Ascend Performance Materials Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION OVERVIEW
Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.
The 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 RESPONSIBILITIES
S&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.
About Us:
Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways-all within a stable and growing business.
Why work at Ascend?
Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.
We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.
Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn't only apply to the marketplace - it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.
Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You'll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs
Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn't mean simply working quickly - it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.
One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don't accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won't be boxed into a single role at Ascend - you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.
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.