Transportation Manager

Transportation Manager

Job Category: Logistics/Transportation

Location: Omaha, NE 68106, USA

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. Equal Opportunity Employer

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. For more information, visit