R-2249 Site Logistics Lead at VantageSpecialtyChemicals in Gurnee, IL

Company Description

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.

We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results, and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here. For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Site Logistics Lead is responsible for overseeing all on-site logistics activities within a chemical manufacturing facility. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant movement, storage, and shipment of raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and waste streams. The Site Logistics Lead coordinates daily logistics operations, manages carrier and contractor relationships, maintains inventory accuracy, and supports production requirements while ensuring adherence to environmental, health, safety, and regulatory standards. Provide a concise summary of the role, highlighting its primary purpose and objectives within the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Logistics Operations:

• Lead daily site logistics activities, including inbound, outbound, and internal material movements.
• Coordinate receipt and unloading of raw materials, bulk chemicals, packaging materials, and production supplies.
• Manage shipping processes for finished goods, ensuring on-time customer deliveries.
• Oversee loading and unloading activities involving tanker trucks, railcars, ISO containers, and package freight.
• Ensure proper staging, storage, and handling of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

Supply Chain Coordination:

• Collaborate with Production, Planning, Procurement, Customer Service, and Warehouse teams to meet operational requirements.
• Align logistics activities with production schedules and customer delivery commitments.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment activities.
• Resolve transportation, scheduling, and material availability issues.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain adherence to Responsible Care®, Process Safety Management (PSM), and site safety programs.
• Conduct logistics safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
• Lead or participate in incident investigations and corrective action plans.
• Ensure carriers and contractors comply with site safety requirements.

Transportation Management:

• Coordinate transportation providers and third-party logistics partners.
• Monitor carrier performance, freight costs, and service levels.
• Manage transportation schedules to minimize delays and demurrage charges.
• Support freight optimization and cost-reduction initiatives.

Inventory and Warehouse Management:

• Monitor inventory transactions and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Ensure proper documentation for receiving, shipping, and inventory movements.
• Support cycle counting and physical inventory activities.
• Optimize warehouse utilization and storage practices.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement:

• Lead and coordinate logistics personnel, operators, and contractors assigned to site logistics functions.

• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

• Track and report logistics KPIs, including:

  • On-time delivery performance
  • Inventory accuracy
  • Freight costs
  • Loading/unloading efficiency
  • Safety metrics

• Provide training and coaching related to logistics procedures and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience:

• 6+ years of logistics, warehouse, transportation, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of experience in chemical, petrochemical, specialty chemical, or industrial manufacturing preferred.
• Experience managing hazardous materials transportation and storage strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Talents

• Knowledge of chemical plant operations and supply chain processes.
• Understanding of DOT, OSHA, EPA, and hazardous materials regulations.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or JD Edwards.
• Strong leadership, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM, CLTD, CSCP, or related supply chain certification.
• Experience with rail logistics and bulk chemical transportation.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM) environments.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Frequent interaction with warehouse, loading facilities, tank farms, railcar areas, and production units.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to walk extensive distances throughout the facility and occasionally climb stairs and ladders.
• Availability to respond to after-hours logistics or transportation issues as needed.

Additional Information

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this position is: $80,000 - $120,000 annually. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program.

Benefits

Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Medical, HSA, dental, vision
• FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• EAP, identity theft protection
• Paid time off, Parental Leave
• 401(k) with company match

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category.