Strategic Operations & Travel Coordinator

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader.

For nearly a century, we have repeatedly modernized and improved rail diagnostics through our relentless pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever-improving suite of products and service offerings.

Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork, we are driven by the challenge and bridging concepts with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry imprints themselves into our brand and further galvanizes a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome!

We are agile and hungry and invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. Fast-paced, high-touch with a distinct sense of purpose. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.

Overview

Sperry Rail Service is a leading global provider of Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) services and technologies for railway networks worldwide. With over 95 years of industry leadership, Sperry continues to advance rail safety through innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.

Position Summary

Coordinates the day-to-day operations from the Olathe, KS facility. Maintains the SDMS operations schedule, supports the operations by maintaining online staffing locations, booking heavy volumes of field travel, and processes weekly timekeeping and payroll. Manages the Olathe office supplies, supports safety and drug testing logistics, partners with other coordinators to maintain coverage across the North American footprint, and produces weekly operational reports to customers and operations.

The overall objective is to keep field crews, equipment, and customer commitments synchronized while controlling travel and operating cost.

This role requires a strong commitment to meeting business demands, including evenings, weekends, and hours beyond 40 per week when necessary.

Essential Functions

Regional Coordination and Operations Support:

• Take direction from the Customer Operations Directors to optimize assets and people across the organization.
• Plan and implement scheduling in the central operations systems; follow up proactively to reduce downtime and resolve operational issues.
• Work closely with the operations management team to move people and vehicles between assignments as operational needs dictate.
• Coordinate the movement of trucks to Sperry shops or vendor facilities, and arrange operational coverage during downtime.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with customers and employees at all times.

Administration and Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Act as a coordinator for operations.
• Coordinate with Field Manager, Fleet, Maintenance, Training, and Analysis leadership to ensure smooth day-to-day service delivery.
• Partner with other coordinators to ensure full operational coverage across all North American operating areas.
• Assist the recruiter in onboarding new hires, including initial travel arrangements.

Scheduler and Database Maintenance:

• Maintain the operations schedule in the approved corporate scheduler.
• Enter all planned and forecasted work received from the Customer Operations Directors, and update entries whenever the plan or forecast changes.
• Enter all planned vacations into the corporate scheduler.

Weekly Staffing Schedule Support:

• Assist the Customer Operations Directors in developing the Weekly Staffing Schedule, including all work, overstaff, training, and vacation assignments for operators and drivers.
• Validate credentials in SDMS Scheduler to confirm all assigned operators and drivers meet Sperry’s minimum credentials for their role prior to scheduling.
• Submit…