX.
- Lead and develop team members by fostering professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
- Maintain awareness of government and regulatory environments and engage with state and local stakeholders as appropriate.
- Drive overall business performance by focusing on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial outcomes beyond traditional operating ratio metrics.
QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE
Candidates should possess
10-15 years of progressive leadership experience, including profit and loss accountability and general management responsibility within a complex organization comparable in scale and scope to the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad.
Ideal candidates will have experience within
short line railroad operations. Executives from
Class I railroads will also be considered if they demonstrate the adaptability, leadership capabilities, and entrepreneurial mindset required to succeed in a dynamic short line environment.
The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership with the vision to guide long-term business growth.
- Strong business acumen and a results-oriented management approach.
- Extensive knowledge of rail operations and the broader rail industry.
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making capabilities.
- A customer-focused mindset with an aptitude for business development.
- A commitment to mentoring and developing team members.
- Experience working with government stakeholders at the state and local levels.
- An established professional network within the rail industry; positive relationships with CSX are highly desirable.
- A strong understanding of the economics of railroad operations and performance management beyond traditional operating ratio metrics.
LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate:
- An inspirational and approachable leadership style that serves as a positive role model for the organization.
- A collaborative leadership approach that fosters teamwork, alignment, and effective problem solving.
- A visible commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, consistently reinforcing safe operating practices.
- Thoughtful and disciplined decision-making supported by sound judgment.
- A strong commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing future leaders.
- Fair, balanced leadership with a strong sense of integrity and accountability.
- Humility, empathy, and a purpose-driven leadership approach.
- Clear, direct communication and the ability to represent the organization effectively both internally and externally.
Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
