Logistics Manager (Ethanol / Chemical Plant Operations)
About the Role
We are seeking a Logistics Manager to lead and optimize material flow for a high-volume ethanol and chemical manufacturing facility. This is not a traditional logistics role—this position sits at the intersection of plant operations, bulk material logistics, and supply chain coordination.
You will play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted production by managing inbound raw materials, outbound shipments, storage capacity, vendor coordination, and helping launch and scale rail logistics operations.
This is an opportunity to join a growing, innovative operation with a strong long-term expansion plan and proprietary technology.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate shipment of ethanol and co-products from the facility
- Manage third-party logistics vendors (trucking and future rail)
- Optimize freight costs and improve operational efficiency
- Transition logistics operations from customer-managed pickup to company-managed shipping
Rail Logistics (New Implementation)
- Support the setup and ongoing management of rail shipping operations
- Coordinate railcar scheduling, loading, and turnaround cycles
- Assist with railcar leasing and vendor relationships
- Ensure compliance with applicable DOT and transportation regulations
- Oversee delivery and unloading of raw materials, including bulk chemicals
Inventory & Production Coordination
- Monitor and manage bulk storage tanks and silo capacity
- Align inbound deliveries and outbound shipments with production schedules
- Execute just-in-time (JIT) inventory strategies
- Adjust logistics plans based on production changes, delays, or external factors (e.g., weather)
- Supervise a team of ~4 employees (growing with operations)
- Provide guidance in a highly automated but people-supported environment
- Partner with control room and plant operations teams in a 24/7 facility
Required Qualifications
- Experience in ethanol production, chemical manufacturing, or bulk processing environments
- Proven background in high-volume, bulk logistics (liquids, commodities, or chemicals)
- Experience managing inbound and outbound material flow in a production setting
- Strong understanding of supply chain coordination within continuous operations
- Experience working with third-party vendors (carriers, suppliers, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience in an ethanol plant
- Exposure to rail logistics and transportation
- Familiarity with DOT regulations related to bulk or rail shipping
- Experience with contract negotiation or vendor rate management
- Background in startup or rapidly scaling operations
What This Role Is NOT
- Warehouse logistics role (pick/pack/ship)
- Small SKU distribution environment
Candidates must have experience in bulk, high-volume production environments.
Benefits
- Competitive salary (based on experience and market alignment)
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Opportunity for future performance-based incentives
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing operation with a strong 5-year expansion plan
- Work with innovative, proprietary technology in the chemical space
- Opportunity to help build and scale logistics systems, including rail operations