Track and Land Contract Specialist- Rail
Inver Grove Heights, MN, US, 55077-1721
CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world. We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world. Most of our 10,000 employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries. At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture.
Summary
In this strategic position, you'll lead the development and management of track, land, and operating agreements with railroad partners, ensuring alignment with legal, operational, and environmental standards. You'll collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Real Estate, Engineering, and Operations teams to drive compliance, efficiency, and cost savings across rail-related projects. This role offers the opportunity to influence supplier relationships, standardize inspection programs, and serve as the primary liaison with railroad companies—all while promoting a strong safety culture and supporting long-term business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Develop, negotiate, and manage track, land, and operating agreements with railroad companies.
- Coordinate legal and operational review of new and existing railroad agreements, including lease terminations, renewals, easements, and right-of-way issues.
- Collaborate with Legal, Real Estate, Engineering, and Operations teams to ensure all agreements align with corporate objectives, compliance, and regulatory standards.
- Partner with Environmental and Safety teams to identify and mitigate potential compliance risks associated with rail infrastructure and land use projects.
- Monitor progress of rail-related projects and facilitate issue resolution between CHS and railroad partners to avoid costly delays.
- Serve as the primary contact for railroad partners on land and track project issues.
- Research, recommend, and manage supplier programs that result in cost savings, process improvements, and risk mitigation.
- Partner with CHS locations and vendors to develop and standardize track inspection programs, including defining inspection frequency, maintenance expectations, and reporting requirements.
- Negotiate and manage preferred supplier agreements for track inspection and rail maintenance services to achieve preferred pricing and consistent service quality.
- Contribute to the development of policies and procedures that improve efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in managing railroad and supplier relationships.
- Develop strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to support both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic projects.
- Maintain and promote a strong safety culture and follow all safety policies, procedures and regulations. Identify and communicate workplace hazards and correct or seek assistance in correcting unsafe actions or conditions.
- Perform other responsibilities as needed or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (required)
- High School diploma or GED
- 4+ years of experience in Supply Chain and/or Procurement- specifically related to real estate, land management, or contracts
Additional Qualifications
- Advanced knowledge of track and land agreements, risk management, and supplier relationship management
- Experience with railroad or transportation infrastructure projects
- Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills, strong organizational, analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Real Estate, Supply Chain, Engineering, Logistics, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Statistics or related field
- Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse.
CHS offers a competitive total rewards package. Compensation includes base wage and, depending upon position, may include other earnings such as bonus, incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary based on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, experience, education, training, specialized skills and certifications, minimum wage/salary requirements under local law.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, life insurance, health and dependent care spending accounts, paid time off, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance, subject to the eligibility requirements for each benefit plan.
CHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.
Please note that any communication from a CHS recruiter would be sent using a chsinc.com email address. In addition, a CHS recruiter will not ask for confidential information over the phone or in an email, or request money from a candidate involved in an offer process. If you have questions regarding an employment opportunity, please reach out to chscareers@chsinc.com; to verify that the communication is from CHS.