Rail Logistics Specialist

Build Your Career. Build America's Future.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. When you join Vulcan, it's more than starting an exciting career - you get to make a difference for millions of people every day across the country.

When you join Vulcan, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is valued. No matter the role or the location across the country, every member of the Vulcan team lives through the Vulcan Way: doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.

Summary Description & Scope of Position

Summary Description of Position

Oversee and execute a comprehensive railcar loading/shipping schedule with an adequate lead time for all involved parties (plant operations, yard operations, sales, railroad, etc.). Work with plant operations personnel to develop a plant production schedule consistent with the demands of the rail shipping schedule, current inventory levels, production plans, customer demands/forecasts, and equipment availability. Make timely and effective adjustments to schedule changes due to railroad service disruptions, plant changes, or other factors. Supervise the division's Rail fleet for proper sizing, maintenance, and other rail car fleet management tasks that support One Vulcan initiatives.

Education:
BS/BA degree in business administration, logistics, and construction management or related is highly desirable, or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.

Experience:

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  Requires a minimum of three years of logistics, supply chain, or related experience in a fast pace and evolving business conditions.

  
  
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  Experience handling sales and customer relationships in the aggregate and railroad industries is preferred.

  
  
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  Strong logistics, dispatch, sales, and customer service experience.

  
  
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  Create and maintain accurate shipping schedules, track shipments, and update stakeholders on the status of rail deliveries.

  
  
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  Monitor and analyze rail transportation costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and request freight rates with rail carriers to optimize logistics expenses.

  
  
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  Experience/knowledge of the aggregate business preferred.

  
  
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  Must be a self-starter that is comfortable managing day-to-day tasks with little direction.

  
  
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  Able to quickly develop and build relationships internally and externally.

  
  
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  Ability to multi-task in an environment that can / will involve stress and pressure.

  
  
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  Excellent interpersonal skills as a relationship builder (internal and external).

  
  
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  Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to rail transportation, such as safety regulations and documentation procedures.

  
  
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  General Knowledge of state and federal FRA rules and regulations

  
  
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  Knowledge of the construction materials industry, including aggregates, asphalt, and other construction materials

  
  
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  Highly efficient with Microsoft and Google computer programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, google docs, google drive, etc.) for data analysis and reporting.

  
  
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  Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.

  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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  Ability to establish KPIs and improve optimization, rail car utilization, and efficiencies of rail operations.

  
  
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  Assessment of service and asset performance.

  
  
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  Assist and support Vulcan rail sales.

  
  
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  Implement continuous improvement methodologies.

  
  
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  Ability to effectively interface with all levels of people and Knowledge of modern motivation principles and practices.

  
  
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  Ability to influence people without reporting relationships.

  
  
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  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written and oral, and conflict resolution.

  
  
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  Able to analyze and solve business problems with limited data.

  
  
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  Excellent problem-solving skills and practices.

  
  
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  Excellent negotiation skills.

  
  
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  Strong skills in Excel and PowerPoint.

  
  
• Availability to travel 50-75% of the time within the designated coverage area.

1. 
   

   Develop and communicate a comprehensive rail car loading/shipping schedule with an adequate lead time for all involved parties (plant operations, yard operations, sales, railroad, accounting, etc.)

   
   
2. 
   

   In coordination with plant operations personnel, help develop a plant production schedule consistent with the demands of the rail shipping schedule, current inventory levels, production plans, customer demands/forecasts, and equipment availability.

   
   
3. 
   

   Serve as liaison between Vulcan operations and the railroad regarding rail car availability, rail power availability, and overall rail service.

   
   
4. 
   

   Ensure accurate entry of all rail car usage data into the Railroad billing system through Accounts Payable.

   
   
5. 
   

   Optimize rail car utilization minimizing rail car downtime, avoiding demurrage charges, and maximizing tons shipped by rail.

   
   
6. 
   

   Supervise the Rail Fleet of the division for proper sizing, maintenance, and other rail car fleet management tasks supporting One Vulcan initiatives.

   
   
7. 
   

   Establish and maintain effective relationships with plant and yard operations, sales, railroad, and division staff personnel.

   
   
8. 
   

   Effective adjustment to schedule changes due to Railroad changes, plant changes, or other factors - rapid communication of those changes to all affected parties is critical.

   
   
9. 
   

   As required, produce various reports (rail car usage, shipping schedule, historical shipping reports, etc.).

   
   
10. 
    

    Coordinate quarterly Class 1/Short line Railroad meetings to address service issues, create synergies for both companies if possible, and communicate growth and changes as necessary.

    
    
11. 
    

    Highlight areas to improve the Rail Supply Chain proposing and implementing improvements.

    
    

Other duties may be assigned as required.

What You'll Like About Us:

Great Company Culture. Our people share a competitive drive for excellence in an environment of trust, teamwork, open-mindedness, and communication.

Safe. Industry leader in health and safety standards. We are committed to creating a safe work environment and protecting all employees and customers.

Meaningful Work. What sets us apart is the work we do impacts daily lives - and every employee contributes. Our aggregates produced are used to build roads, schools, hospitals, airports, and housing throughout the United States.

Health Benefits. Medical, Dental, Vision programs, plus much more.

Rest and Relaxation. Paid vacation, personal floating days, and paid holidays.

Prepare for the Future. 401(k) with company match and contribution.

Training and Development. We see our development programs and helping our employees meet their goals as a key part of our business.

Vulcan Materials Company is committed to employing a diverse workforce. You will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability. You also have the right to be free from discrimination for medical needs arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.