Supply Chain Specialist - ONSITE full time - Mapleton, IL

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection. 

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success. 

As a Supply Chain Specialist, you will be responsible for executing end-to-end raw material and distribution planning activities to ensure reliable supply, optimized inventory, and best-in-class service performance. This role operates across short- and mid-term planning horizons, aligning supply with demand while proactively managing risks and constraints. 

In addition, the Specialist plays a critical role in supporting plant operations through inventory control, cost management (including demurrage), and execution-focused supply chain activities. The position requires strong analytical capability, operational discipline, and cross-functional collaboration to drive performance across service, cost, and working capital. 

Reporting to the Supply Planning Manager, this position involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency. 

The expected salary range for this role is 68,000 $- 83,000K $, but specific employee compensation may vary depending on factors including experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location and other job-related, non-discriminatory factors permitted by law.
This role is also eligible to earn a short-term incentive bonus and the following benefits: 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays and paid sick leave. 

Essential Job Functions: 

Planning & Execution 

• Execute raw material planning to ensure supply continuity and alignment with production and demand requirements 
• Manage distribution planning to maintain product availability across warehouse networks 
• Optimize inventory positions to meet service targets while minimizing excess and obsolescence 
• Manage raw materials on rail using Railroad software (RailConnect) and/or other rail movement software. 

Operational Support (Plant-Focused) 

• Support plant operations with inventory control activities, including cycle counts, reconciliation, and data accuracy validation 
• Partner with site teams to resolve inventory discrepancies and improve inventory integrity 
• Provide hands-on support for daily operational activities to ensure smooth plant execution 

Demurrage & Cost Oversight 

• Monitor and manage demurrage and detention charges, ensuring timely actions to minimize cost exposure 
• Partner with logistics providers and internal stakeholders to prevent avoidable delays 
• Analyze trends and implement improvements to reduce logistics-related costs 

Risk Management & Problem Solving 

• Proactively identify supply risks, including delays, shortages, and capacity constraints 
• Lead issue resolution through cross-functional coordination with Procurement, Operations, Logistics, and Quality 
• Communicate risks, trade-offs, and recovery plans clearly to stakeholders 
• Maintain continuity of supply through proactive planning and escalation where needed 

Data Integrity & Systems Management 

• Maintain accurate and timely data in SAP, including purchase orders, confirmations, and planning parameters 
• Own planning master data to ensure system integrity and effective MRP execution 
• Monitor inventory, forecast changes, and planning signals to drive informed decision-making 

Continuous Improvement 

• Identify and implement improvements to planning processes, operational workflows, and data accuracy 
• Drive initiatives that improve service performance, reduce working capital, and optimize cost 
• Support standardization and best practices across supply chain planning and execution 

Qualifications & Experience:

• BS degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in SAP (or similar ERP systems), Excel, and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI)
• Good understanding of MRP, inventory management, and supply chain planning principles
• Experience with inventory control processes, including cycle counting, reconciliation, and root cause analysis
• Strong problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to manage cross‑functional relationships and drive issue resolution in a complex environment
• Continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify and implement process enhancements

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

**Microbial Control Solutions (MCS)** focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

**Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE),** meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications. Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.