Director or Rail Logistics

Job Description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it’s our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

The Director of Rail Logistics is responsible for the strategy of daily rail movement activities and providing rail expertise to sites across Knife River.

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Ensure OSHA, DOT, FRA, EPA, DNR, MSHA, Federal, State, and Local safety and environmental regulation compliance including attending training.
2. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, logistics, or related field preferred. Must have minimum of 5 years demonstrated relevant railroad experience.
3. Excellent written and verbal skills with emphasis on professional phone and email etiquette
4. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to build positive relationships at all levels of a business (internally and externally)
5. Superior organizational skills with high attention to detail
6. High customer service orientation
7. Team player with proven ability to excel in a team-based environment
8. Possess a sense of urgency, flexibility and assertiveness
9. Ability to multi-task, plan/prioritize and execute in a timely manner
10. Ability to handle a fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities
11. Quick learner with ability to receive and give clear instructions
12. Demonstrates high level of professionalism, critical thinking and judgment to solve problems efficiently/effectively.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Secure and analyze all rail shipments, rates, contracts, and agreements for maximum efficiency.
2. Strategically match, negotiate, and contract carriers to maximize profits and develop long term solutions.
3. Develop new or expand existing rail facilities to maximize freight efficiencies and reduce transportation costs. Work with other outside stakeholders to locate, design, and construct rail terminals that fit KRC growth objectives.
4. Perform and analyze total rail movement costs including loading, unloading, car usage, shipping rates, siding/real estate, and transloading costs.
5. Clarify load requirements with carriers, confirming shippers have proper training & information.
6. Work with plant personnel to develop rail shipping schedule considering demands, current inventories, production plans, customer demands/forecasts, and equipment availability.
7. Provide input on company’s rail equipment fleet for proper sizing, maintenance, and other requirements to meet company goals.
8. Manage rail tracking, data management and/or order entry systems so information is readily available for internal analysis or for customers access through systems, phone, and email as needed.
9. Be lead point of contact for any new rail or transloading business opportunities. Work with the local KRC business unit to develop rail & transloading business models that meet company goals.
10. Perform regular cost-benefit analysis on rates and rail movements to determine capital needs.
11. Ensure all shipments are tracked according to company policy. Quickly and proactively resolve problems that arise while load is in transit.
12. Provide any required reporting to management.
13. Exercise discretion and independent judgement with respect to handling difficult situations and provide timely escalation and/or feedback to direct supervisor regarding service failures, customer complaints, or any other matters requiring attention.
14. Promote brand awareness within current/existing carrier partners.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.