Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. 

Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco. 

Here’s what you can expect from Watco: 

• Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University 
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Project Lead of Watco Logistics is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering complex transportation projects including heavy haul, crane and rigging, and rail logistics. This role is critical for ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with all safety, regulatory, and company standards. The Project Lead collaborates with internal teams, clients, and third-party vendors to coordinate resources, monitor progress, and resolve challenges throughout the project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•    Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and budget tracking
•    Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all scope and quality requirements
•    Monitor project performance, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies as needed
•    Coordinate and communicate with internal teams, clients, and external vendors to ensure smooth project execution
•    Lead vendor negotiations and manage contracts, purchase orders, and change orders
•    Collaborate with engineering and operations to meet all technical and regulatory requirements
•    Ensure safety and compliance standards are met throughout project execution
•    Conduct regular project status meetings and provide timely updates to management
•    Lead the planning, scheduling, and execution of transportation logistics projects, including heavy haul, crane and rigging, and/or rail operations.
•    Review and confirm truck and rail routes and validate clearance files for accuracy
•    Oversee placement, release, and return of railcars and other transport assets
•    Manage import and export logistics including coordination with ports and steamship lines
•    Maintain compliance with all safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies
•    Maintain accurate project documentation, including contracts, schedules, and reports
•    Manage project budgets, monitor expenses, and approve or escalate changes as appropriate
•    Ensure proper allocation and utilization of equipment, personnel, and other resources
•    Resolve issues, conflicts, and bottlenecks that arise during project execution
•    Identify opportunities for process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery
•    Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related communication and decision-making
•    Maintain meticulous records for post-project analysis and reporting
•    Prioritize tasks effectively and ensure all project deadlines and milestones are met
•    Deliver final project close-out reports and ensure accounting requirements are met

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The attributes listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required: 

•    5+ years of project management experience in transportation, heavy haul, or logistics operations
•    Strong knowledge of heavy haul, crane and rigging, and rail logistics procedures and regulations
•    Proven experience managing complex projects, budgets, and timelines
•    Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
•    Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across teams and clients
•    Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite
•    Knowledge of safety regulations, compliance standards, and industry best practices
•    Travel may be required to project sites, customer locations, or industry events 

Skills and Abilities

•    Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines
•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
•    Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities at one time
•    Experience in multi-modal transportation projects
•    Familiarity with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or logistics management systems
•    Strong leadership and team management abilities