Rail Logistics Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Mesabi Metallics:
When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota's mining history: Mesabi Metallics' cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.
More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.
At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary:
The Rail Logistics Manager owns Mesabi Metallics' rail transportation strategy and execution framework, including carrier relationships, rail contracts and rates, railcar fleet requirements, loadout/WIM interface, service performance and rail capacity. The role ensures Mesabi has reliable, commercially sound rail solutions to support customer and terminal shipment requirements.
This position serves as the primary rail interface with the Class 1 Rail Carriers and other rail-related counterparties and works closely with Sales and Operational Planning (“S&OP”), the Logistics Business Partner, Finance and Operations. The Manager monitors service and fleet performance, resolves operating constraints, develops forward capacity and routing alternatives, and leads rail-related negotiations and escalations for the CCO.

Job Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the Rail Logistics Manager will be responsible for the following:

• Own rail carrier relationships and coordinate train plans, service requirements, operating issues and escalations
• Manage rail contracts, rates, liquidated damages/service terms and related commercial negotiations within approved authority
• Plan and manage railcar fleet requirements, leases, availability, cycle times, maintenance and equipment/vendor actions
• Coordinate the plant rail interface, loadout and weigh-in-motion requirements and associated operating readiness constraints
• Manage rail interfaces with terminals, including unloading/loading performance, capacity and service issues
• Provide rail feasibility, capacity, routing and timing inputs to the S&OP process
• Work with the Logistics Business Partner to monitor active rail movements, exceptions and required follow-up actions
• Track rail KPIs, cycle time, demurrage/service exposure and cost trends and develop corrective actions where required
• Review rail-related contract, invoice and service discrepancies with the Logistics & Commercial Analyst and Finance

Develop forward rail capacity plans, routing alternatives, CCO updates and upcoming carrier negotiation priorities

Skills and Qualifications:

• 7+ years of rail logistics, transportation, supply chain or related experience in mining, bulk commodities, manufacturing or heavy industry preferred
• Strong knowledge of rail operations, carrier commercial structures, railcar fleet management and transportation contracts
• Demonstrated negotiation, problem-solving and carrier/vendor relationship-management skills
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills, including the ability to manage service and cost performance
• Ability to work independently and respond to time-sensitive transportation issues in a dynamic operating environment

Education: 
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering or a related field; equivalent relevant rail or transportation experience may be considered

Physical Requirements: 
Combination of office work and periodic field/site activity at plant, rail and terminal locations. Travel is required. Field access may involve outdoor conditions, walking industrial sites and use of appropriate PPE.

Salary:
$129,000 - $154,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Winners Circle Incentive: A bi-weekly incentive, calculated as a percentage of bi-weekly wages (base pay plus overtime) and paid in the same paycheck. It is tied to the site's production of safe, quality tonnes, measured on Safety, Quality and Tons (SQT).

• Construction Phase (launch of the new compensation structure through October 30, 2026): paid at the 70% target level.
• Ramp Up Phase (November 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027): calculated against achievable production targets measured by the hour.
• Optimization Phase (from April 1, 2027): tied to bi-weekly production targets.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
  • 0-3 Years: 96 hours per year. 
  • Plus 9 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.

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