Lead Specialist, Logistics - South Bend, IN

Job Title: Lead Specialist, Logistics
Location: South Bend, IN

As a Lead Specialist, Logistics, you will coordinate daily warehouse and logistics operations to ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods. This role follows SHE standards, dsm-firmenich Life Saving Rules, and cGMP requirements while promoting a culture of safety and operational excellence. Responsibilities include managing inventory accuracy, scheduling shipments, coordinating with third-party warehouses, completing timely SAP transactions, and collaborating with planning, quality, purchasing, and production teams to support smooth logistics operations. The operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM EST.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Safety & Compliance

Works in accordance with SHE standards and actively promotes a strong safety culture among colleagues.
Operates process and material handling equipment in a hygienic and safe manner in accordance with all process procedures, cGMP, HACCP, and SHE instructions and guidelines, ensuring safety awareness and accident prevention in all tasks.
Inspects incoming vehicles to ensure they meet dsm-firmenich safety and compliance standards before loading or unloading.
Maintains warehouse organization and housekeeping standards in accordance with 5S and site safety expectations.
Maintains accurate documentation and records to support audits, inspections, and internal compliance reviews.
Supports internal and external audits related to inventory control, safety, and logistics processes.

Logistics & Warehouse Operations

Loads and unloads trucks and trailers in compliance with warehouse safety practices.
Creates shipping documentation, including bills of lading and other required transportation documents.
Schedules shipments and coordinates truck arrivals and departures with third-party warehouses and carriers.
Picks and stages orders to support production requirements.
Serves as the site point of contact for logistics-related matters with offsite support functions including Quality, Planning, Logistics, and Purchasing, escalating issues when necessary.

Inventory Management & Systems

Performs raw material and finished goods cycle counts to maintain accurate inventory levels.
Manages inventory both physically and within SAP to ensure accuracy, traceability, and system alignment.
Utilizes SAP to complete timely and accurate transactions, including goods receipts, inventory movements, and cycle counts.
Ensures proper storage, labeling, and traceability of raw materials and finished goods.
Monitors FIFO/FEFO inventory practices where applicable.
Utilizes planning software to maintain appropriate levels of raw materials and packaging supplies.
Creates purchase requisitions and coordinates with the offsite purchasing team to ensure timely ordering of required materials.

We Offer:
• A strong sense of accountability – you take initiative, speak up, and see things through. You are responsible and focus on what matters.
• An innovator’s instinct – you’re always looking for better, smarter, more sustainable ways to make an impact.
• Curiosity and an open mind - because you believe progress starts with asking, “Is there a better way?”
• A collaborative spirit – you’re at your best when working across teams, functions and countries.
• A focus on unity - with stakeholders and customers.
• A competitive compensation package – with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

You Bring:
• High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of logistics experience OR 2 year degree AND 1 year of logistics experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge to perform responsibilities with minimal guidance.
• Forklift operation certification.
• Proficiency in basic IT tools (e.g. MS office, SAP).
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of assigned duties.

The hourly pay rate provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. The hourly pay rate is $30.00.

In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

About dsm-firmenich:

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement:
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement:

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.