Kansas City Southern Moves the World — Here’s What They Offer Team Members

Are you ready to grow with a fast-paced, railroad career? Check out Kansas City Southern. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City Southern (KCS) is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama. In a recent employee engagement and satisfaction survey conducted by a third-party, 89 percent of employees in the U.S. and Mexico said they would recommend KCS as a good place to work. Employees and their dependents are eligible to participate in one or more of the plans from the first day of active employment. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance for employees and dependents, short- and long-term disability pay, 401(k) plan and stock purchase plan. In addition, the company offers leave for bereavement, military service and jury duty.

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Image Courtesy of Kansas City Southern.

Image Courtesy of Kansas City Southern.

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Fairygodboss
Updated: 12/2/2021

Are you ready to grow with a fast-paced, railroad career? Check out Kansas City Southern. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City Southern (KCS) is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama. In a recent employee engagement and satisfaction survey conducted by a third-party, 89 percent of employees in the U.S. and Mexico said they would recommend KCS as a good place to work. 

Employees and their dependents are eligible to participate in one or more of the plans from the first day of active employment. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance for employees and dependents, short- and long-term disability pay, 401(k) plan and stock purchase plan. In addition, the company offers leave for bereavement, military service and jury duty.

What is the mission of the company? What are its core values? 

Our Vision:

Kansas City Southern strives to consistently be the fastest-growing, best-performing, most customer-focused transportation provider in North America.

Our Values:

The KCS Culture is a set of values, beliefs and behaviors that define our company, and create a foundation for our growth and success. Our strong culture and core values will allow KCS to fulfill its Vision and continue to endure in times of stress.

  • Safety: First and foremost, we will demonstrate a commitment to safety, for ourselves and our fellow employees, customers, contractors, and any other guests on our property. At KCS, safety is an obligation, not an option.

  • Customer focus: We will recognize that we are in the business of serving customers and will strive to consistently meet or exceed their expectations and deliver on our commitments. We will do what we say we are going to do.

  • Communication: We will support an environment of open and honest communication in which transparency of information and diversity of perspective are valued.

  • Teamwork: We will encourage and reward initiative and cross-functional teamwork. We will treat our fellow employees, and other business associates, with dignity and respect. Railroading is a team sport!

  • Initiative & Innovation: We will nurture an environment which encourages and rewards resourcefulness, innovation and creativity, and where all individuals’ contributions are encouraged and respected.

  • Diversity & Civility: We will embrace our cross-cultural heritage and promote a work environment that is inclusive of everyone. We will honor the rights of all individuals to be treated with respect and dignity.

What differentiates the organization from others in this space/industry?  

Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., KCS is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama. Its primary U.S. holding is The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, serving the central and south central U.S. Its international holdings include Kansas City Southern de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., serving northeastern and central Mexico and the port cities of Lázaro Cárdenas, Tampico and Veracruz, and a 50 percent interest in Panama Canal Railway Company, providing ocean-to-ocean freight and passenger service along the Panama Canal. KCS' North American rail holdings and strategic alliances with other North American rail partners are primary components of a unique railway system, linking the commercial and industrial centers of the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

KCS is just one interchange away from every major market in North America. Our alliances with other railroads – large and small – give KCS a strong competitive advantage. At the same time, as the smallest Class I railroad, our ability to be nimble allows us to provide customer-focused solutions. 

Describe 1-5 employee benefits that positively impact women who work here. 

KCS is committed to the well-being of our employees, which is why the company offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes competitive retirement, benefit, and wellness programs. Total Rewards represents a broad spectrum of plans and programs designated to reward you throughout your career. Benefits vary between the U.S. and Mexico, and union and management positions.

What career development opportunities can female job seekers expect from this organization? How is career pathing approached? 

With very low turnover and specialized skills, KCS has a strong desire to promote from within the company. KCS offers a variety of career development opportunities, including cross-functional rotation, an online training library, and an awards program that recognizes ingenuity. The company also has a robust succession planning process. 

Why should women want to grow their careers here? 

The railroad is an essential industry driving the North American economy, and the demand for skilled staff will be high for the foreseeable future. At KCS, an initiative is underway to attract more women to operations and leadership roles.

Is there anything else women should know about pursuing a career here? 

A career with KCS will be challenging, fast-paced and you have the ability to make a difference.

What do your employees say?

“I like that KCS encourages women to be in Operations and demonstrate their skills in a traditionally male work force.”

“Working for KCS gives me an opportunity to be challenged, think on my feet, learn new things and make a positive difference every day.”

“KCS fosters a culture of respect, diversity and civility.”

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