Senior Rail Procurement Logistics Manager

Job Title: Senior Rail Procurement Logistics ManagerLocation: Chicago, Illinois, United StatesEmployment Type: Full-TimeRole Overview We are seeking an accomplished Senior Manager of Rail Procurement Logistics with deep expertise in rail transportation, service, pricing, and economic development.In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that expand our markets, optimize our network, and reduce costs. You will operate as an experienced account/market manager with the executive presence necessary to manage critical relationships with Class I railroads, while also delivering compelling presentations and actionable, data-driven insights to executive leadership. This role requires a strategic thinker who is detail-oriented, highly capable of analyzing complex datasets, negotiating contracts, and driving continuous improvements in service, sustainability, and operational efficiency.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Procurement: Establish procurement strategies that drive cost savings, improve reliability, and align with overall corporate growth objectives.Rail Sourcing: Design multi-year sourcing plans for Class I railroads, including volume commitments, index strategies, and complex contract structures.Negotiation & Carrier Relations: Collaborate with rail carriers to secure competitive rates, establish new transportation corridors, and negotiate agreements involving fuel surcharge mechanisms, demurrage, and service-level agreements.Network Optimization: Thoroughly compare transportation modes (rail vs. trucking) to achieve efficiency and savings. Assess rail network capacity, service performance, and rate structures to proactively identify risks and opportunities.Data & Analytics: Analyze transportation performance, identify cost drivers, and deliver data-driven insights to inform executive decision-making during significant rail contract negotiations.Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with internal operations teams to optimize rail fleet utilization, refine distribution design, and maximize backhaul potential.Safety & Compliance: Demonstrate a proactive commitment to communicating, improving, and adhering to health, safety, and environmental policies in all work environments.Required Qualifications (You Must Have)Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field.Experience: 10+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain analytics, or transportation account/market management (Rail or Trucking experience strongly preferred).Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and Power BI.Industry Expertise: Proven track record of transportation pricing, account management, complex customer negotiations, and logistics performance improvement.Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all executive levels. Highly self-motivated, curious, and results-oriented.Preferred Qualifications (We Value)Master's degree in a related field.Experience utilizing Python or R for advanced data analytics and modeling.Direct prior experience managing relationships or negotiating contracts with Class I railroads.Safety & PPE RequirementsSuccessful candidates must adhere to all safety protocols and the proper use of approved Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) when conducting site visits, including but not limited to respirators.OSHA Compliance Note: Employees who are required to wear respirators must be clean-shaven where the respirator seal meets the face in order to successfully pass qualitative and quantitative fit tests.What We OfferComprehensive compensation packageRetirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savingsMedical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance coverageHolistic Health & Well-being programsHealth Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Paid time off & paid corporate holidaysPaid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)Educational Assistance ProgramsEqual Opportunity Employer We take pride in our hiring processes and our commitment that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, citizenship, physical or mental disability, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.Apply Now!