Supply Chain Business Partner

 At Lhoist North America, our core values of Respect, Courage, and Integrity are more than words. We respect people, encourage courageous innovation, and uphold integrity in everything we do. If these principles resonate with you, you may find your next great opportunity with us.

We believe our people make the difference. That’s why we invest in talent by offering meaningful opportunities to grow your skills, expand your knowledge, and pursue your interests. Our work environment prioritizes safety, fosters collaboration across teams, and embraces inclusion. Here, you’ll be challenged to grow, and you’ll be supported throughout your career journey. Join us and help shape the future of Lhoist North America.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Transportation Leadership

• Furnish competitive, accurate and timely transportation pricing and implement strategy for Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain, and Logistics within LNA East Lime business.
• Lead and streamline Logistics budget processes.
• Assist in preparing due diligence for all contract negotiations for rail, barge, and truck to lower LNA's total freight spend for East Lime business.
• Oversee in the development of all industrial track agreements, track expansion, land, and track leases for all of East Lime’s plants and terminals.
• Closely work with the Railcar leader to ensure cars are moving at a constant rate to eliminate gaps in the pipeline to terminals
• Work closely with the terminals on movement of barges to ensure limited gaps.

Lead supply chain analysis process including short term, mid-term, and strategic planning:

• Manage the monthly sales and operations planning process in conjunction with regional management, through operating the S&OP model and making recommendations for production and distribution strategy
• Drive the implementation of short-term sales and operation planning tools and processes in collaboration with regional supply chain and logistics teams
• Lead the long-term strategic studies for capacity investments, terminal placement, etc.
• Analyze forecast accuracy and collaborate with regional sales teams to increase accuracy
• Manage and monitor inventory levels and identify opportunities to optimize inventory management processes

Coordinate with Sales and Operations

• Maintain constant and consistent communication with Sales/Operations on daily basis.
• Reconcile transportation issues with plants and terminals.
• Continually look for business improvement opportunities.
• Develop plans to implement projects in compliance with schedule, budget, regulatory, and strategic components.
• Proactively use logistics/transportation competency centers to drive improved performance at Plants and Terminals.

Support investment analyses for capital and other decisions, including expansions, new business, acquisitions, divestitures, rationalizations, and other modification of existing supply chain network.

• Manage third-party relationships for which we purchase material to ensure agreements are followed
• Perform periodic analyses to assist sales, operations, and supply chain in assuring that East Lime remains "right sized."
• Understand and communicate the costs and benefits of additional sales opportunities as required.

Support the budgeting and forecasting processes in close collaboration with Finance, Supply Chain/Logistics, Regional Management, Sales, Operations, Strategy, and Manufacturing, as well as with other stakeholders.

• Perform strategic analyses, including the impact of plant expansions, rationalizations, and acquisitions on East Lime supply chain.
• Identify projects and alternative sourcing methods to optimize margins and cash flow

Provide Customer Service Support

• Interact with internal and external customers as well as transportation contractors.
• Actively involved in total quality process and continuous improvement of customer confidence by knowing the customer’s demands for quality and quantity in relationship to inventory and customer need.
• Ensure locations comply with all transportation guidelines.
• Work closely with the customer service manager and team to ensure alignment along with providing transportation options to meet customer needs. 
• Provide training and guidance on any current or new supply chain systems/tools/models for the customer service and site shipping teams at the locations.

Apply other operations research tools to solve supply chain and logistics problems.

• Utilize and apply research tools such as simulation to bring about solutions to supply chain problems.
• Work in close collaboration with all regions and functions.

