Rail Logistics Specialist

About the role

This position serves to optimize the execution of truck and rail shipments of biofuels and vegetable oils into and out of a large vertically integrated oilseeds processing facility. The ideal candidate has a keen interest in the food and biofuels space with an ambition to grow with LDC as it expands its US footprint, while maintaining a focus on safety, sustainability, and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Support scheduling and executing biodiesel truck and rail logistics to suit customer needs
• Maintain fleet consisting of oil, biodiesel, refined glycerin and canola railcars
• Update forecast in a timely manner to support daily decision making for purchases and sales
• Coordinate daily loading / unloading of rail to prioritize loading / unloading rail to align with operations according to available inventory and railcar availability
• Participate in planning meetings focusing on inventory management (biodiesel and vegetable oil)
• Coordinate inbound bean oil truck and rail logistics with the commercial and operations teams
• Establish and maintain freight pricing matrices to and from customer/supplier origins and destinations
• Communicate customer quality requirements and requests to the lab and operations teams
• Prepare and aggregate paperwork needed for inbound and outbound shipments
• Liaise daily with Biodiesel & Ingredients sales teams on associated markets
• Focus on cost savings for logistics to support business needs
• Resolve pricing discrepancies
• Build relationships with freight providers, expand network or truck carriers, optimize preferred carriers for common lanes
• Assist in merchandising by-products
• Cross-train on other roles in the office
• Develop competence in LDC products varying qualities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision; interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public; work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company; operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Typical office equipment: PC, telephone. Working conditions: primarily climate-controlled office environment with periodic visits to industrial operations areas (exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions). Interaction with personnel in other departments and company locations, middle and senior level management; domestic travel to visit customers required (up to 30% at times). Call-ins or extension of regular working hours (50-60 hours per week) occasionally needed to complete time-sensitive projects or respond to emergencies; some weekend work required.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) is required, preferably in a Finance, Science or Logistics discipline and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience. In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, must have at least 5 years of experience working in logistics, supply chain management or customs clearance of food grade products.

Additional qualifications: Supply chain risk management & inventory management; direct verbal and written experience managing customer expectations, demands, and resolving complaints; experience in liquid bulk logistics including the operation and maintenance of bulk tank trucks and tank cars.

Preferred qualifications: Familiarity with biofuels, vegetable oils, or liquid food grade products; financial acumen with regard to logistics budgeting, freight value estimation, network modeling, and forecasting; general understanding of food grade hygiene procedures and quality documentation; understanding import/export processes including ISF process, FDA pre notify process, and customs clearance; familiarity with freight invoice payment, claims settlement, and procurement events/bid processes.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professionalism when interacting with customers over the phone, email, and in person
• Attention to detail is critical
• Negotiation skills with vendors or customers
• Manages a to-do list and prioritizes workload
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize multiple responsibilities to meet deadlines
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software, preferably MS Word and Excel & SharePoint
• Exercises judgment, within established parameters, to arrive at appropriate logistics decisions and actions for the purpose of adding value to the firm; assesses risk pertaining to logistics

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with Company Match
• Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits