Sr Director, Transportation Rail

At Nutrien, our purpose is Feeding the Future and we do so with safety, inclusion, integrity and results as our core values. Nothing is more important than sending our people home safe, every day.

Nutrien is a leading provider of agricultural products, services, and solutions. With nearly 25,000 employees world-wide, we are the largest producer of potash (by capacity) and one of the world’s largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate. We also operate a leading agriculture retail network that services over 500,000 growers globally.

We harvest the best. Diverse views and experience make us strong. We look for people who have a safety-first mindset, who are collaborative team players, who deliver on their commitments, act with integrity, and who support inclusion.

Working at Nutrien will provide you an opportunity to help us raise the expectation of what an agriculture company can be and grow your career.

Location(s): Saskatoon, SK; Calgary, AB; Deerfield, IL

Reporting to the Vice President, Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TD&L), the Sr. Director of Transportation Rail will be responsible for the leadership, oversight, and execution of all rail activities for Nutrien’s Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash business units and have responsibility for incurred costs for rail activities, including Nutrien’s rail fleet. As a key leader in Nutrien’s Commercial function, they will work cross functionally with other Commercial functions, including Sales, Product Management, Operations, and other Transportation activities to successfully deliver on our business plans while implementing processes and strategies in support of short- and long-term objectives. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in rail operations and rail freight negotiations as well as proven people leadership competencies, innovation and change management skills.

What you will do:

• Primary responsibility for the safe execution and effective negotiations of Nutrien’s rail transportation portfolio consisting of ~17,000 rail assets and annual spend in excess of $700 million USD.
• Lead rail fleet and freight strategy development and subsequent execution of negotiations for both rail fleet assets and freight in support of Nutrien’s wholesale Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash rail shipments.
• Lead a team of over 20 professionals with a focus on communication and collaboration striving for both individual and team growth and development. 
• Develop negotiation processes and governance that meets expectations of senior leadership and uses analysis and decision quality practices in support of Nutrien’s objectives.
• Assesses, negotiates, and assists in resolution of a variety of business issues that may arise with a sense of urgency and integrity while recognizing the broad implications of decisions.
• Responsible for Rail forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis for rail operations, freight and rail fleet activities.
• Responsible for the achievement of key operational metrics and reporting on rail performance, utilization and incurred costs.
• Responsible for the optimization of Nutrien’s rail portfolio. 
• As Nutrien’s lead rail representative, develop and maintain strategic relationships with rail carriers, fleet leasers as well as other rail business partners.
• Work with various internal departments to support all commitments and contracts with a focus on embedding strong governance practices.
• Maintain depth and breadth of understanding for the North American rail markets and provide regular updates to Nutrien’s senior leadership including the Transportation Leadership Team, Commercial Leadership Team and Executive Leadership Team.
• Provide Vice President, TD&L, with a consistent stream of industry and market feedback to assist in directing the course of Nutrien’s Rail strategy and help to achieve goals and objectives.
• Be a strong 'voice' for the TDL organization - manage across different stakeholders and functional areas to get alignment and provide focus.
• Anticipate and appropriately alert senior business leadership of emerging supply chain trends and innovation opportunities.
• Support the implementation of leading-edge technologies, methods and techniques utilizing emerging digital and data science to both support and challenge internal thinking.
• Help inform the organization to seize new opportunities that provide distinct competitive advantages.
• Develop a culture of "Customer First," innovation and risk taking, speed and flexibility to continuously reinvent the Nutrien supply chain. Create an agile organization that is able to serve internal stakeholders without losing sight of customer orientation.
• Be an advocate for customers across various channels (understand what they want and determine how best to serve).
• Create excitement and passion for the Commercial and TD&L visions. Ensure that the team continually champions the vision.
• Encourage growth, promotability, learning, and career development while providing visibility to outstanding performers. Ensure that the team remains challenged, engaged and excited about their professional contributions.
• Engage the workforce through achievement recognition, encouraging a depth and breadth of experiences, and leadership vision and execution.

What you will bring:

• 15 plus years of experience in Transportation, Distribution or Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related Business area with extensive knowledge of Rail operations and Rail freight.
• Experience leading a large logistics and distribution team having demonstrated successful leadership with experience mentoring talent and promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and lead large contract negotiations using strong tactics coupled with relationship management skills.
• Experience working with multi-level stakeholders to ensure alignment to short- and long-term business objectives
• Experience in a complex global organization and exposure to broader supply chain activities.
• Working knowledge of North America’s Rail Network with depth of understanding regarding Class 1 rail carriers.
• The ability to positively represent Nutrien externally with various associations, service providers, governmental groups and other logistics related organizations.
• Performance driven personality with results and solution orientation and the ability to sustain a professional growth strategy while working independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a collaborative mindset and a proven ability to lead teams and influence effectively.
• A safety and inclusion first mindset with focus on people and environmental excellence
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on embedding a decision quality approach within the rail team.
• Dynamic ability to lead transformative change initiatives by effectively influencing and building support.

Are you a good match? Apply today! 

The estimated salary that Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn suggested does not represent Nutrien's compensation structure.  

Nutrien is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

This job will remain posted until filled. In accordance with Nutrien policies, you will be required to undergo a background check and may be required to undergo a substance test. While we appreciate all applications we receive, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

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