Supply Chain Lead Jobs in Chicago, IL

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Key responsibilities

End-to-End Supply Chain Strategy:

• Develop and execute a North American supply chain strategy, aligning procurement, logistics, and warehousing with business objectives.

• Lead ERP implementation/optimization (e.g., SAP modules) to enhance visibility, automation, and efficiency.

• Drive cost optimization initiatives (TCO reduction, freight consolidation, inventory rationalization).

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Manage multi-country teams (procurement, logistics, warehouse) with a focus on talent development.

• Collaborate with finance, sales, and production to align supply chain with business growth.

• Present cost-saving initiatives and performance metrics to senior leadership.

• Lead, develop, inspire, and motivate direct reports and drive an upward improvement in the team’s skills and performance.

• Establish strong collaborative relationships with Customer Care to ensure noise free supply to our customers and drive our NPS ambition.

Procurement & Supplier Management:

• Oversee strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management to reduce costs while ensuring quality.

• Implement vendor performance metrics and risk mitigation strategies.

• Ensure compliance with local content laws and import/export regulations.

• Implement purchase plans for raw, packing & other related materials for short & long-term supply using the supply demand process and observing supply constraints, to meet customer service level objectives & maintain customer satisfaction.

• Liaise and negotiate with suppliers for optimized prices and payment terms.

• Lead strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, and contract management to ensure cost-effective procurement.

• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers across and outside North America

• Mitigate supply risks and ensure compliance with local and international regulations.

• Enforces corporate policies regarding the ethical conduct of purchasing activities.

Logistics & Distribution:

• Oversee inbound/outbound logistics, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.

• Optimize transportation routes and reduce lead times.

• Ensure compliance with customs, trade laws, and import/export requirements.

• Controls inventory levels by conducting physical counts, reconciling with data storage systems.

• Effective Management the Kerry traded goods in bounds and outbounds.

• Maintains general oversight and ensures accuracy of inventory records.

Analytics & Process Improvement:

• Ensure that our Demand Planning Database provides the best forward looking picture possible that facilitates cost-effective, timely Supply of FG to our Customers.

• Provide accurate information that informs stakeholders of the Supply Status highlighting any bottlenecks, blockages or escalations together with proposed solutions in a timely manner.

• Implement KPIs to monitor supply chain performance and drive continuous improvement.

• Coach and collaborate with the Commercial team and their teams so they are gaining knowledge on the dynamics of this complex supply network. Show that by working collaboratively with common understanding of reasonable inputs (not a one size fits all) we can reduce the noise, simplify and improve the efficiency of timely Supply.

• Provide accurate metric reporting as required.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, Supply Chain, or related field required.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Supply Chain role with at least 2 years’ experience in a leadership role.

• Experience of SAP and Microsoft Office –Suite usage.

• Work experience in Food & Beverage, Food Service, or Ingredients / Flavor industries will be a great advantage.

• Cost management experience.

• Good understanding of Food Management System, and Safety Environment Management System.

• Proven capability to manage, monitor and review all import activities PO, shipment, ETA port and ETA warehouse.

• Problem solving abilities, good organizational skills and follow-through.

• Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills.

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $88,100 - $144,800 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on November 24th, 2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.