Strategic 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

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