Applications Manager - Manufacturing

Logistics Manager – Rail, Truck & Barge Transportation

Location: Little Rock, AR

We are seeking an experienced Logistics Manager to oversee inbound and outbound transportation operations for a large industrial facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. This role requires hands-on experience managing multimodal freight transportation, specifically rail, over-the-road trucking, and inland waterway barge operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing freight costs, managing carrier relationships, and ensuring efficient, timely movement of materials and products.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage inbound and outbound transportation utilizing rail, truck, and barge.

• Coordinate railcar scheduling, barge shipments, and over-the-road freight movements.

• Negotiate freight rates, manage carrier contracts, and monitor transportation costs and performance KPIs.

• Develop relationships with railroad operators, barge companies, freight brokers, and transportation providers.

• Optimize rail, port, and transloading operations to improve delivery performance and reduce costs.

• Oversee shipping documentation, including bills of lading, rail and barge manifests, and international shipping paperwork.

• Coordinate inventory movements between facilities, warehouses, yards, and customer locations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable DOT, FRA, and transportation regulations.

• Utilize ERP and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to monitor shipments and analyze freight performance.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on logistics efficiency, cost reduction, and carrier performance.

Required Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of logistics experience, preferably in heavy industrial or large-scale transportation environments.

• Hands-on experience coordinating all three transportation modes: rail, truck, and inland waterway barge.

• Strong knowledge of railcar scheduling, railroad coordination, and rail fleet operations.

• Experience managing barge transportation on inland river systems.

• Experience negotiating freight contracts and managing third-party transportation providers.

• Proficiency with ERP systems and transportation management software.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Mississippi and Arkansas River transportation networks.

• Familiarity with port operations, transloading, and intermodal logistics.

• Knowledge of international shipping, customs, and export compliance.

• Lean supply chain or Six Sigma training or certification.