Sr. Mode Manager

Ascend Performance Materials•Pensacola, FL

12d

About The Position

Ascend Performance Materials is hiring a Sr. Mode Manager - Barge & Rail to manage rail and barge transportation operations, carrier performance, fleet assets, procurement activities, and freight-spend optimization. The role is the subject matter expert for rail and barge transportation and is responsible for the safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished products across Ascend’s supply chain. The position partners with Procurement, Supply Chain, plant teams, and other functions to support uninterrupted operations, meet capacity and service requirements, and improve network efficiency. The role manages transportation schedules and assets, maintenance and regulatory compliance, shipment visibility, carrier and supplier relationships, procurement transactions, invoice review, logistics data, and transportation KPIs. It also supports contingency planning, service recovery, network optimization, risk mitigation, continuity of supply, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is an individual-contributor role with no direct reports and reports to the Supply Chain Director, Americas. Candidates may be based near Ascend sites in Pensacola, Florida; Decatur, Alabama; or Alvin, Texas.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Procurement, or a related field is preferred.
At least 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, procurement, or carrier management.
Proficiency with SAP, Transportation Management Systems, and reporting tools.
Ability to manage relationships with cross-functional stakeholders and external logistics providers.
Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. DOT Hazmat certification as required for the position.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and resolve complex transportation challenges.
Demonstrated expertise in rail and barge transportation operations.
Proven ability to drive continuous improvement through process optimization, data analysis, and performance management.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analytics.

Nice To Haves

Experience in rail, barge, bulk transportation, or industrial logistics operations.

Responsibilities

Support barge and rail transportation strategy in partnership with Procurement and Supply Chain organizations.
Partner with Supply Chain to develop and maintain raw-material supply schedules that support manufacturing operations.
Coordinate with plant personnel to ensure barge loading, discharge, and rail transportation activities are performed safely and efficiently.
Provide daily visibility and tracking of transportation assets and proactively communicate schedule changes, delays, and operational impacts.
Create and maintain rail customer shipment templates to support consistent execution and system accuracy.
Manage barge and rail fleet sizing, utilization, and equipment availability to meet current and forecasted business demand.
Oversee barge and railcar maintenance programs, including inspections, repairs, testing, and regulatory compliance.
Coordinate with government agencies and marine organizations regarding waterway conditions, closures, and requests for expedited lockages.
Develop contingency plans and support service recovery for transportation disruptions, network congestion, equipment shortages, and weather-related events.
Serve as the rail and barge transportation subject matter expert, providing operational, procurement, and strategic support across the logistics network.
Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, EHS, and Strategic Procurement to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions.
Execute logistics procurement activities, including purchase requisitions and orders, spot buys, supplier onboarding, contract administration, and annual requisition management.
Manage carrier and supplier relationships through performance monitoring, scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
Support network optimization, capacity planning, risk mitigation, and continuity-of-supply strategies for critical raw materials and finished goods.
Audit and approve rail, barge, and non-TMS transportation invoices, checking pricing, accessorial charges, and contractual compliance.
Maintain accurate transportation data in SAP, TMS, and other logistics systems.
Analyze freight spend, carrier performance, and logistics data to identify savings opportunities, improve efficiency, and optimize transportation performance.
Own and report transportation KPIs, including cost, service, fleet utilization, carrier performance, equipment availability, and supply reliability.
Lead productivity and continuous-improvement initiatives focused on safety, service, cost reduction, process efficiency, and operational excellence.