Manager - Decatur Complex Railyard & Logistics - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Manager - Decatur Complex Railyard & Logistics - Decatur, IL
Job Description
This role is responsible for overseeing daily railyard activities, including rail switching, car placement, inspections, and yard movements to support safe, efficient plant operations and customer service.  The position works closely with production, logistics, maintenance, contractors, and railroad partners to manage railcar flow, resolve operational issues, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvement in service reliability, productivity, and cost performance.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Supervise and coordinate daily rail switching, railcar placement, inspections, and yard movement activities to support plant production and customer requirements.
  • Communicate daily with ADM production teams, logistics, maintenance, contractors, and railroad partners to ensure safe and efficient rail operations.
  • Monitor railcar inventory, yard capacity, dwell time, and service performance to identify and resolve operational issues.
  • Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and communication related to rail movements, incidents, inspections, and operational metrics.
  • Support incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and follow-up activities to help prevent recurrence.
  • Conduct regular field observations and safety audits to reinforce safe work practices and compliance expectations.
  • Coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure rail equipment, tracks, switches, and related infrastructure are properly maintained, and issues are addressed in a timely manner.
  • Assist with employee and contractor training and development to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient railyard performance.
  • Lead pre-shift meetings, safety discussions, and operational updates with employees and contractors.
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce delays, minimize costs, and strengthen service reliability.
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of applicable rail safety rules, site procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support emergency response activities and participate in drills, planning, and response efforts as needed.
Job Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation and Logistics preferred; or High School/GED with 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Previous leadership in rail logistics, manufacturing, or industrial operations experience preferred.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, safety-focused industrial environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems, make sound decisions, and respond effectively to changing priorities.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships with employees, contractors, internal departments, and external rail partners.
  • Proficiency with basic computer systems, Microsoft Office applications, and operational reporting tools.
  • Strong Excel skills.
  • Ability to understand and apply safety rules, operating procedures, compliance standards, and company policies.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule and respond to operational needs after hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended periods as business needs require.
Key Skills and Competencies:
  • Safety leadership and accountability.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Professional decision-making.
  • Coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
  • Attention to detail and strong follow-through.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and operational discipline.
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:112492BR

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Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Logistics Manager?

A: To succeed as a Logistics Manager, key technical skills include proficiency in transportation management systems, supply chain analytics, and warehouse management software, as well as expertise in areas such as inventory control, route optimization, and freight auditing. Soft skills like effective communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are also crucial, enabling the manager to collaborate with cross-functional teams, negotiate with vendors, and make strategic decisions under pressure. By combining these technical and soft skills, a Logistics Manager can optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and drive business growth, ultimately advancing their career and contributing to the organization's success.

Q: What is the career path for a Logistics Manager?

A: A Logistics Manager's typical career progression involves starting as a Logistics Coordinator or Operations Assistant, progressing to a Logistics Supervisor or Operations Manager role, and eventually becoming a Senior Logistics Manager or Director of Logistics. Key opportunities for skill development include supply chain management, transportation management, inventory control, and data analysis, as well as certifications like the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) designations. Long-term career prospects may include transitioning into executive roles, such as a Vice President of Operations or a Chief Supply Chain Officer, or pursuing related fields like consulting, entrepreneurship, or academia.



Archer Daniels Midland job posting for a Manager - Decatur Complex Railyard & Logistics - Decatur, IL in Decatur, IL, 3.9 star rating from 6 Breakroom reviews, ranked #75 in logistics, with a map of Decatur location.