The Role
Develop and manage rail logistics strategy for inbound raw materials and outbound products supporting the Mesabi ISP Project. Coordinate Class I and short-line carriers, especially BNSF, while planning rail infrastructure, network capacity, fleet availability, rates, and service agreements. Align rail operations with plant, mine, port, barge, and supply chain activities; ensure FRA compliance; manage disruption planning; and prepare cost, capacity, and performance reports.
Summary Generated by Built In
Role Summary
Responsible for developing and managing rail logistics strategy and operations to support inbound raw material and outbound product transportation for the Mesabi ISP Project. The role involves rail carrier coordination, network planning, and ensuring efficient, reliable rail-based logistics solutions, with particular focus on the BNSF Iowa rail network.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and implement rail logistics strategy for inbound raw materials and outbound finished products supporting the Mesabi ISP Project.
- Coordinate with Class I and short-line rail carriers, including BNSF, to negotiate rail service agreements, capacity commitments, and freight rates.
- Lead planning of rail infrastructure requirements, including sidings, unit train loading/unloading facilities, and yard operations.
- Evaluate rail network routing options, transit times, and capacity constraints across relevant U.S. rail corridors.
- Coordinate with plant, mine, and port operations teams to align rail logistics with production and shipment schedules.
- Monitor rail car fleet availability, cycle times, and performance metrics to optimize logistics efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support contingency planning for weather, congestion, or service disruption-related rail delays.
- Prepare logistics cost estimates, capacity plans, and performance reports for project leadership.
- Collaborate with the broader logistics and supply chain team to integrate rail operations with barge and other transportation modes.
- Support negotiations for rail car leasing or ownership strategies for unit train operations.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline.
- 15-20 years of experience in rail logistics, freight transportation, or supply chain operations within heavy industry, mining, or steel sectors.
- Preference for candidates with BNSF Iowa experience.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. Class I rail networks, freight rate structures, and rail car fleet management.
- Experience in rail infrastructure planning, including sidings, loop tracks, and unit train facilities.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor/carrier management skills.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with rail carriers, regulatory agencies, and internal project and operations teams.
- Based in the United States, supporting logistics operations for the Mesabi ISP Project.
- Regular travel to rail yards, carrier offices, and project sites as required, with focus on the Iowa/BNSF rail corridor.
- Direct experience with BNSF rail operations in Iowa or the broader Upper Midwest region.
- Experience supporting logistics for a greenfield industrial, mining, or steel plant project.
- Familiarity with bulk commodity rail transportation (iron ore, coal, coke, limestone, or steel products).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline
- 15-20 years of experience in rail logistics, freight transportation, or supply chain operations
- Experience within heavy industry, mining, or steel sectors
- Strong knowledge of U.S. Class I rail networks, freight rate structures, and rail car fleet management
- Experience in rail infrastructure planning, including sidings, loop tracks, and unit train facilities
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor or carrier management skills
- Ability to coordinate with rail carriers, regulatory agencies, and internal project and operations teams
- Direct experience with BNSF rail operations in Iowa or the broader Upper Midwest region
- Experience supporting logistics for a greenfield industrial, mining, or steel plant project
- Familiarity with bulk commodity rail transportation, including iron ore, coal, coke, limestone, or steel products
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The Company
What We Do
Mesabi Metallics Company LLC, an Essar Group company, is developing an iron ore mine and pellet plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota. The operation is designed to produce 7 million metric tons of direct-reduction-grade iron ore pellets annually for the steel industry. By supplying high-grade domestic feedstock, the project aims to support U.S. steelmaking, strengthen domestic supply, and advance the transition toward lower-carbon, green steel.
