NAR Rail Operations Manager

Eastman Chemical Company; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Career development

Paid holidays

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a NAR Rail Operations Manager to lead a critical rail logistics function across multiple sites. You will strategize, execute, and continually improve rail transportation, balancing near-term execution with 3–5 year plans while guiding a high-performing team.

You will collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, AMS, and Customer Service to ensure reliable, compliant movement of goods and to translate strategies into measurable KPIs and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience including leadership.
• Experience managing complex operations with SAP or similar ERP.
• Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Proven track record in people leadership and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence, safety, and compliance; support crisis and incident management.
• Directly lead, supervise, and develop the NAR rail operations team (8-9 direct reports).
• Serve as first escalation point for service issues.
• Collaborate with Logistics Business Managers on initiatives, forecasts, and plans.
• Partner on annual RFPs with sourcing team and translate strategies into KPIs and dashboards.
• Identify gaps and lead improvement projects to optimize operations.
• Build relationships with internal/external stakeholders and vendors.
• Oversee rail fleet program across sites and storage locations.
• Cascade strategic goals into team objectives and monitor targets.
• Travel to other sites or industry events as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Decision making

People management

Supply chain operations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SAP

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

NAR Rail Operations Manager

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com.

The NAR Rail Operations Manager leads a critical logistics function supporting NAR operations. This role is responsible for strategizing, executing, and continuously improving rail transportation operations in a fast-pace environment, while leading a high-performing team. The Rail Operations Manager must possess strong decision-making skills to quickly process information and propose a recommendation to support business needs when assets are constrained. The position partners closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, AMS, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant movement of goods, while balancing near-term execution with long-term (3-5 year) strategy.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence, safety, and compliance; support crisis and incident management.
• Directly lead, supervise, and develop the NAR rail operations team (8-9 direct reports).
• Serve as first escalation point for service issues
• Connect with Logistics Business Managers to understand critical business initiatives, forecasts, and help develop plans to support
• Thought partner for annual RFP's with sourcing team
• Translate procurement and logistics strategies into operational KPIs, performance dashboards, and action plans.
• Identify process gaps and lead improvement projects to drive operational excellence.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external carriers/partners, and 3rd party vendors critical to the success of rail operations
• Oversee and optimize rail fleet program across multiple production sites and storage locations
• Cascade strategic goals into clear team objectives and monitor performance against targets.
• Potential travel to other sites and industry events as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience managing complex operations
• Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated success in people leadership, team development, and performance management.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems; strong MS Office skills.
• Track record in operational excellence, SOP development, safety, compliance, and supplier management.
• APICS, Lean Six Sigma, CPIM, or similar certifications are a plus

Key Attributes

High accountability, collaborative leadership style, excellent communicator, decisive under pressure, strong relationship management skills, and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives

• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage-paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
• A robust menu of voluntary benefits-including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more-so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies

• 401(k) with a company match-plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away

• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life's moments.

Growth & Development

• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you-so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you're proud of.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engagedworkplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville

Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville

Job Segment: Logistics, Supply Chain Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain, Relationship Manager, Operations, Customer Service