Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference
Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:
• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Position Overview
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000
Terminal Hours: M-F, 7:00 AM- 3:15 PM
Location Information: https://www.watco.com/service/terminals/buffalo-ny-tbt/
Watco is hiring a hands-on Terminal Manager to lead daily rail-to-truck transloading operations at our Buffalo, New York terminal.
This position leads a team of approximately 3–4 team members and oversees the safe and efficient loading and unloading of railcars and trucks. The terminal handles liquid and dry bulk commodities, with ethanol and soda ash representing two of its primary commodities.
The Rail Terminal Manager is responsible for terminal safety, customer service, equipment readiness, regulatory compliance, financial performance, team development, and continuous improvement.
Candidates with prior rail-to-truck transloading, railcar loading and unloading, bulk-material handling, or related terminal operations experience, along with prior leadership experience, are strongly preferred.
Job Summary
The Transload Terminal Manager is responsible for the overall operations and business management of the terminal, ensuring safety, environmental compliance, and efficient performance. This role provides strategic and hands-on leadership in operations, maintenance, financial management, and customer relations.The Transload Terminal Manager leads a team-oriented culture focused on safety, service, and accountability while driving continuous improvement and disciplined P&L management to support operational excellence and customer satisfaction. At the Buffalo Transload Terminal, the manager is responsible for a facility operated by Watco within the Norfolk Southern's Thoroughbred Bulk Terminal (TBT) network. This site is accessible by both rail and truck. Ther terminal includes 15,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and two acres of laydown storage, supporting a wide range of customer needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Promote and model Watco’s Foundation and Customer First Principles, maintaining professionalism and effective communication across all levels
• Serve as a visible, hands-on leader in the field to guide daily operations and ensure alignment with company objectives
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance with all Watco safety rules, company procedures, and local, state, and federal regulations
• The Transload Terminal Manager will conduct and participate in regular safety meetings, audits, and job briefings; empower team members to stop unsafe actions and correct issues immediately
• Manage terminal operations to ensure the safe and efficient handling of customer cargo, optimizing resources and schedules to meet customer needs
• Oversee facility and equipment maintenance, repairs, and inspections; develop and implement continuous improvement plans for operational efficiency
• Collaborate across departments to maintain smooth workflows and resolve operational challenges promptly
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers; ensure service quality, contractual compliance, and timely communication of issues or changes
• The Transload Terminal Manager will oversee management and financial performance of the terminal, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and capital planning
• Review and approve invoices and expenditures, ensuring accuracy and adherence to financial goals
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and revenue growth
• Ensure team members receive proper training, performance reviews, and ongoing development to support operational and career growth goals
• The Transload Terminal Manager will maintain accurate documentation, records, and reports to support compliance, performance tracking, and company standards
• Participate in strategic planning and execution of initiatives to drive operational excellence, business growth, and customer satisfaction
Qualifications
• Prior hands-on experience with railcar loading, unloading, or transload terminal operations preferred
• Must be able to pass and/or obtain all required reporting, testing, and certifications for the position and location
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
• Valid Driver’s License required
• Minimum of 1 year of operational leadership experience or team member supervisory experience required