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Cold Chain Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

cap

Category Manager Packaging Procurement

Winnetka, IL

$87K - $118K/yr

Own and execute multi-year category strategies for packaging materials, including corrugate, thermal and cold-chain packaging, EPS, protective packaging, and custom labeling/branding. * Serve as the ...

JRG Partners

- Durables

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

What you'll be doing: • Cold Calling: Proactively identify and reach out to potential customers within the cold chain packaging space to introduce them to our reusable packaging product line. • ...

JRG Partners

- Durables

Arlington Heights, IL · Remote

What you'll be doing: · Cold Calling: Proactively identify and reach out to potential customers within the cold chain packaging space to introduce them to our reusable packaging product line. · ...

Agile Cold Storage

Warehouse Supervisor

Joliet, IL · On-site

Monitor product integrity by verifying product temperatures and refrigeration operations and ensuring continuity of cold chain; inspect product for damage; and ensure control of rodents and pests in ...

CONAGRA

Supply Chain Manager

Centralia, IL · On-site

$82K - $120K/yr

The Supply Chain Manager reports directly to the Plant Manager and serves as a key liaison with ... The employee will be exposed to a noisy environment that varies from hot to cold in temperature.

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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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Cold Chain jobs in Illinois?

For Cold Chain jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cold Chain jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Cold Chain jobs in Illinois are:

Cold Chain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cold Chain job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Category Manager Packaging Procurement

cap

Winnetka, IL

$87K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own and execute multi-year category strategies for packaging materials, including sourcing, supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution.

  • Manage supplier relationships through performance reviews, scorecards, and improvement plans, while driving accountability for cost, quality, and delivery.

  • Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction, packaging optimization, and supply base rationalization.

Job description

Brief Description

The Category Manager Packaging Procurement is responsible for:

This is a high-impact, strategic procurement role for an experienced packaging professional who wants to shape category strategy, influence cross-functional decisions, and deliver measurable business value. You will own the packaging category end to end—strategy, sourcing, supplier partnerships, cost optimization, and innovation—while directly supporting operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainability goals.
If you thrive in a role where you are expected to lead, not just execute, and where your packaging expertise is valued as a strategic capability, this role is designed for you.
Specific Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership

  • Own and execute multi-year category strategies for packaging materials, including corrugate, thermal and cold-chain packaging, EPS, protective packaging, and custom labeling/branding.
  • Serve as the primary decision-maker for category roadmaps balancing cost, quality, service, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Lead complex sourcing initiatives (RFP/RFQ), supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution.
  • Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), should-cost analysis, and market benchmarking to drive informed sourcing decisions.
  • Expand and strengthen the supplier base, including onboarding qualified domestic and international suppliers to improve resiliency. 

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

  • Own supplier relationship management, including QBRs, scorecards, and performance improvement plans.
  • Drive accountability for cost, quality, delivery, service levels, and risk mitigation.
  • Build strategic supplier partnerships focused on innovation, sustainability, and packaging optimization.
  • Proactively assess supplier risk and develop contingency plans for critical materials.

Cost Optimization & Market Intelligence

  • Monitor and analyze market drivers (corrugate, resin, EPS, freight, and related indices).
  • Identify and execute opportunities for cost reduction, packaging optimization, and supply base rationalization.
  • Partner with internal teams and suppliers to reduce waste, improve cube utilization, and support sustainability initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Act as a trusted advisor to Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing.
  • Translate business needs into scalable packaging solutions that support operational efficiency and product launches.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise on packaging design, materials, and supplier capabilities.

Contracting, Procurement, Governance & Continuous Improvement

  • Own the full contract lifecycle for packaging suppliers, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and governance standards.
  • Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing processes, supplier collaboration, and category performance.
  • Champion innovation in sustainable materials, cold-chain efficiency, and cost-effective packaging design.
Key Relationships
  • Supplier executives and operational leaders
  • Procurement and supply chain teams
  • Operations, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, and Marketing stakeholders
  • Organizational leadership and committee staff
Knowledge/Skills Required/Preferred

Core Competencies

  • Strategic category management and sourcing expertise
  • Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management
  • Strong analytical and financial acumen
  • Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities

Technical Skills

  • Strategic sourcing methodologies including TCO modeling and should-cost analysis
  • Supplier performance management and risk assessment
  • Market intelligence and commodity tracking
  • Experience with ERP and e-sourcing platforms
  • Ability to build dashboards and category KPI reporting
Education/Experience

Education/Experience/Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or related field required
  • 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management
  • Direct experience sourcing packaging materials and packaging suppliers strongly preferred
  • CPSM or equivalent certification preferred
Additional Criteria 
  • 10-20% travel required including, but not limited to supplier audits and tradeshows
  • This position is based out of the Northfield, IL office. Candidates must reside within 75 miles of the Northfield headquarters and meet in-office requirements.

Salary Range: $87,000 - $118,000

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