Rail Controller

Purpose of the Role

To coordinate and control all rail distribution activities within the Nitrates business to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant transportation of explosives, anhydrous ammonia, and other products. The role is responsible for executing the rail distribution plan, optimising rail operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining stock accuracy, and supporting uninterrupted customer supply while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Rail Distribution Planning and Execution

• Execute the daily rail distribution plan in line with production schedules, customer requirements, and export commitments.
• Coordinate rail movements to maximise fleet utilisation and minimise delays.
• Monitor rail operations to ensure products are delivered safely and on schedule.
• Ensure compliance with export rail plans and agreed service levels.

Rail Operations Control

• Coordinate shunting and hauling activities in accordance with approved operating procedures.
• Ensure the correct compilation of trains, including wagon configuration, load numbers, and wagon types.
• Apply all special precautions when handling explosives and hazardous materials.
• Monitor train movements to ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety 

• Ensure compliance with the Explosives Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) requirements, and all applicable Railway Safety Regulator (RSR).
• Monitor adherence to company policies, standards, and operating procedures.
• Participate in safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
• Report and investigate operational incidents, hazards, and non-conformances.

Operational Coordination 

• Coordinate daily activities of Locomotive Drivers and Shunters.
• Ensure personnel are scheduled effectively to meet operational requirements.
• Monitor operational performance and compliance with legal and company requirements.
• Escalate operational issues that may impact production or customer deliveries.

Inventory and Product Movement Control 

• Maintain accurate rail movement records and inventory transactions.
• Ensure stock movements are correctly captured and reconciled.
• Identify and implement improvements to processes affecting product movement and stock accuracy.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.

Asset and Infrastructure Monitoring 

• Monitor the condition of railway tracks, sidings, signalling equipment, and permanent way infrastructure.
• Report maintenance requirements to ensure infrastructure remains compliant with TFR and RSR standards.
• Coordinate maintenance activities to minimise operational disruptions.
• Monitor locomotive and rail equipment availability.

Stakeholder Coordination 

• Liaise with Production, Logistics, Exports, Maintenance, and Customer Service teams to ensure operational alignment.
• Coordinate with Transnet Freight Rail and external service providers regarding rail movements and scheduling.
• Ensure customer delivery requirements are communicated and achieved.

Continuous Improvement 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives within Rail Operations.
• Apply Total Operational Control (TOC) and Loss Control principles to eliminate waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, safety, and cost efficiency.
• Participate in change management initiatives.

Governance and Reporting 

• Maintain accurate operational documentation and records.
• Compile daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports.
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements, policies, procedures, and management systems.

Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) 

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with SHEQ standards and company procedures.
• Participate in emergency response activities where required.
• Support environmental compliance and sustainable operating practices.  

Education / Qualifications/Experience Required

• Minimum Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent.
• Loco Driver License
• Locomotive operations, SHEQ standards, hazardous materials handling, and basic mechanical awareness.
• Minimum 2 – 3 years of locomotive driving in a hazardous/industrial environment.
• 1-2 years’ experience in a similar role

Competencies Required

• Safe locomotive driving
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Team Player
• Ability to diagnose problems
• Concern for standards
• Results-driven
• Innovative
• Leadership

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