Logistics Specialist - Rail

Whatever you do, you'll make a difference at Lafarge Canada. Because we know that your passion and curiosity are the natural resources the world needs. Thanks to our teams' energy, commitment and ideas, we are reinventing how the world builds to make Canada greener and smarter for all.

Logistics Specialist - Rail

Requisition ID: 6405

Location:

Calgary, AB, CA, T2C 5G9

Pay Type: Salary

WHO IS LAFARGE?

As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Lafarge is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are becoming a net-zero company, with our people and communities at the heart of our success. We are driving circular construction as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. It’s all thanks to our 7,000 talented people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products.

WHO ARE LAFARGE PEOPLE?

Lafarge people are passionate about finding better ways to build. They embrace innovation and improvement with a pioneering spirit. They work as trusted partners, creating better solutions and experiences for their customers, communities, and colleagues.

Position Summary

The Logistics Specialist is responsible for the short-term execution of the WCAN sourcing plan and the tactical management of WCAN’s railcar fleets. This entails close coordination and communication with all plants and terminals in WCAN, rail carrier customer service and operations personnel, and logistics functions in the US and ECAN. The position will also be responsible for working with carriers, terminal managers and customs brokers on various EDI and data issues. The Logistics Specialist will also be critical in ensuring that rail fleet utilization is maximized without compromising supply chain performance. The Logistics Specialist assists the Distribution and Sales organization in the development and execution of strategies to drive cost reductions and performance improvement.

Key Missions

Assist the Rail Modal Manager in providing cost-effective, timely transportation of cementitious products in order to maximize profitability.
Develop tools and processes to ensure that plants and terminals are supplied with the correct number of cars.
Develop and maintain plant rail shipment plans. Drive plant adherence to these plans.
Ensure plants and terminals are completing various rail-related tracking reports.
Assist in data exchange with carriers, freight analysis and performance metrics. 
Minimize terminal outages (product availability/quality customer service).
Manage all rail carrier vendor payables and work with rail carriers to resolve data and invoicing issues.
Develop a knowledge base of all three modes of transportation (barge, rail and road) used by the business unit. Provide relief in supply chain jobs as necessary. 
Work with the Rail Modal Manager and Logistics Manager to ensure that weekly shipping plans are in line with the sourcing plan.
Assist Performance and Supply Analyst with rail related analyses.
Develop and implement action plans for deviations from supply plan.
Ensure effective communication across functions and inter-regionally.
Assist Rail Modal Manager in various ad-hoc projects.

Results/Accountabilities

Fulfilled rail service demand for both inbound and outbound products
Cost performance of rail relative to plan
Optimal asset utilization (load size, cycle times and dwell time at origin/destination)
Regular performance management reporting
Accurate and timely data management related to rail tracing application information
Support of business and financial analysis
Develop an understanding of inter-regional transportation issues and communicate with other regions when required
Develop an understanding of tariff and customs regulations that is required for all modes of transportation.

Relationships With Others’ Jobs

Modal Managers, Logistics Managers, Sales Managers
Operations and Terminal Managers, Plant Shipping Personnel
Finance
US and ECAN Rail Modal and Logistics Managers
Purchasing and Procurement

Qualification Profile

Education and Work Experience:

Three to five years of logistics / supply chain related work experience
Experience as an employee or customer of a Class I railroad is preferred
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Information Systems or Engineering

Knowledge And Skills

Ability to analyze supply chain activity, identifying trends and potential performance gaps.
Familiarity with rail transportation and North American Class I rail network, preferably Western Canada and NW US.
Demonstrated ability to compile, process and analyze large volumes of data and convert that information to drive business decisions.
Strong attention to detail.
Effective interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to influence others.
Demonstrated ability to successfully work with a diverse group of people.
Demonstrated ability to work with minimal direction and to take initiative where warranted.
Demonstrated ability to use research and analytical tools and methodologies.
Familiarity with ERP systems desired (preferably SAP based systems).
Demonstrated proficiency in Excel.

Supply Chain Organization Specific Competencies

Customer Focus
Drive for Results

As part of our dedicated focus on the health and safety of all employees, a pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol testing and a criminal record check, may be required.

Your Lafarge Experience

At Lafarge, there is endless opportunity for you to play your part. Whether you’re in a technical, managerial, or frontline role, you can shape a career that works for you. With us you’ll have the chance to embrace the passion we share for our planet. You’ll be encouraged to seek out diverse perspectives, share your ideas and build the skills and connections you need to perform at your best. Because it’s only when we work together in a culture where everyone thrives, that we can build the world we all want to live in. 

Logistics