Transportation Manager

Location: Kansas City, MO, United States of America. Job Reference: JR0096124 Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods, operating in over 100 countries with approximately 18,000 employees. Job Description The Rail Transportation Manager oversees transportation operational performance and rail pricing for LDC’s processing plants, terminals, and trading desks. The role leads day‑to‑day execution of rail movements, service reliability, and cost performance, ensuring shipments are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with commercial priorities. It owns rail rate management, pricing analysis, and carrier negotiations, while providing leadership, prioritization, and escalation management for the transportation team. The position partners closely with the Logistics & Assets Manager to align transportation execution with fleet availability, compliance standards, and broader cost objectives. Primary Responsibilities Lead transportation operational performance, directing day‑to‑day execution of rail movements and service delivery to support plants, terminals, and trading desks. Identify and address service performance issues, including missed service recovery, disruption response, embargo management, and escalation coordination. Lead rail pricing negotiations and commercial decision‑making, supported by rate analysis, benchmarking, tariff monitoring, and pricing strategies aligned with volume, service, and cost objectives. Provide leadership and governance for the transportation team, setting execution priorities, monitoring KPIs, and ensuring consistent processes, controls, and decision‑making. Additional Responsibilities Maintain routine coordination with rail carriers for day‑to‑day communications, operating updates, and information flow. Oversee rail rate negotiations by preparing analyses, tracking status, documenting outcomes, and ensuring agreed pricing is reflected in systems and contracts. Assist with carrier performance reviews by compiling service metrics, trend analysis, and supporting materials for leadership. Support transportation planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities with execution data, historical performance insights, and pricing inputs. Coordinate daily logistical activities at plants and collaborate with rail carriers, traders, and processing facilities. Manage ancillary charges and freight spend activities, including invoicing, tracking, quoting, and reporting. Coordinate transportation requirements with operations and commercial teams, identifying capacity concerns and forecasts. Attend conferences, visit supplier head offices, LDC assets, and travel as required to support objectives. Perform other duties and projects assigned in support of evolving business needs. Education and Professional Certifications Bachelor’s degree specializing in agriculture, transportation, or logistics (preferred). Advanced training in leadership, rail transportation, or supply chain (helpful). Experience Five or more years in a logistics, transportation, or related role. Experience at an agribusiness firm, railroad, or shipper handling railcar volume (preferred). Experience in a trading environment (helpful). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Including Physical Demands) Extensive knowledge of U.S. rail transportation systems and major transportation providers. Good working knowledge of grain trading and transportation. Knowledge of rules and regulations for shippers and receivers (Surface Transportation Board, Federal Railroad Authority, HazMat, Department of Transportation, Food and Drug Administration). Knowledge of railroad logistics and vessel logistics (preferred). Knowledge of demurrage/despatch concepts (helpful). Familiarity with current commodity transportation issues. Proficiency with MS Excel, transportation software systems, database administration, and online systems/websites. Ability to set up accruals for freight, costs, demurrage, etc. Strong negotiating skills and ability to leverage opportunities. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Power BI. Employee Supervision 0–2 direct reports. Assists Director of Transportation with supervising the transportation team when needed. Decision Making/Accountability Responsible for decisions that can account for millions of dollars of freight services supporting daily trading desks. Manages day‑to‑day oversight of thousands of railcars and adjusts to disruptions with creative solutions. Consults with traders and management to agree on logistical problem solutions. What We Offer We provide a dynamic international environment, generous benefits including medical, dental, and vision care; flexible spending account plans; employee assistance program; life insurance and disability coverage; 401(k) with company match; family‑friendly benefits (childbirth, parental leave, fertility, and family building); paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays; and flexible work options where available. Diversity & Inclusion LDC is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Equal Employment Opportunity Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Sustainability Sustainable value is at the heart of LDC’s purpose. We are committed to creating fair and sustainable value for our business, partners, communities, and the environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Louis Dreyfus Company B.V.