Logistics Manager (Chicago)

About the Role

Join a growing U.S. business backed by an established global manufacturer specializing in essential disposable products for healthcare and industrial applications. With an international supply chain and products serving diverse markets, the company is focused on strengthening its U.S. operations and building scalable processes to support continued growth.

The Logistics Operations Manager will take ownership of U.S. logistics operations, leading a small team while managing international imports, logistics partners, and distribution activities. This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader to make a direct impact on operational efficiency, vendor performance, and cost optimization within a lean, growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee U.S. imports, including ocean freight, customs clearance, drayage, warehousing, and domestic distribution.
• Manage and develop a small logistics team.
• Directly manage 3PLs, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other logistics partners.
• Lead freight RFQs, negotiate rates, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor logistics costs, KPIs, and vendor performance.
• Improve processes while remaining hands-on with daily operations and issue resolution.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of logistics, import, transportation, or supply chain experience.
• Experience leading logistics operations in a lean organization, ideally with 2–5 direct reports.
• Strong U.S. import experience, preferably with products shipped from Asia.
• Proven experience managing logistics vendors and negotiating freight rates.
• Strong Excel, data analysis, and cost-management skills.
• A hands-on leader who can improve operations while managing day-to-day execution.
• Must be able to work in-office in Chicago, IL.

Industries Preferred:

• Import-heavy manufacturers/distributors, PPE/medical supplies, industrial products, foodservice, consumer products, packaging, jan/san or other companies importing significant product volume from Asia.

Compensation: Competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.