Marine & Barge Logistics Manager

About Mesabi Metallics:
When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years. More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day. At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary:
The Marine & Barge Logistics Manager owns Mesabi Metallics’ Great Lakes and inland barge transportation strategy and related terminal interfaces. The role manages carrier and terminal relationships, charters/COAs, rates, nominations, laycans, capacity, service performance and marine contingencies to support reliable movement of Mesabi products. This position serves as the primary commercial and operational interface with barge carriers, vessel operators, terminals and agents. Working closely with Sales and Operational Planning (“S&OP”) and the Logistics Business Partner, the Manager aligns marine capacity with shipment requirements, monitors demurrage/despatch and delivery performance, develops seasonal and contingency plans, and leads marine-related negotiations and escalations for the CCO.

Job Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, this position will be responsible for the following:

• Own relationships with Great Lakes and inland barge carriers, terminals, vessel operators and agents.
• Manage marine and barge contracts, charters/COAs, rates, service terms and related negotiations within approved authority.
• Plan barge and vessel capacity, nominations, laycans and shipment windows against approved commercial requirements.
• Manage operating interfaces and constraints across applicable Great Lakes, Gulf, river and Quebec terminal routes.
• Monitor demurrage/despatch exposure, loading windows, service performance and marine contingencies and lead corrective actions.
• Provide marine feasibility, capacity, routing and timing inputs to the S&OP process.
• Work with the Logistics Business Partner to monitor active marine movements, exceptions and required follow-up actions.
• Track marine KPIs, delivery performance, cost trends and carrier/terminal service issues.
• Review marine invoices, demurrage and shipment-documentation discrepancies with the Logistics & Commercial Analyst.
• Develop forward capacity plans, seasonal contingency strategies, CCO updates and upcoming carrier/terminal negotiation priorities.

Skills and Qualifications:
 • 7+ years of marine, barge, vessel, terminal or bulk commodity logistics experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of marine transportation, charters/COAs, nominations, laycans, demurrage/despatch and terminal operations.
• Demonstrated negotiation, problem-solving and carrier/terminal relationship-management skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple active movements and counterparties.
• Ability to travel and respond to time-sensitive logistics issues in a dynamic operating environment.

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Maritime, Business or a related field; equivalent relevant marine or transportation experience may be considered
• Combination of office work and periodic field/site activity at terminals, ports and other logistics locations. Travel is required. Field access may involve outdoor conditions, walking industrial or marine facilities and use of appropriate PPE.
Physical Requirements: 
Combination of office work and periodic field/site activity at plant, rail and terminal locations. Travel is required. Field access may involve outdoor conditions, walking industrial sites and use of appropriate PPE.

Salary:
$129,000 - $154,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
  • 0-3 Years: 96 hours per year. 
  • Plus 9 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.