Sr. Economic Development Manager

Requisition 37890: B5 Senior Industrial Development Manager - Nashville, TN 

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Job Title: Economic Development Manager

Work Location: Nasville, TN, St. Louis, MO, Kentucky
Department: Industrial Development
Reports To: Director of Industrial Development

 

Primary Purpose:

The Economic Development Manager is responsible for driving Norfolk Southern’s industrial development initiatives within a designated multi-state territory. This role focuses on generating new freight revenue by identifying and securing new customers, as well as facilitating plant expansions along NS lines and connecting short lines. The manager will cultivate and maintain relationships with industry contacts, government agencies, and allied economic development organizations at the state, regional, and local levels to ensure NS’s strategic involvement in rail-using projects from their inception. Active participation in professional associations promoting economic development in the assigned territory is also essential.

 

Principal Duties:

• Cross-Department Coordination:
  Collaborate with various NS departments, including Marketing, Sales, Design & Construction, Engineering, Transportation, Environmental Protection, Real Estate, Finance, and Law, to act as a liaison with prospective industries, ensuring optimal results for new industry locations and expansions.
• Partnership Development:
  Work with economic development allies such as state and regional agencies, local development authorities, and major utility companies to highlight the value of NS Industrial Development. Encourage early NS involvement in rail-using projects.
• Site Inventory Management:
  Partner with economic development allies and the Technical Services group to identify, catalog, and maintain a current inventory of rail-served industrial sites within the territory. Make strategic recommendations regarding the sale and acquisition of industrial properties by NS.
• Management Reporting:
  Provide regular updates to NS Senior Management on active projects, emerging issues, and strategic opportunities to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Marketing Collaboration:
  Interface with Marketing Business Groups on industrial development projects and pertinent issues, keeping ID management informed of any developments that impact their areas of responsibility.

 

Job Functions / Characteristics:

• Negotiate proposal details directly with prospective clients.
• Submit site proposals to state agencies, Economic Development Organizations (EDOs), and site consultants.
• Initiate NS marketing incentives in collaboration with the Industrial Development Manager, with final approvals granted by the Director of Industrial Development.
• Oversee real estate components initiated by the Industrial Development Manager, with final approvals by the Director.
• Mentor Industrial Development Engineers to enhance team capabilities and foster professional growth.

 

Job Related Experience:

• Minimum Level: 3-5 years in economic development, industrial sales, or a related field.