Category Manager - Rail Logistics - Atlanta, GA

Job ID:  507227
 

CRH is a leading global diversified building materials group, employing over 75,800 people at more than 3,160 locations in 29 countries. CRH is the leading building materials company in North America and the world. We manufacture and distribute a diverse range of superior building materials, products, and solutions, which are used extensively in construction projects of all sizes. 

Job Summary

The Category Manager – Rail Logistics is a key resource in managing CRH’s railcar fleet, which is one of the largest in the U.S.   This includes supply chain optimization of rail and intermodal solutions, supporting lease renewals across various lines of business, and driving total cost reductions throughout CRH.  The successful candidate will be responsible for strategically managing & supporting supplier relationships to improve CRH’s efficiency, profitability and competitive position. The successful candidate will work together with the Regional Category Manager, Performance Leads, as well as the businesses, to find areas of opportunity from converting truck freight to rail and / or intermodal, along with other Category Managers to drive down the costs of inbound freight.  As a member of the regional category team, the successful candidate will lead and participate in various strategic initiatives within CRH including developing rail strategies, performing RFPs, negotiating rates and contracts, as well as managing demurrage and railcar storage.  The position will work with leadership to help choose a digitalization platform for rail and executing in the business.  The successful candidate will work directly with suppliers, CRH Americas businesses, Procurement Team members, Performance and other key internal stakeholders to ensure program objectives are achieved.  This position will report to (Regional Category Manager, Logistics – CRH Americas and will be a hybrid role in our Atlanta, GA corporate office.  

Job Responsibilities

• Managing & supporting key supplier relationships with Tier I railroads, short line railroads, track maintenance providers, third-party transloaders as well as rail car lessors

• Translating category and supplier strategies into executable sourcing plans and strategies based on business needs

• Comparing market rates to CRH’s rail lane data to identify opportunities for savings

• Leading price negotiations, contract, and life cycle management with service providers to reduce overall costs

• Aligning with Regional Category Manager & Performance to ensure successful execution in overall transportation / rail strategy

• Managing supplier performance accountability for agreed KPIs (internal and external) and reporting

• Supporting divisions’ procurement teams and Logistics Category Team with other transportation related projects as needed

• Travel around 10-20%

Job Requirements

• Degree in Logistics or Supply Chain highly preferred

• 5 years of transportation/logistics/supply chain experience required

• 2 years direct experience with railroads & rail car lessors preferred

• Experience in managing rail providers, Class I negotiations, RFPs & demurrage management

• Experience with track maintenance suppliers / railcar repair suppliers

• Experience moving truck freight to rail and intermodal & fleet-sizing

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Experience with rail optimization software

• Negotiation & contracting skills

• Effective communications skills, including the ability to persuasively present information both in writing and verbally

• Cost analysis skills

• Financial and Business acumen

• Decision making/strategic thinking

• Project management skills

• Collaborating in cross a regional/functional team

• Excellent market information analysis skills and supply market knowledge

• Analytical / Transportation Systems experience with Ariba, Tableau, Manufacturing, Railinc a plus

• Ability to lead and drive the execution of logistics strategy

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

CRH is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability