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Cold Chain Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Cold Chain information

What is cold chain?

Cold chain refers to a temperature-controlled supply chain used to store, transport, and handle products that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and certain foods. Maintaining the correct temperature throughout the entire process is crucial to preserving the quality, safety, and efficacy of these products. Cold chain management involves specialized equipment like refrigerated trucks, cold storage warehouses, and monitoring systems to ensure products remain within required temperature ranges.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in cold chain logistics, and how are these usually managed?

Professionals in cold chain logistics often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent temperature control across various transit stages, managing time-sensitive deliveries, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These challenges are typically addressed through the use of real-time temperature monitoring systems, rigorous training on handling procedures, and close coordination with transportation and warehousing teams. Regular audits and contingency planning are also essential to minimize risks and maintain product integrity throughout the supply chain.

What is the difference between Cold Chain vs Cold Storage Worker?

AspectCold ChainCold Storage Worker
CertificationsGMP, HACCP, refrigeration certificationsBasic safety and forklift certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTransport vehicles, warehouses, distribution centersWarehouses, storage facilities
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, food logistics, vaccinesFood products, perishables storage
Job FocusMaintaining temperature control during transportation and deliveryHandling and storing cold products in warehouses

While both roles involve working with temperature-sensitive products, Cold Chain professionals focus on maintaining temperature control throughout transportation and distribution, often requiring specialized certifications. Cold Storage Workers primarily handle storage and handling within warehouses. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus in cold logistics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in cold chain logistics, and why are they important?

To excel in Cold Chain logistics, you need a solid understanding of temperature-sensitive supply chain processes, inventory management, and relevant regulations, often supported by experience in logistics or a related field. Familiarity with temperature monitoring systems, warehouse management software, and certifications such as GDP (Good Distribution Practice) are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and compliant delivery of perishable goods, maintaining product integrity and customer trust.
Infographic showing various Cold Chain job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Product Manager, Cold Chain

Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG

Wood Dale, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global specialist diabetes care company, dedicated to helping people living with diabetes. Our mission is to empower people living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives. We use our innovation and specialist expertise in diabetes to develop high quality solutions and tools that make a positive, daily difference for people.
At Ascensia, our values serve as the bedrock of our organization. They guide our decisions, actions, and interactions, shaping the culture we collectively foster.
Our Values include:
  • Resilient Growth Mindset
  • Executional Excellence
  • Courageous Leadership
  • Inclusive Collaboration

We believe that when we live our values authentically, both individually and as a team, we unlock our true potential and drive sustainable success.
Job Title: Product Manager, Cold Chain
About the opportunity: The Cold Chain Product Manager will be overseeing all aspects of Product Group's projects related to cold chain products. This includes coordinating multiple team members, setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, Initiating, and completing projects on time within scope to accomplish development of product lines to targeted customers and market.
Location: This is a hybrid position that reports onsite to our Wood Dale office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This position will have up to 25% travel.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop and oversee sales training platform that includes testing to ensure that regional PHC sales representatives meet quality standards and are knowledgeable on product offerings.
  • Manage product scheduling and launch timelines utilizing formal project management principles. Assist in development of Project Management platform and Standard Operating Procedures consistent with ISO 9001-2015 and Lean operating principles related to product launch and promotion.
  • Oversee and specify market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by on-going contact with customers and non-customers such as standardization committees, contract manufacturers.
  • Lead the Voice of the Customer (VOC) process, translating customer feedback into product improvements, development priorities, and commercialization strategies.
  • Identify opportunities for new product development themes including timelines and estimated associated costs and discuss with PHC engineering team(s).
  • Oversee processes and execution of cold chain new product development; scoping, proposing, and assisting in leading new product development project that advance the biomedical product portfolio.
  • Assist in creating and maintaining Strategic Multi-Year Product Development Roadmap with other product group team members.
  • Assist in creating brand demand; focusing on preservation and digital monitoring system components but will also include cell processing, incubation, sterilization and system of lead generation, conversion, and tailored promotions
  • Oversee onboarding of cold chain OEM vendors which complement the brand image and product portfolio.
  • Analyze competitive products, industry trends, and emerging technologies to identify market opportunities and maintain portfolio competitiveness.

What you need for success:
  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific or related field required.
  • 5+ years of experience in product management and/or lab operations.
  • Capital equipment experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of Lean Management or Kaizen processes.
  • Experience with Asana and Microsoft Office Suite preferred. Microsoft Dynamics experience a plus.
  • Experience in gathering requirements, managing projects, collaborating on solutions, and resolving issues.
  • Experience building and delivering technical presentations.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.

The hiring range for this position is: $100,000 - $115,000 plus individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. Actual compensation within the range will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications and location, and applicable employment laws. PHCNA offers a wide range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401k, holiday pay, vacation and more.
#DE-PHCNA
TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: Ascensia does not accept unsolicited third-party resumes.
Building an Inclusive Culture: We are a company that brings varying backgrounds, ideas, and points of view to inventing on behalf of all customers. Our diverse perspectives are enriched by many dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, culture, language, and education, as well as professional and life experience. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leveraging our unique perspectives to scale our impact and growth.