Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company

  • Job overview

    The Director of Transportation and Logistics at Progress Rail leads strategic planning and execution of global transportation operations to ensure cost-effective, timely delivery while supporting corporate goals.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves developing transportation strategies, managing carrier contracts, overseeing daily shipment operations, supervising internal truck fleets and drivers, ensuring compliance and safety, managing risks, monitoring KPIs, and leading a global logistics team.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers a competitive salary, 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting, comprehensive medical and supplemental insurance options, paid vacation and holidays, education assistance, employee recognition, and various site-specific incentive and relocation bonuses.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in logistics or related fields, at least 5 years of transportation logistics experience including 2 years in management, proficiency in TMS software, strong organizational and communication skills, knowledge of regulations, and preferably professional certifications like CTL.

  • Career development

    Opportunities include leading a global team, driving continuous improvement through data analytics, and potential growth within a large, innovative company in the rail industry.

  • Work environment and culture

    Progress Rail fosters a culture of accountability, safety, customer service excellence, and innovation within a global and collaborative work environment.

  • Company information

    Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is a leading integrated provider of rolling stock and rail infrastructure solutions with over 7,000 employees and nearly 150 global locations, headquartered in Albertville, Alabama.

  • Team overview

    The candidate will manage a global team of transportation coordinators and analysts focused on logistics performance and service excellence.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is based in Albertville, Alabama at the Progress Rail corporate headquarters with no specific travel requirements mentioned.

  • Unique job features

    This role uniquely combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational management across multiple transportation modes including air, ocean, rail, and truck, within a major rail industry company.

Company overview

Progress Rail, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., specializes in providing rail and transit products and services globally. They generate revenue through the manufacturing and supply of locomotives, railcars, trackwork, and signaling equipment, as well as offering maintenance and repair services. Founded in 1983, the company has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions, including Electro-Motive Diesel in 2010, enhancing its capabilities in locomotive technology. Progress Rail is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the rail industry.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight strategic planning and execution skills in international and domestic transportation across air, ocean, rail, and truck modes, emphasizing cost optimization and service excellence aligned with corporate goals.

  • Emphasize experience in carrier selection, contract negotiation, transportation management systems (TMS), and leadership of global teams, showcasing ability to drive performance and continuous improvement in logistics operations.

  • Apply through multiple channels including Progress Rail's official corporate career site and LinkedIn to maximize your visibility and chances of getting noticed for the Director of Transportation and Logistics role.

  • Connect with current Progress Rail transportation or logistics managers on LinkedIn using ice breakers like commenting on recent company initiatives in global logistics or asking about the challenges of managing multi-modal transportation in a rail-focused environment.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'transportation management systems,' 'carrier negotiation,' 'fleet management,' 'international freight operations,' and 'logistics risk management' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

  • Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across multiple platforms and identify relevant LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus your energy on interview preparation and strategic follow-ups.