Logistics Manager

Location: Paducah, KY

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Position Summary: An industry-leading organization is seeking an experienced Logistics Manager to develop and lead the logistics function for a large-scale greenfield Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Integrated Steel Plant project. This is a unique opportunity to build a world-class logistics organization from the ground up, establishing the transportation infrastructure, operating systems, and logistics processes required to support a major industrial manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the logistics strategy, infrastructure, transportation networks, operating procedures, and supply chain systems necessary to support safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations from project development through commercial production.

Key Responsibilities: Logistics Strategy & Development Lead the development of the logistics function from project conception through commercial operations. Develop the overall logistics strategy and operating model for inbound raw materials, consumables, spare parts, and outbound finished products. Establish transportation philosophies, material flow strategies, and logistics operating procedures. Infrastructure Planning & Project Support Provide logistics input during engineering and project development phases. Review and support facility layouts, transportation infrastructure, storage facilities, truck movements, and material handling systems. Lead the planning, design, permitting, and development of: Rail facilities Truck terminals Warehouses Laydown yards Transportation interfaces and assets Construction, Commissioning & Startup Support Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) activities. Ensure logistics requirements are incorporated into project execution plans and construction schedules. Develop operational readiness plans prior to startup. Lead commissioning, startup, and transition of logistics operations into commercial production. Transportation & Vendor Management Establish and manage relationships with: Railroads Trucking companies Ports and terminals Barge operators Warehousing providers Third-party logistics (3PL) partners Negotiate transportation contracts and service agreements. Develop freight strategies that optimize service levels and transportation costs. Compliance & Risk Management Coordinate logistics-related permitting activities. Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, transportation, and environmental regulations. Identify logistics risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain reliable supply chain operations. Performance & Continuous Improvement Develop logistics budgets, KPIs, and reporting systems. Monitor operational performance and transportation effectiveness. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on: Safety Service reliability Operational efficiency Cost optimization Leadership Build, mentor, and lead the logistics organization. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Construction, Procurement, Commercial, Environmental, and Operations teams.

Qualifications: Education Bachelor's degree in: Supply Chain Management Logistics Engineering Transportation Management Industrial Engineering Business Administration Or a related disciplineMBA or master's degree preferred. Experience 10-15+ years of progressive logistics leadership experience. Experience within one or more of the following industries: Steel Manufacturing Mining & Metals Heavy Industrial Manufacturing Energy Petrochemicals Similar large-scale industrial operations Proven experience supporting greenfield industrial or manufacturing projects. Experience developing logistics infrastructure and transportation systems from concept through operations. Technical Knowledge Rail transportation systems Trucking and freight management Warehousing and inventory logistics Multimodal transportation networks Logistics facility design Material flow planning Transportation infrastructure development Logistics network optimization Transportation regulations and compliance Contract negotiation and vendor management

Preferred Experience: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) project support Logistics commissioning and startup activities Operational readiness planning Industrial transportation infrastructure development Skills Strong leadership and team-building abilities Excellent stakeholder management skills Strategic planning and decision-making capabilities Strong commercial and financial acumen Contract negotiation expertise Analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Physical Requirements: Ability to travel as required to project sites, engineering offices, rail facilities, ports, terminals, vendors, and logistics partners. Ability to work safely within office, construction, industrial, and outdoor environments. Commitment to following all health, safety, and environmental requirements.