• Ensure timely payment on all terminal, trucks, barge, and rail invoices
• Interpret data for the purpose of determining past performance and/or to project probability with a clear with business decisions.
• Manage and track supply chain-related KPIs and report on the performance to senior management

Managing and Leading Staff:

• Implement processes, systems, new technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the customer service and shipping functions.
• Manage the direction and vision of the shipping and logistics team.  This includes adjusting staffing levels, revising performance standards, employee selection/hiring, utilizing progressive discipline, employee development, etc.
• Ensures effective employee / team relations.  Provides employee coaching and development.  Makes employment decisions, Resolves employee issues through problem resolution. 
• Communicates effectively, honestly and timely with team to ensure everyone has the information they need to perform at an optimal level
• Enforces the Company's policies and procedures to ensure they are followed, and issues are addressed fairly and consistently.
• Own the transportation results and ensure monthly actuals are accurate and complete
• Work on the development and implementation of optimization strategies to reduce costs, improve delivery times, and enhance overall delivery experience.
• Develop and maintain relationships with transportation vendors to leverage and keep costs to a minimum
• Manage and track logistics related KPIs and report on the performance to senior management.

Perform other duties as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Results oriented self-starter with the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Must be capable of working any shift, on-call, overtime, or seven days a week, if needed by the business.
• Leadership: a demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.
• Must be able to assist the leadership team on improving a system of shipping controls, standard operating procedure, safety, quality control, and performance management
• Proven ability to lead others through change management initiatives is desired.
• Hands on leader with the ability to empower team members to execute the strategic
• Ability to plan and develop direct reports while identifying key training opportunities with the ability and willingness to drive teamwork.
• Prior experience in heavy industry is desired
• Prior experience in bulk material, chemical, or mining materials supply /logistics processes is desired
• Proven track record of increasing responsibility and results is required
• Training and experience leading and solving difficult problems is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate on all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and meeting all required deadlines.
• Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs. 
• Solid understanding of safety, environmental, and the desire to following all established procedures are required.
• Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint software.   Adept in an ERP environment and related reporting/data warehouse, preferably SAP/BW, to drive integrated planning solutions. 
• Collaborate efficiently and effectively across the organization—including sales, regional management, operations, logistics, finance, and supply—to enhance the supply chain planning process.
• Proven ability to apply, direct, supervise, and to train and educate key stakeholders and direct reports in the concepts, applications, and benefits of network optimization, linear programming, sales and operations planning, short-term production planning, supply chain, and the logistics planning process.
• Lifelong learner who shows keen interest and proven history in implementing innovative solutions and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business setting.
• Possess outstanding systems integration, data management, and analytical skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Must be physically able to perform work assigned.
• Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations.
• Tolerate working outside in severe weather conditions as well as exposure to industrial high temperature, noise and dust.
• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 200 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
• Will be working in an office environment, mining, and mineral processing environment.
• The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions:  Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Metallic Particles.
• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to travel up to 30% as needed an/or directed by leadership

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED required. BS degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Finance, Engineering or technical related field or equivalent work experience in the field is desired

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical or other Engineering discipline is desired. 
• BS Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Finance, Engineering or related field. Master’s degree is a plus.. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 6-10 years of progressive supply chain management experience preferably in preferably in heavy manufacturing, bulk material, transportation, chemical, cement, construction, and/or mining/mineral/clay processing environment.  Previous experience should include all major modes of transportation (Truck, Barge, and Rail) preferably.

Preferred Experience:  

• Seven (7) years of proven supply chain management experience, preferably in heavy manufacturing, bulk material, transportation, chemical, cement, construction, and/or mining/mineral/clay processing environment.  Previous experience should include all major modes of transportation (Truck, Barge, and Rail), preferably. 

Lhoist North America is proud to offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to support your well-being and future.

Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with paid vacation and sick time. We also offer an attractive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous Employer Match as well as a Supplemental Contribution based on your Years of Service to help you plan confidently for the future. We recognize that growth doesn’t stop at the workplace. That’s why we provide educational assistance to encourage continued learning and professional development, empowering our employees to reach their full potential.

At Lhoist North America, your success is our investment.

Lhoist North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to fostering a workplace that values inclusion, respect, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens our teams and drives innovation. That’s why we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and strive to ensure every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

At Lhoist North America, inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a core part of who we are.

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.