POSITION OVERVIEWThe S&OP Manager leads the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP / IBP) process for the polymer business, translating commercial demand into executable production and supply plans. This role owns the end-to-end supply/demand balance, ensures alignment to financial and operating objectives, and drives plan execution in partnership with Manufacturing, Commercial, Logistics, and Finance teams.
The position requires a blend of strategic planning leadership and hands-on operational ownership, with direct accountability for reviewing production plans, managing near-term imbalances, and supporting reliable order fulfillment in an asset-constrained chemical manufacturing environment.
TARGETED OUTCOMES- Publish monthly SIOP that aligns with business goals, supports AOP and maximizes cash flow.
- Manage supply plans to meet customer requirements.
- Improve effectiveness of supply planning processes.
- Develop talent and structure team to support Ascends ongoing success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESS&OP / Integrated Planning Leadership
- Lead the monthly S&OP cycle for the nylon business unit. Accountable for the supply portion of the IBP cycle, providing visibility and decision escalations for executive alignment.
- Own product-family-level demand and supply balance across tactical and mid-term horizons.
- Align S&OP outputs to AOP targets, service commitments, capacity constraints, and working capital objectives.
- Develop, evaluate, and communicate scenario plans and trade-offs in response to demand volatility, outages, or capacity limits.
- Continuously improve S&OP process maturity, data quality, and decision effectiveness.
Supply & Production Planning Execution
- Review, validate, and align production plans with manufacturing capabilities, campaign strategies, and customer priorities.
- Partner with plant planning and operations teams to ensure plans are feasible, prioritized, and executable.
- Monitor plan adherence and key execution metrics; identify risks and escalate issues proactively.
- Support resolution of short-term supply disruptions and demand surges through structured replanning.
- Participate in product transitions, introductions, and portfolio changes impacting supply strategy.
- Communicate demand signals and volume forecasts for raw materials to sourcing and procurement teams.
- Support network planning by highlighting upstream risks or constraints impacting supply plans.
Inventory & Order Fulfillment
- Manage and help define finished goods inventory strategies consistent with service, cost, and working capital objectives.
- Balance customer order execution with production and inventory constraints.
- Collaborate with Customer Service, Logistics, and Commercial teams to support reliable shipment performance.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership
- Provide leadership and guidance to supply planners and cross-functional contributors (direct or indirect).
- Act as a key integrator between Commercial, Manufacturing, Finance, Procurement, and Customer Service.
- Prepare and present clear data-driven insights, risks, and recommendations to leadership.
- Drive continuous improvement and standardization across planning processes and tools.
TEAM- Reports to: Supply Chain Director, Integrated Business Planning.
- Leads a small team of direct reports.
LOCATION- Houston, TX (preferred) or Pensacola, FL
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain & Logistics or related field.
- Minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience within a manufacturing environment in the chemical or petrochemical industry.
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in supply chain, planning, or S&OP.
- Minimum of 3+ years in a management or leadership position.
- Working knowledge of SAP, APO, Minitab, and Tableau supply chain functionality.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Products: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
PREFERRED- APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP), A2E Expert certification a plus.
- Experience working in asset-intensive manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to integrated business planning, scenario analysis, or network planning.
REQUIRED SKILLS- Dynamic self-starter able to motivate staff to meet exceptional deadlines.
- Knowledge of Inventory Control and Just in Time Management.
- Capable of working in a fast-paced environment and remaining open-minded to constant change in demands.
- Ability to develop detailed plans and possess strong negotiating skills.
- Be able to manage frequent phone and email communications.
- Familiarity of plant equipment capabilities and with plant product lines.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication.
- Remarkable statistical and spreadsheet analytical skills.
- Approximately 10% travel (Domestic and International).
At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.
