Facility Manager - Rail

Job Summary

Our continued growth in railcar repair and coating has created the need for a highly technical rail industry leader to assist in directing our Victoria facility. We are seeking a seasoned rail professional with deep expertise in AAR/FRA compliance, tank car qualification, mechanical repair, and industrial coating systems. This role requires a hands‑on operator who understands the technical rigor, regulatory scrutiny, and production discipline required to run a high‑performing railcar repair shop.

• Lead all mechanical repair, valve repair, tank car qualification, and coating operations in accordance with AAR and FRA regulations.
• Ensure strict compliance with 49 CFR regulations, the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), and applicable tank car qualification requirements.
• Maintain audit readiness and serve as the primary liaison during AAR/FRA inspections and customer technical audits.
• Oversee quality assurance programs, inspection protocols, documentation accuracy, and repair certifications.
• Drive continuous improvement in cycle times, throughput, and repair quality while maintaining regulatory integrity.
• Provide technical oversight of surface preparation, blasting standards, coating application, cure cycles, inspection methods, and failure analysis.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications for specialty coatings.
• Lead root cause analysis of coating or mechanical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Direct safety performance in high‑risk operations, including confined space entry, hot work, and coating processes.
• Ensure full compliance with HSE, FRA, AAR, and environmental regulations.
• Drive a culture of procedural discipline and operational accountability.
• Maintain full P&L responsibility for the railcar repair and coating business.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to grow repair volume, expand technical capabilities, and enhance market position.
• Optimize labor utilization, production scheduling, and capital investment planning specific to rail repair operations.
• Lead and develop supervisors across mechanical repair, and coating departments.
• Mentor technical teams to strengthen inspection discipline, documentation accuracy, and workmanship standards.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, regulatory precision, and operational ownership.
• Other duties as assigned to support the rail division and operations.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred;
  High school diploma with equivalent technical rail industry experience required.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in railcar repair, tank car qualification, coating, or heavy industrial rail operations.
• Proficiency with financial reporting systems and standard business software applications.
• Direct experience operating within an AAR‑certified repair facility.
• Deep working knowledge of FRA regulations (49 CFR), AAR MSRP requirements, tank car qualification intervals, and repair certification standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing AAR audits and regulatory inspections.
• Strong understanding of mechanical repair processes, valve systems, structural repairs, and coating systems.
• Direct P&L management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial performance analysis.
• Established track record of driving safety performance and continuous operational improvement.
• Demonstrated success developing frontline and leadership teams, including performance management and accountability practices.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to make sound operational and financial decisions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with employees, senior leadership, customers, and regulatory agencies.

At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first class, high value benefits and resources that are centered around a proper work‑life balance.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  - Based on each employee's need, we offer various high quality, low‑premium…