Senior Transportation Director

The Senior Transportation Director, Rail will lead the domestic transportation department (road and rail) working very closely with sales, as well as operational and administrative teams, as we continue our growth in both Canada (Quebec, Ontario, Maritimes) and the United States. The director will coach and mentor an initial group of professionals who report directly to them. There is a strong focus on sustaining superior customer service and performance while AIM experiences significant industry growth; this is a key element of this role.

Managing the transportation of several million tons of materials from more than 40 locations in North America annually, the Director of Domestic Transportation North America needs to assist in the development of future growth within the company and adapt the department to the ever-changing market trends and evolutions. The incumbent will constantly have to seek out ways to improve efficiencies for customer and employee satisfaction, cost, performance, and safety.

Responsibilities:

AIM has, and continues to experience, high level of growth and the director needs to ensure that processes are followed and standardized. Significant emphasis must be put on customer service, meeting customers, and growing AIM’s clientele through service improvements. These service requirements need be executed while maintaining department costs within the budget and business plan.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of AIM, the incumbent will work with all internal stakeholders (trading team, commercial and administrative), as well as upper management, to maximize the departmental performance in support of the company’s commercial activities.

The candidate will also work with any external stakeholders to ensure that the deliveries to the consumers are made in optimal and in accordance with sales contracts.

Key Priorities:

Railway:

• Supervise rail fleet operations teams, mentor and develop network of service providers within north America.
• General management and strategic review for the railway transportation department (2500 company owned railcars
• Oversee optimal utilization of company assets whilst ensuring sales orders are fulfilled strategically.
• Trouble shoot service failures and develop solutions.
• Lead rate and service negotiations with current and new rail service providers
• Develop and put in place KPIs and controls.
• Act as the railway transportation advisor to the commercial and operational managers, as well as the other department heads and upper management.
• Initiate periodic meetings with service providers and internal customers developing and maintaining strong and sustainable relationships.
• Ensure that the commercial department is up to date with accurate and current railway information and forecasts.

3rd part trucking:

• Contracts execution and vendor management with 3rd part trucking
• Assisting in developing new network or relationships with vendors
• Carry out special projects or other duties not listed above which are assigned by senior Management

Requirements

Candidate profile/Background:

This role requires a motivated and organized individual who thrives in a goal-oriented and entrepreneurial business culture. The incumbent will have the opportunity to observe, document, build, analyze and improve our railway transportation practices and a desire and ability to interact with a variety of groups.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, logistics or supply chain management.

Experience, competencies, and behaviors:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in logistics with direct railway exposure.
• Demonstrated senior leadership and decision-making track-record in fast paced, high growth environments.
• Pronounced business acumen and problem-solving skills, analytical and creative thinker, adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity and change.
• Experience in change management and project management.
• Experience with railway transport regulations and administrative requirements preferred but not required.
• Excellent sense of organization.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Bilingual - English and French required