Rail Logistics Manager, NA

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Date: May 6, 2024

Location: Columbia, MD, US, 21044

Company: W. R. Grace & Co.

Requisition ID: 23065 

Built on talent, technology, and trust, Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and engineered materials. The company’s two industry-leading business segments—Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies—provide innovative products, technologies, and services that enhance the products and processes of our customers around the world. Grace employs approximately 4,300 people in over 30 countries.

Job Description

W.R. Grace is seeking a Rail Logistics Manager, NA to join our corporate Supply Chain team, who will report to the Director, Logistics & Distribution, America. As the Rail Logistics Manager, you will be responsible for the rail transportation operations in the US and Canada, providing leadership support within a matrixed organization to achieve safety, service, quality, and cost goals while driving an enhanced customer experience. You must be able to travel 15-25% domestically to meet with internal stakeholders and external partners. 

 

 

The location of this position is Columbia, MD. We offer a hybrid schedule and relocation assistance is available.

 

  • Build effective cross-functional relationships across the organization (Sales, Finance, Legal, Supply Management, Order Management, Warehouse/Distribution, Product Management, Quality, internal/external shipping locations, tollers, transload facilities, and rail service providers) to improve service execution, productivity, and reduce cost.
  • Lead rail-focused projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely execution and alignment with company goals.
  • Manage Rail Car fleet updates and maintain up-to-date car portfolio in SharePoint as well as with QTS, Rail Carrier Websites, and Railinc.
  • Complete annual fleet sizing analysis to maintain business alignment and achieve maximum rail car velocity and minimum rail car dwell targets.
  • Provide timely railcar tracking and visibility to end of month revenue recognition requests.
  • Manage rail freight quotes, storage quotes, and ad hoc logistics scenario planning upon request; perform railcar billing from all 3rd party (non-Grace) locations.

Responsibilities

 

  • Utilize transportation management systems (IntelliTrans), SAP, and data analytics tools to gather insights and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Analyze rail & logistics performance and spend data and complete root cause analysis to identify anomalies/exceptions and lead corrective actions and improvement opportunities.
  • Own the investigation, root-cause analysis, and resolution of rail transportation related complaints and claims to track performance, drive improvements of rail transportation providers and recover losses.
  • Ensure rail logistics capabilities are aligned with demand and supply plans, costs, and outlooks.  Determines gaps to plan and develop/execute improvement plans to meet supply chain needs.
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills; strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; exceptional analytical skills.
  • Superior knowledge of rail logistics and Class I railroad operations, capabilities and limitations.
  • Broad understanding of general business with emphasis on logistics and customer service issues.
  • Ability to write concise operational reports and give effective presentations.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple priorities and develop effective solutions in matrix environment.
  • Ability to establish strong relationships with 3PL partners using superior negotiation skills.

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. degree, Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
  • 5+ years of distribution, logistics or transportation operations, including at least 3 years of rail transportation experience.
  • Experience with 3PL/4PL Provider Management.
  • Chemical/Hazmat shipper experience and certification.
  • SAP, or another ERP and Microsoft Office Suite experience with deep knowledge of Excel.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to tailor to different audiences.
  • Ownership mentality in finding solutions and taking initiative.
  • Curiosity about how processes work and can ask the right questions.
  • Adaptability to change and is willing to keep up to date with the trends and issues of the supply chain industry.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Masters degree in Railway Engineering 
  • Transportation Management experience in Bulk Truck, TL, Ocean/Export transportation
  • Sourcing & Contract Negotiation
  • Process development and documentation
  • KPI Development and Management experience
  • Freight Audit & Payment experience
  • Dry bulk shipping experience
  • Transload experience
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Retirement Plans 
  • 401(k) Company Match – Dollar to dollar up to the first 6%
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Parental Leave (salaried only)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Donation Match Program

U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.


Nearest Major Market: Baltimore