Senior Mode Manager

Ascend Performance, LLC

. Manage rail and barge transportation operations, carrier performance, fleet assets, procurement activities, and freight spend optimization .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing rail and barge transportation operations, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness while optimizing freight spend. Proficient in logistics procurement, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance transportation performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Rail And Barge Transportation OperationsLogistics ProcurementSAP ProficiencyData AnalysisU.S. DOT Hazmat Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Transportation ManagementFleet ManagementSupply Chain ManagementFreight Spend OptimizationProcess OptimizationPerformance ManagementContingency PlanningLogistics Data AnalysisCarrier ManagementCross-Functional Coordination

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsDecision-Making SkillsStakeholder Relationship Management

Tools & Technologies

Transportation Management SystemsMicrosoft ExcelLogistics Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. DOT Hazmat Certification

Industry Keywords

Rail TransportationBarge TransportationBulk TransportationIndustrial LogisticsRegulatory Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage rail and barge transportation operations, carrier performance, fleet assets, procurement activities, and freight spend optimization
Ensure safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished products
Support barge and rail transportation strategy with Procurement and Supply Chain
Develop and maintain raw material supply schedules supporting manufacturing operations
Coordinate with plant personnel on barge loading, discharge, and rail transportation activities
Track transportation assets and communicate schedule changes, delays, and operational impacts
Create and maintain rail customer shipment templates
Manage fleet sizing, utilization, and equipment availability
Oversee barge and railcar maintenance, inspections, repairs, testing, and regulatory compliance
Coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and marine organizations regarding waterway conditions and closures
Develop contingency plans and support service recovery for transportation disruptions
Execute logistics procurement activities, including requisitions, purchase orders, spot buys, supplier onboarding, contracts, and annual requisition management
Manage carrier and supplier relationships through monitoring, scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action plans
Support network optimization, capacity planning, risk mitigation, and continuity of supply
Audit and approve transportation invoices
Maintain transportation data in SAP, TMS, and other logistics systems
Analyze freight spend, carrier performance, and logistics data to identify savings and improve transportation performance
Own and report transportation KPIs
Lead productivity and continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Procurement, or a related field preferred
Minimum of 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, procurement, or carrier management
Preferred experience in rail, barge, bulk transportation, or industrial logistics operations
Proficiency with SAP, Transportation Management Systems, and reporting tools
Ability to manage cross-functional stakeholder relationships 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
Demonstrated expertise in rail and barge transportation operations
Proven ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives through process optimization, data analysis, and performance management
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analytics

Benefits

Comp & perks

Safety-focused, sustainability-focused, and customer-success-oriented work environment
Collaborative work environment
Equal employment opportunity and consideration regardless of protected status