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How to hire a train operations manager

Train operations manager hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring train operations managers in the United States:

  • There are currently 200,341 train operations managers in the US, as well as 313,011 job openings.
  • Train operations managers are in the highest demand in New York, NY, with 5 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a train operations manager is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new train operations manager to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a train operations manager, step by step

To hire a train operations manager, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a train operations manager:

Here's a step-by-step train operations manager hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a train operations manager job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new train operations manager
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a train operations manager do?

A Train Operations Manager is a management professional who is responsible for managing training programs for employees of an organization. This manager is required to design all training materials and manuals to improve the individual and team quality scores so that they can achieve their business objective goals. The manager must develop and implement training programs to ensure the maximum effectiveness of employees and management forces. This manager should also gather feedback and surveys from employees to determine learning gaps and process improvements.

Learn more about the specifics of what a train operations manager does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a train operations manager, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a train operations manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a train operations manager that fits the bill.

    This list presents train operations manager salaries for various positions.

    Type of Train Operations ManagerDescriptionHourly rate
    Train Operations ManagerTop executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations.$24-51
    Manager, Center OperationsThe duties of a manager of center operations depend on one's industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing business operations, setting targets, assessing the workforce's performance, and performing corrective measures on any issues or concerns... Show more$18-46
    General Manager Of OperationsGeneral managers of operations are employed to oversee the overall operations of businesses. Their responsibilities include the improvement of the efficiency of the operations and overall management... Show more$23-79
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Customer Service
    • OSHA
    • PowerPoint
    • Training Materials
    • Continuous Improvement
    • POS
    • Logistical Support
    • Process Improvement
    • Training Sessions
    • Training Operations
    • Loss Prevention
    • Training Events
    • Development Programs
    • Human Resources
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage workforce evaluation system and coordinate with logistics agencies to ensure immediate support for operations.
    • Manage team of database administrators, database technicians and systems administrators responsible for maintaining all production, development and QA systems.
    • Conduct all site safety training relating to OSHA, NFPA, EPA and system safety policies, procedures and programs.
    • Serve as dock manager & station training manager as well as the station OSHA safety advocate and station compliance officer.
    • Design and conduct training lectures using Microsoft PowerPoint.
    • Coordinate treatment of members mentally and physically impair during combat.
    More train operations manager duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your train operations manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A train operations manager can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, train operations managers' average salary in kentucky is 57% less than in new york.
    • Seniority. Entry-level train operations managers 53% less than senior-level train operations managers.
    • Certifications. A train operations manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a train operations manager's salary.

    Average train operations manager salary

    $74,277yearly

    $35.71 hourly rate

    Entry-level train operations manager salary
    $51,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 18, 2025

    Average train operations manager salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$110,630$53
    2New York$102,599$49
    3New Jersey$99,981$48
    4Connecticut$96,886$47
    5Washington$94,495$45
    6Massachusetts$82,686$40
    7Colorado$80,495$39
    8Arizona$75,849$36
    9Maryland$75,582$36
    10Oregon$74,837$36
    11Virginia$72,742$35
    12Nevada$72,367$35
    13Missouri$65,499$31
    14Ohio$64,418$31
    15North Dakota$63,014$30
    16Illinois$62,112$30
    17Pennsylvania$61,936$30
    18Georgia$61,879$30
    19Nebraska$60,818$29
    20Texas$60,489$29

    Average train operations manager salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Amazon$119,333$57.371,355
    2Smith & Nephew$95,471$45.903
    3Constellation Energy Partners$95,142$45.749
    4Ted's Montana Grill$94,065$45.222
    5United Health Centers Of The San Joaquin Valley$91,387$43.94
    6Black Diamond$90,419$43.47
    7Salesforce$89,851$43.2033
    8Meritor$85,235$40.98
    9EMCOR Group$82,981$39.8927
    10Skyhook$82,226$39.53
    11Allison Transmission$82,018$39.433
    12Hyatt Hotels$80,920$38.9047
    13Waste Management$79,406$38.1827
    14NJ Transit$78,468$37.73
    15TechnologyAdvice$77,886$37.45
    16Fantasy Springs Resort Casino$77,415$37.22
    17National Capitol Contracting, Llc$75,793$36.443
    18Christensen Farms$75,763$36.42
    19Doosan Hydro Technology$75,405$36.25
    20Carnival Cruise Line$74,164$35.6620
  4. Writing a train operations manager job description

    A job description for a train operations manager role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a train operations manager job description:

    Train operations manager job description example

    Ted's Montana Grill isn't your ordinary restaurant, so we aren't looking for ordinary people. While we're Premium, Polished and Professional, we're also Cool (known as 3 PC). We live by "The Big Sky Spirit" which is our moral compass and is evident in everything that we do.
    MANAGER OF OPERATIONS TRAINING

    Currently a department of one, this position focuses on teaching, training, supporting and participating in field level execution of operational excellence. This position is a driver of the training strategy and a key business partner to Operations to support the ongoing learning needs of the organization. This position requires 30% - 40% travel.

    + Creates a culture of training excellence in the field; seeks to create best-in-class materials and programs that fit the needs of the brand

    + Manages and follows up on the MIT Program

    + Ensures a current and accurate library of hourly training materials

    + Supports Company initiatives with training guidance and resources, including cross-functional support; partners collaboratively with all subject matter experts to ensure training materials are accurate.

    + Manages Workday Learning (LMS) platform and content (instructional design experience is preferred)

    + Maintains leadership programs and development plans for high potential Managers

    + Manages and reports on compliance training

    + Ensures that Ted's training standards and programs are fully integrated in the restaurants

    + Acts as a consultant and coach in all matters training.

    + Oversees and certifies Training Stores selection and validation

    + Ensures that training milestones and goals are met while adhering to the approved training budget.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

    + Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    + Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

    + Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

    + Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

    + Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

    + Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

    + Ability to moderate large groups

    + Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and team members.

    + Creativity and innovation in training program design

    + Strong business acumen

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    + Restaurant Industry Experience required (Management/GM experience strongly preferred)

    + Five or more years of experience in the design and implementation of training programs and teams in the restaurant industry.

    + An equivalent combination of education, restaurant management, and/or training experience will be considered

    + Ability to successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check

    NO RELOCATION: Currently considering Atlanta-area candidates only

    Hospitality

    We take great pride in ensuring all guests receive a warm and memorable experience leaving them feeling better than when they came in. From a bowl of half sours to our two-dollar bills, we empower each team member to deliver Big Sky Moments in ways that are natural and effortless to Ted's and our guests.

    THE EXPERIENCE

    Our restaurants represent classic saloons of the 19th century where cattlemen and land barons found a little relaxation after a hard day's work.

    SUSTAINABILITY

    We believe in leaving a better world for future generations. You'll see this in our commitment to local growers, the paper straws, the Boraxo soap in our restrooms and sustainable choices in our kitchen operations.

    We are steadfast in our commitment to people, product and prosperity. Ted's Montana Grill develops and encourages people to become leaders and engage the hearts and minds of our teams.
  5. Post your job

    To find train operations managers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any train operations managers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level train operations managers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your train operations manager job on Zippia to find and recruit train operations manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting train operations managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new train operations manager

    Once you have selected a candidate for the train operations manager position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a train operations manager?

Before you start to hire train operations managers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire train operations managers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for train operations managers is $74,277 in the US. However, the cost of train operations manager hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a train operations manager for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $24 and $51 an hour.

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