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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.