Rail Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role.
The Rail Operations Planner plays a critical role in supporting the execution, performance, and continuous improvement of McCain's North American rail transportation network. This position is responsible for coordinating day-to-day rail operations, ensuring shipments move efficiently and reliably while supporting McCain's broader rail growth strategy. The role requires strong analytical thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a focus on operational excellence in a fast-paced supply chain environment.

What you'll be doing.

• Support the development and execution of the annual rail operating plan in collaboration with Transportation, Deployment, Supply Planning, and other stakeholders.
• Create and maintain weekly rail plans aligned with inventory needs, service requirements, railcar availability, and network constraints.
• Coordinate daily rail shipment execution, including shipment setup, load release, tracking, communication, and delivery follow-up.
• Partner with railroads, railcar lessors, warehouses, and internal teams to ensure timely movement of empty and loaded railcars.
• Monitor active shipments and proactively manage exceptions such as delays, dwell issues, missed milestones, and service risks.
• Collaborate with origin and destination facilities to ensure proper rail procedures and maximize railcar utilization.
• Provide shipment visibility, status updates, and risk identification to Customer Solutions, Deployment, and Supply Chain teams.
• Support cost management efforts through improved railcar utilization, dwell reduction, invoice accuracy, and cost avoidance initiatives.
• Assist Accounts Payable with freight audit processes, ensuring accurate processing of rail invoices and accessorial charges.
• Lead or support weekly and monthly rail performance reviews, identifying improvement opportunities across service, cost, and operations.
• Utilize systems and reporting tools (SAP/S4, TMS, Power BI, Excel) to track performance and identify trends or gaps.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, visibility, scalability, and efficiency across the rail network.

What you'll need to be successful.

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain, Rail Operations, or a related field.
• Experience in rail shipping, private fleet management, rail operations, intermodal transportation, or similar areas.
• University degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of transportation execution, shipment tracking, and exception management.
• Experience in CPG, food manufacturing, or temperature-controlled supply chains is preferred.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, risks, and actionable solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with SAP/S4, TMS platforms, or Power BI.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• High attention to detail, data accuracy, and follow-through.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable working independently.
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and continuous improvement focus.

About the team.
The Rail Operations Planner is part of McCain's North American Transportation or Supply Chain team, working cross-functionally with Deployment, Customer Solutions, warehouses, Procurement, and external partners such as railroads and railcar lessors. This collaborative environment supports end-to-end rail execution and plays a key role in advancing McCain's rail growth strategy and operational performance.

About McCain.
Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles.
At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

The McCain experience.
We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we're better together.

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