Senior Rail Analyst

Senior Rail Analyst

The Senior Rail Analyst is primarily responsible for supporting the strategic and commercial planning activities associated with our rail business including conducting relevant analysis and supporting selection and negotiation of commercial agreements with 3rd party rail-related vendors (e.g., railcar leases, railroad freight agreements, etc.)

This position is also responsible for conducting analysis to optimize Methanex's in-region supply network, providing support to our sales team in logistics cost analysis and managing our annual budget and cost management reporting efforts relating to rail operations.

Additionally, the incumbent will provide back-up support for the other Commercial Analyst, Logistics and the Sr. Coordinator, Rail for the day-to-day coordination of Methanex's railcar fleet of about 1,200 railcars.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic and Commercial Planning

• Support all commercial planning activities related to MX's rail-related activities: (i) Develop and maintain relationship with key rail logistics suppliers, (ii) Evaluate and recommend rail logistics suppliers & alternatives (e.g. rail freight, railcar leasing), (iii) Maintain Methanex rail freight database and collect new rates as required. (iv) Monitor and report on contractual compliance, (v) Develop and recommend railcar leasing and storage strategies to minimize rail storage costs
• Maintain regular reviews with the Senior Supply Chain Analyst, to maintain understanding of new developments impacting logistics requirements
• Attend in-company & external conferences to maintain knowledge about industry trends.
• Build and maintain analytical models that drive strategy for Class 1 railroad freight negotiations and freight optimization.

In-region Supply Chain Optimization & Fleet Planning

• Lead the in-region supply chain optimization and rail fleet planning efforts. Key responsibilities include: (i) Analyze and recommend sourcing shifts to fully optimize in-region freight and customer netback, (ii) Prepare rail fleet plans to satisfy customer demand and maximize railcar utility
• Prepare high quality and timely business management reports including (i) rail fleet plan (short-term and long-term), (ii) rail Freight Analysis, and (iii) other ad-hoc reports including rail key performance indicators (e.g. demurrage recovery, transit time performance, etc.).
• Support logistics budget and develop new business management reports as required.
• Lead preparation of the rail budget & annual fleet planning process
• Primary logistics liaison for the accounting group - particularly on questions / guidance related to freight logistics accruals and freight variance analysis.
• Review and provide secondary approval on all rail logistics invoices as per Methanex policy
• Ensure timely review & approval of all lease invoices
• Ensure regular reporting requirements to Finance, Customer Service & Logistics, and Sales are presented timely & to a high quality.
• Work closely with the Senior Supply Chain Analyst, providing guidance and collaborating on in-region optimization opportunities impacting the day-to-day operation.

Sales & Product Management Support

• Provide support to the sales team to help analyze the delivery and next best alternative economics for different sales & value generating opportunities.
• Provide support to product management activities which may include, but not limited to, analyzing regional supply/demand balances & import/export activity and supporting the development of key competitor and derivative plans.

Position Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Accounting, or Engineering preferred.
• MBA (or CMA / CFA) considered an asset.
• 7 years business, management accounting, strategic, and/or commercial planning experience.
• Experience in the chemical or oil/gas industry (particularly logistics management) is considered an asset.
• Experience in the rail industry considered an asset.
• Demonstrated strategic and commercial planning skills an asset.
• Excellent analytical skills – experience in detailed analytical problem solving and model building.
• Linear optimization experience considered an asset.
• Familiarity with budgeting / cost management techniques is highly desired.
• High degree of computer efficiency – particularly Excel & Power BI