Transportation Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the sole leadership backup to the VP of Transportation, with authority to manage departmental operations and ensure business continuity across logistics functions
• Act as Green Plains’ liaison to Eco-Energy’s ethanol scheduling team, offering strategic oversight, systems training, and resolution support for cross-functional execution gaps
• Drive logistics alignment with commercial, legal, tax, accounting, and trade operations teams to support product sales, asset positioning, and long-range supply planning
• Lead strategy, negotiation, and performance oversight for our fleet across 8 vendor relationships and 68 lease riders
• Own all aspects of lease lifecycle planning for DDG, corn oil, MSC, and clean sugar fleets, ensuring decisions align with financial, operational, and maintenance goals
• Present leasing strategies and long-term optimization plans to senior leadership, integrating market benchmarks, requalification cycles, and cost-benefit analysis
• Design and deliver actionable insights on fleet utilization, idle car positioning, lease efficiency, and performance KPIs
• Lead monthly reporting for departmental leadership and quarterly briefings for the SVP of Commercial Operations, contributing to executive and Board-level strategic planning.
• Develop and execute realignment initiatives, including asset divestment, subleasing, and repositioning to support margin enhancement
• Own the railcar sublease program, from market development and pricing strategy to contract execution and performance tracking
• Manage external relationships with ethanol producers and industrial partners to optimize underutilized assets, generating more than $3M in annual sublease revenue.
• Oversee accurate delivery tracking, invoicing, and reconciliation processes tied to subleased equipment
• Lead the selection and implementation of new logistics platforms and audit tools to modernize maintenance tracking and billing accuracy.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and requalification cycles for rail assets; negotiate maintenance and repair terms to maximize cost control
• Partner with internal audit and finance to implement AMTR freight recovery services and reduce overhead through digital integrations with Class I rail systems

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business preferred
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in rail logistics, commercial supply chain, or transportation operations; ethanol/energy sector experience preferred
• Critical thinking and decision-making ability
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make swift, sound judgments
• Demonstrated expertise in lease negotiations, fleet management, and vendor strategy at scale.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across functions
• Advanced analytical and reporting capabilities
• Deep knowledge of Class I rail networks, STB regulations, and rail compliance standards
• Must have computer proficiency in MS Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint)
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks based on changing business needs
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of applicable regulatory requirements of FRA, TTB and state regulations

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Ability to meet physical demands of the job includes but is not limited to: frequent sitting, standing, frequent computer use; frequent telephone use; some lifting or moving up to 10 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
• Ability to work after hours/weekends and on call as needed.

Green Plains Inc. offers competitive pay: a generous benefit package including business casual work environment, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and a 401(k)-retirement plan with immediate vesting and company safe harbor matching. All potential employees of Green Plains Inc. will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Green Plains does not provide immigration-related employment sponsorship for new hires (for example, H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN, or other work visas). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and be able to maintain ongoing work authorization without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Company Description

Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a leading biorefining company driving the transition to a low-carbon economy through the production of renewable fuels and sustainable, high-impact ingredients. Leveraging agricultural, biological, and fermentation expertise, the company transforms renewable crops into low-carbon energy and feedstocks. Green Plains is a leader in low-carbon intensity (CI) biofuels production and continues to explore opportunities to expand its output. With a strong commitment to innovation and operational excellence, Green Plains is delivering long-term value to stakeholders. For more information, visit