Railway Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Lubango, Angola – Railway Transportation

Job Description

Position: Railway Operations Manager

Company: Caminhos de Ferro de Angola

Location: Lubango, Angola

Experience: 5+ years in railway operations or transportation logistics

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Logistics, or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Railway Transportation

Department: Operations Management

Salary: 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 SSP per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Caminhos de Ferro de Angola (CF) is the national railway operator responsible for the development, management, and expansion of Angola’s rail network. With a legacy spanning over six decades, CF connects key economic zones, supports mineral exports, and facilitates passenger mobility across the country. As part of Angola’s strategic infrastructure plan, CF is investing heavily in modernizing its fleet, digitizing operations, and enhancing safety standards. The organization prides itself on fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and excellence, making it a premier employer for professionals seeking impactful careers in transportation and logistics. Join CF and contribute to the transformation of Angola’s rail corridors, driving economic growth and regional integration.

Job Overview

The Railway Operations Manager will lead the day‑to‑day management of rail services in the Lubango region, ensuring safe, efficient, and on‑time train operations. Reporting to the Regional Director of Operations, you will coordinate with engineering, maintenance, safety, and customer service teams to optimize schedules, manage resources, and uphold regulatory compliance. This role is pivotal in supporting CF’s mission to deliver reliable rail transport for freight and passengers, while advancing digital transformation initiatives across the network.

As Angola continues to attract international investment, the Railway Operations Manager will play a critical role in aligning operational practices with global standards, enhancing the country’s reputation as a logistics hub. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions, mentor a diverse workforce, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily train operations, ensuring adherence to timetables, safety protocols, and service quality standards.
• Develop and implement operational plans that align with CF’s strategic objectives and regional demand forecasts.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule preventive maintenance, minimize downtime, and ensure asset reliability.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on‑time performance, incident rates, and capacity utilization, and generate regular performance reports.
• Lead incident investigations, root‑cause analyses, and corrective action implementation to maintain a zero‑accident culture.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Department to optimize freight and passenger service offerings, pricing, and capacity allocation.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team of supervisors, dispatchers, and operational staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Ensure compliance with national railway regulations, international standards (e.g., UIC, ISO 9001), and environmental guidelines.
• Drive digitalization projects, including the implementation of advanced train control systems, real‑time monitoring tools, and data analytics platforms.
• Represent CF in stakeholder meetings, government forums, and industry conferences to promote best practices and partnership opportunities.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and people‑management abilities with a track record of building high‑performing teams.
• In‑depth knowledge of railway operations, signaling systems, and logistics management.
• Proficiency in operational planning software, ERP systems, and data‑driven decision‑making tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and risk‑assessment capabilities.
• Effective communication skills in Portuguese and English, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Commitment to safety culture and regulatory compliance.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Railway Engineering, Logistics, or a closely related discipline is required. Advanced certifications such as Certified Railway Operations Manager (CROM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in railway operations, freight logistics, or a comparable transportation sector. Prior experience managing large, cross‑functional teams and leading operational improvement initiatives is essential.

Salary

The competitive salary range for this role is 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 Angolan Kwanza (SSP) per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and allowances may be offered.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual paid leave and statutory holidays.
• Transportation allowance and fuel reimbursement.
• Professional development budget and tuition assistance.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering CF’s safety standards, operational procedures, and digital tools.
• Ongoing technical training on signaling, train control systems, and maintenance best practices.
• Leadership development workshops and mentorship opportunities.
• Access to international railway conferences and certification courses.

Working Environment

The role is based in Lubango’s modern CF operations hub, featuring state‑of‑the‑art control rooms, collaborative workspaces, and on‑site training facilities. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity, innovation, and work‑life balance. The position may require occasional travel to other regional stations and field sites.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through the online portal at Angola Job Search. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Caminhos de Ferro de Angola is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.