Freight Pay Specialist

Location: Chennai, India

**Position Overview:**

The Freight Pay Specialist works directly with supply chain, finance, and logistics procurement to ensure Ascend’s third party Freight Payment and Audit system functions seamlessly and as per the agreed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This position will ensure that freight payments to carriers are processed within terms to avoid credit issues. The position will also be responsible for distributing invoices with exceptions to the proper internal approvers.

**Targeted Outcomes:**

• Establish and maintain a disciplined carrier account management process that ensures Statements of Account are reviewed regularly, payment discrepancies are resolved promptly, and carrier relationships remain in good standing without service disruptions.
• Develop expertise in Ascend’s freight payment, audit, and approval processes while serving as the primary point of coordination between carriers, internal stakeholders, and third-party Freight Audit & Payment providers to ensure accurate and timely invoice processing.
• Own and standardize the Demurrage & Detention (D&D) invoice management process, ensuring invoices are validated, approved, disputed when appropriate, and submitted for payment in a timely manner to support compliance and reduce unnecessary costs

**Key Responsibilities:**

• Review and manage Demurrage & Detention (D&D) invoices, including validation, dispute resolution, approval coordination, and payment submission to ensure timely processing and cost control.
• Review carrier and vendor Statements of Account (SOA) on a scheduled basis to verify invoices have been received, processed, approved, and paid accurately.
• Investigate and resolve open balances, aged invoices, payment discrepancies, duplicate payments, and billing disputes with carriers and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit supporting documentation for outstanding balance inquiries and carrier payment requests.
• Manage freight invoice processing activities within SAP, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and freight audit and payment platforms.
• Coordinate with Finance and Accounts Payable teams to ensure freight invoices are posted, approved, and paid within established payment terms.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Ascend, carriers, and third-party Freight Audit & Payment providers for invoice, payment, and account reconciliation matters.
• Monitor freight invoice exception queues and work with business stakeholders to drive timely approvals and issue resolution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing invoice cycle times, improving payment accuracy, and enhancing carrier satisfaction. Maintain strong working relationships with carriers, logistics providers, finance teams, and external service partners to support efficient execution of freight payment operations.

**Team:**

• Reports to: Supply Chain Director

**Required Experience:**

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8-14 years of experience in freight payment, transportation accounting, logistics operations, accounts payable, supply chain finance, or a related field.

**Required Skills:**

• Freight invoice auditing and payment processing
• Carrier account reconciliation
• Accounts payable and vendor management
• SAP (preferred)
• Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, data analysis)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy

**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 focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

**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: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take **ownership**, stay **accountable**, operate **reliably**, and **support** one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

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.