Logistics Manager – DRI & Integrated Steel Plant

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC seeks an experienced Logistics Manager to lead the end-to-end development of its logistics function for a greenfield DRI and ISP project. The role involves designing transportation infrastructure, setting operating models, and ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations from Day One onward.

The candidate will coordinate with EPC, Engineering, Operations, and commercial teams, build a best-in-class logistics team, and drive continuous improvement in safety,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Transportation Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the logistics function from concept through commercial operations for the DRI and ISP.
• Develop the overall logistics strategy, transportation philosophy, and operating model for inbound materials and outbound products.
• Coordinate permitting activities and ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and environmental regulations.
• Negotiate transportation contracts and service agreements to ensure reliable, cost-effective logistics solutions.
• Develop budgets, freight strategies, KPIs, and reporting systems to monitor performance.
• Lead commissioning, startup, and transition of logistics operations to commercial operation.
• Build, mentor, and lead the logistics organization with a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Logistics management

Cross-functional collaboration

Contract negotiation

Budgeting

KPIs & reporting

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Logistics/Engineering

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Logistics planning tools

Job description

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering organization advancing innovation in sustainable Integrated steel manufacturing. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship, and generating long‑term value for all stakeholders.

You will be joining us at a pivotal stage of one of North America’s most significant industrial developments. Mesabi Metallics is developing Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Integrated Steel Plant that will strengthen the U.S. low‑carbon metallics supply chain. The project is envisioned as a next‑generation metallics and steel manufacturing hub supporting the rapidly growing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel sector.

More importantly, you’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive workplace that values integrity, innovation, teamwork, inclusivity, sustainability, determination, and performance. At Mesabi Metallics, you will play an important role in shaping the future of sustainable steel manufacturing.

Position Summary

Mesabi Metallics is seeking an experienced Logistics Manager to lead the development of the Company’s logistics function for its greenfield Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Integrated Steel Plant (ISP). 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 one of North America’s largest DRI and steel manufacturing projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the end‑to‑end development of the logistics function, including conceptual planning, engineering input, infrastructure design, permitting, construction support, commissioning, operational readiness, and ongoing logistics operations. The role requires hands‑on experience in developing rail, barge, truck, warehouse, and multimodal logistics systems for large industrial facilities.

Working closely with Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC), Operations, Procurement, Commercial, Environmental, and Executive Leadership teams, the Logistics Manager will ensure logistics infrastructure and transportation networks are designed, permitted, constructed, and commissioned to support safe, reliable, and cost‑effective plant operations from Day One through steady‑state production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the logistics function from concept through commercial operations for the DRI and Integrated Steel Plant.
• Develop the overall logistics strategy, transportation philosophy, and operating model for inbound raw materials, consumables, spare parts, and outbound DRI and steel products.
• Provide logistics leadership during project engineering by defining transportation requirements and reviewing plant layouts, rail infrastructure, storage facilities, truck movements, and material handling interfaces.
• Lead the planning, design, permitting, and development of logistics infrastructure, including rail facilities, truck terminals, barge interfaces, warehouses, laydown areas, and associated transportation assets.
• Coordinate permitting activities related to logistics infrastructure and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, transportation, and environmental regulations.
• Support Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) activities by ensuring logistics systems are incorporated into project execution plans and construction schedules.
• Develop logistics operating procedures, transportation standards, material flow strategies, and operational readiness plans prior to plant startup.
• Establish and manage relationships with railroads, barge operators, ports, trucking companies, terminal operators, warehouses, and third‑party logistics providers.
• Negotiate transportation contracts and service agreements to ensure reliable, flexible, and cost‑effective logistics solutions.
• Develop logistics budgets, freight strategies, KPIs, and reporting systems to monitor operational performance.
• Lead commissioning, startup, and transition of logistics operations from project execution into commercial operation.
• Identify logistics risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure uninterrupted supply chain performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, service reliability, operational efficiency, and freight cost optimization.
• Build, mentor, and lead the logistics organization while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Transportation Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• MBA or Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum 10–115 years of progressive logistics leadership experience within steel manufacturing, heavy industrial manufacturing, metals, energy, petrochemicals, or other large industrial operations.
• Demonstrated experience developing logistics infrastructure and operations for greenfield industrial or manufacturing projects.
• Proven experience in the design, permitting, construction support, commissioning, and operation of rail, barge, truck, warehouse, and multimodal logistics systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial logistics facility design, transportation infrastructure, material flow planning, and logistics network optimization.
• Experience supporting large capital projects through the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) lifecycle.
• Thorough knowledge of transportation regulations, permitting requirements, environmental compliance, and logistics contract management.
• Proven ability to work effectively with engineering consultants, EPC contractors, regulatory agencies, railroads, ports, terminals, transportation providers, and government authorities.
• Strong commercial, analytical, financial, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and team‑building capabilities.
• Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional teams in complex industrial environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel as required to project sites, engineering offices, rail facilities, ports, terminals, vendors, and logistics partners.
• Ability to work safely in office, construction, industrial, and outdoor environments while complying with all applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our success.