Senior Logistics Manager

We are seeking a seasoned Logistics Manager to oversee and optimize all inbound and outbound logistics operations at our Little Rock steel pipe facility . This role is pivotal in coordinating transportation across barge, rail, and truck , managing freight providers, and ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery of pipe products to domestic and international customers. Prior experience with barge logistics on inland waterways and railcar scheduling/coordination is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

- Transportation Management: Plan, schedule, and manage all transportation activities for finished pipes and raw materials, focusing on barge, railcar, and over-the-road (OTR) shipping .

- Carrier Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison with barge companies, railroads (e.g., Union Pacific, BNSF), and freight brokers.

- Contract Negotiation: Negotiate freight rates, manage contracts, and monitor carrier performance against KPIs.

- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to DOT, FRA, and other relevant transportation regulations.

- Documentation Oversight: Manage shipment documentation, including bills of lading, customs paperwork, and barge/rail manifests .

- Facility Optimization: Utilize on-site rail spur, transloading facilities, and port access to reduce freight costs and improve cycle times.

- Inventory Management: Monitor and manage inventory movement between plants, warehouses, coating yards, and job sites.

- Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives in logistics planning, cost control, and network optimization.

- Technology Utilization: Employ ERP and TMS systems to track shipments and provide accurate delivery updates.

Required Qualifications:

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

- Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of logistics experience , preferably in steel, pipe, heavy industrial, or construction materials .

- Barge Operations: Demonstrated experience with barge operations (e.g., inland river shipping, Mississippi/Arkansas River systems).

- Rail Logistics: Strong working knowledge of rail logistics , including car leasing, fleet management, and coordination with railroads or short lines.

- Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).

- Skills: Strong negotiation and vendor management skills; excellent problem-solving and communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Industry Experience: Experience working in a pipe mill, coating yard, or steel manufacturing environment.

- Port Operations: Familiarity with port authorities and intermodal operations in the southeastern U.S.

- Compliance Knowledge: Working knowledge of customs and export compliance for international shipments.

- Certifications: Lean supply chain or Six Sigma logistics certification.

Key Ports and Logistics Partners in Arkansas:

- Port of Little Rock: A central hub offering intermodal transportation services, connecting U.S. markets to deep-water ports of the Gulf of Mexico. The port encompasses an industrial park with over 40 businesses.

- Logistics Services Inc. (LSI): The terminal operator at the Port of Little Rock, handling bulk and breakbulk cargo on the Arkansas River.

- Simplified Rail Logistics: Experts in project logistics management, heavy haul, over-dimensional, ocean and river barge, rail operations, warehousing, OTR, and LTL.

- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M): Provides freight services and serves the ports of Van Buren and Fort Smith for barge-to-rail or rail-to-barge shipping.

- U.S. Rail & Logistics: Specializes in operating rail, marine, and warehousing terminals, offering transloading services from railcars, barges, shipping vessels, and trucks.

- Consolidated Terminals and Logistics: Located in Van Buren, AR, this facility offers three barge docks with local fleeting and switching, and transfers between truck, barge, rail, and storage.

Working Conditions:

- Location: Based at the Little Rock plant with regular visits to yard, port, and shipping sites.

- Environment: Fast-paced industrial setting requiring close coordination with production and transportation teams.

- Travel: Occasional travel for vendor meetings, port site visits, or logistics audits.