What you'll doScout is seeking a strategic and results-driven Manager of Outbound Rail - Finished Vehicle Logistics to lead the development and execution of rail transportation operations for our vehicle production center in Blythewood, South Carolina. This role is critical in establishing the rail logistics infrastructure, including contracts, partnerships, processes, and performance standards to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and compliant vehicle distribution.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of finished vehicle logistics, strong rail carrier management experience, and the ability to build a rail program from the ground up. This includes establishing clear and actionable Statements of Work (SOWs) and building a local field team to oversee daily execution. This role requires cross-functional coordination with internal Scout Motors stakeholders to ensure performance and compliance.
Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the all-electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:
- Develop and execute the outbound rail strategy for finished vehicle shipments from Scout's production center, leveraging AI-driven network modeling and predictive analytics to optimize rail utilization, capacity planning, and distribution flows across the country.
- Lead the creation of Statements of Work (SOWs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and new rail contracts, ensuring alignment with company goals, customer requirements, and industry best practices.
- Design and establish rail routes, lane structures, and end-to-end network flows in partnership with Class I and regional railroads, haul-away carriers, and distribution hubs, utilizing advanced analytics and AI-based optimization tools to improve service, cost, and transit performance.
- Build and manage the budget for rail logistics operations, including forecasting and cost optimization initiatives.
- Negotiate and execute contracts with Class I railroads, short line operators, and other third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and develop strong relationships with these partners.
- Monitor and manage fleet of railcars (autoracks) including capacity planning, cycle times, utilization, SLAs, and KPIs.
- Partner with IT, Digital, and Data Analytics teams to implement AI-enabled logistics technologies, including predictive ETA engines, track-and-trace visibility platforms, exception management systems, digital twins, and machine learning solutions that improve operational efficiency.
- Lead the deployment of AI and automation tools to drive logistics efficiencies, including demand forecasting, load planning, network optimization, empty-mile reduction, carrier performance management, and proactive disruption mitigation.
- Develop robust reporting and KPI dashboards to measure rail partner performance, cost per unit shipped, dwell times, damages, and network efficiency.
- Provide executive-level reporting on rail logistics performance and strategic initiatives.
- Coordinate with Scout internal departments (Logistics, Sales Operations, Quality, IT, etc.) to align requirements and launch readiness.
- Act as the subject matter expert for outbound rail within cross-functional leadership teams (production, sales, yard operations, finished vehicle logistics, procurement).
- Lead real-time issue resolution and escalation management for rail operations, utilizing predictive monitoring and AI-generated alerts to proactively address service disruptions and capacity constraints before customer impact occurs.
- Implement best practices in rail safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Regularly report progress, issues, and performance metrics to the Sr. Manager of Finished Vehicle Logistics and other key stakeholders.
Location & Travel Expectations:
- This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC.
- This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
- Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
- Travel: Domestic and international travel required, approximately 25 % of the time. Valid driver's license required. Passport required
What you'll bringWe expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You'll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You'll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:
- 7+ years of experience in finished vehicle logistics, rail transportation, or related supply chain management.
- Proven track record in establishing and managing rail carrier contracts, SLAs, and SOWs.
- Strong knowledge of North American rail networks, Class I railroads, and short line operations.
- Experience with TMS systems, yard management systems, and vehicle tracking technologies.
- Experience leveraging AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation technologies within vehicle logistics, transportation, or supply chain operations to improve network efficiency, ETA accuracy, capacity utilization, asset productivity, and operational decision-making.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and financial management skills.
- Prior experience launching logistics operations in a greenfield or new plant start-up environment.
- Familiarity with railcar fleet management and automotive loading operations
- A desire to build from a clean sheet that is supported by a talent for creating process, defining tasks, and building alignment with numerous stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain healthy cross-functional relationships with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical mindset and capabilities, augmented by a high degree of technical know-how and savvy with data and analytics tools.
- Intuitive ability to navigate organizational complexity and confidently lead strategic, data-driven discussions with management.
- Willingness to establish two-way lines of communication with front-line operations to gather market feedback and translate that into actionable insights to sharpen the company's competitive position.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
What you'll gainThe benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting - with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:
- Competitive insurance including:
- Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
- 401(k) program with:
- An employer match and immediate vesting
- Generous Paid Time Off including:
- 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
- 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
- Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
- Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
- Corporate Vehicle Program with:
- Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle
- A mobility stipend
Pay TransparencyThis is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.
Initial base salary range = $130,000.00 - $160,000.00
Internal leveling code: M8
Notice to applicants:- To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
- Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
- Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.
