Rail Modal Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Rail Modal Manager will manage all aspects relative to rail movement for Lafarge’s Eastern Canada Cement Group and assist the Cement organization in the development and execution of strategies to drive cost performance improvement.  They will assist in negotiating contracts with railroads, third-party service providers, as well as manage a fleet of approximately 500 leased rail cars.  They will ensure products (cement, clinker, slag granules, raw materials, fuels, etc.) are delivered on time, at the lowest cost possible, and free of exceptions.  They will manage service providers to Lafarge standards.  The Rail Modal Manager is the point of contact for sales, manufacturing, terminal operations, procurement, etc., as part of the logistics and supply chain team.    

WHAT YOU’LL ACCOMPLISH

• Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety and environmental policies in all work environments and areas.   
• Promote a culture of safety and exhibit these behaviors. Actively contributes with implementation and compliance of Transport Canada and Lafarge Safety Standards.   
• Continuous Improvement: Support the Cement group by working with both internal groups (sales, operations, manufacturing) and external groups (service providers, agencies, customers) representing rail shipping. Lead continuous improvement opportunities for current processes within the role to foster further simplification, visibility and efficiency. This includes use of tools such as root cause analysis to identify constraints solutions including the implementation and tracking of solutions.   
• Assist in the review and implementation of new technology (Yard Management Systems and Tracking Tools) for integration of visibility and metric tracking for the logistics team and other stakeholders. Integrate analysis of data to provide necessary business insights and make recommendations to improve the business and optimize our fleet.   
• Procurement Strategy: Assists the team in the negotiations with railways. Provides insights on opportunities for both inbound and outbound rail movements. Provides vendors’ a performance-based scorecard measured on a consistent and ongoing basis.   
• Fleet Management: Manage a rail car fleet of approximately 500 cars. Calibrate the optimal fleet size using demand forecasting and improvements / efficiencies of fleet management. Measure and manage repair vendors’ performance to Lafarge standards including recommendations for improvements. Work with the Supply / Demand manager to optimize the winter rail car storage plan (utilizing Lafarge’s sites, third party locations, etc.). Manage the rail maintenance program (Procor on site + third party shops) to oversee the repairs and maintenance of rail fleet.   
• Rail Service Management: Track, expedite, optimize and manage the service cost components related to rail the Cement group. Issue and manage monthly key performance indicators such as; cycle time; service performance; repairs and maintenance; demurrage and accessorial charges; lease expenses and repositioning fees (using tools such as Intellitrans). Drive tactical improvement and cost reduction initiatives ensuring rail service adds value to the organization. Coordinate and prioritize day to day movement of rail cars to facilities and customers using efficient routings. Deliver timely and effective communication of any service exceptions or change of ETAs including the communication of recovery plans. Act as an effective and proactive liaison to multiple departments such as supply chain, sales, terminal and plant management, as well as, maintenance shops and storage yards. Submit railcar bad orders to schedule repairs, etc. Create manual waybills and or diversions on railroad websites using the correct route, destination, car numbers, weights, etc. Maintain positive and productive working relationships with key railroad personnel.   
• Forecast & Budget: Work with the cement and finance teams to develop monthly cost forecasts and monitoring tools. Provide visibility and understanding to exceptions from the plan. Analyze invoices and create purchase orders in SAP and ensure purchase order release process is accomplished timely and accurately in accordance with the Procure to Pay (P2P) process.   
• Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety and environmental policies in all work environments and areas. Promote a culture of safety and exhibit these behaviors.   

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree or College certificate preferred.   
• Required Work Experience: Minimum five years of logistics and transportation experience with preference given to rail.   
• SAP or other ERP systems experience a plus, Prolific in Microsoft Suite, Excel   
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time.

Additional Requirements:

• Familiarity with rail transportation and North American Class I rail network, preferably Eastern Canada and Northeast US.    
• Strong initiative and motivation to identify, investigate, and take action on value creation opportunities.    
• Organizational and analytical skills with the ability to work both independently and in a team environment to meet established deadlines.    
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships across functions, departments, and/or locations.    
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills; able to adapt the message to the audience.    
• Financial and business acumen Customer Focus, Drive for Results, Business Acumen, Process Management, Problem Solving    
• Successful candidates must adhere to all safety protocols and proper use of Holcim approved Personal Protection Equipment ("PPE"), including but not limited to respirators.    
• Employees that are required to wear respirators must be clean shaven where the respirator seal meets the face in order to pass the qualitative and quantitative fit tests
• Successful candidates must adhere to all safety protocols and proper use of Holcim approved Personal Protection Equipment ("PPE"), including but not limited to respirators. Employees that are required to wear respirators must be clean shaven where the respirator seal meets the face in order to pass the qualitative and quantitative fit tests. 

WHAT WE OFFER

• Flexible Health & Dental benefits coverage for you and your dependents, effective day one.
• A generous Pension Plan designed to support you through various stages of your career and life.
• Access to voluntary programs like RRSP and TFSA for future financial planning.
• Healthy Living support through an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offering confidential assistance for work, health, or life challenges.
• Easy access to mental health and well-being support.
• Service recognition awards to celebrate your contributions.
• Perks & discounts on a variety of products and services.
• Access to online learning platforms, financial educational assistance, and a culture that fosters career growth and opportunities.
• Financial support for new parents beyond statutory benefits.
• An inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can be themselves.
• A collaborative work culture in a supportive and team-oriented work environment
• Company-provided personal protective equipment ensuring your safety and comfort on the job.

We thank you for your interest. Please note that this posting is for an existing vacancy, and only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  Lafarge is committed to the principles of employment equity and encourages the applications from women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Lafarge Canada Inc. welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. In Ontario, our organization/business is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.