Sr. Mode Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact. The Sr. Mode Manager - Barge & Rail is responsible for managing rail and barge transportation operations, carrier performance, fleet assets, procurement activities, and freight spend optimization. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for rail and barge transportation, ensuring the safe, reliable, and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished products across Ascend’s supply chain. TARGETED OUTCOMES Ensure safe, reliable, and compliant barge and rail transportation operations that support uninterrupted supply chain performance. Maintain sufficient barge and rail capacity to meet business requirements while achieving service expectations and customer commitments. Optimize transportation spending through effective carrier and fleet management and operational discipline. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance carrier performance, reduce costs, mitigate risk, and improve overall network efficiency. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Barge & Rail Operations 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 supporting manufacturing operations. Collaborate with plant personnel to ensure barge loading, discharge, and rail transportation activities are executed safely and efficiently. Provide daily visibility and tracking of transportation assets, proactively communicating schedule changes, delays, and operational impacts. Create and maintain rail customer shipment templates to ensure consistent execution and system accuracy. Manage barge and rail fleet sizing, utilization, and equipment availability to support current and forecasted business demand. Oversee barge and railcar maintenance programs, including inspections, repairs, testing, and regulatory compliance requirements. Work directly with government agencies (U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and marine organizations (GICA, Tenn-Tom Waterway) regarding waterway conditions, planned and unplanned closures, and special requests for expedited lockages. Develop contingency plans and support service recovery efforts for transportation disruptions, network congestion, equipment shortages, and weather-related events. Logistics Procurement, Analytics & Strategic Support Serve as the subject matter expert for Rail and Barge transportation, 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, purchase 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, ensuring pricing accuracy, proper application of accessorial charges, and compliance with contractual agreements. Maintain accurate transportatio…

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