Operational Chemistry: Building Resilient Supply Chains in Specialty Goods

Client Overview

Our client is a leading specialty chemical goods company that manufactures and distributes a diverse portfolio of high-performance products designed to help professionals and prosumers clean, maintain, and protect their assets. Serving industries such as transportation, food & beverage, industrial & institutional, and laundry, the client’s solutions are trusted by both distributors and end consumers globally. With over 85 years of experience perfecting innovative cleaning formulas, the Atlanta-based company is committed to creating a cleaner, safer, and more productive planet.

The Challenge / Mandate

The client engaged us to identify a seasoned Supply Chain Consultant who could bring deep expertise to assess their existing operations and recommend transformative improvements. With a complex global supply chain and distribution network, they needed a trusted advisor to evaluate inefficiencies, streamline logistics, and address critical bottlenecks across procurement, production planning, and distribution. The consultant was tasked with identifying opportunities to modernize processes, implement cost-reduction strategies, and enhance supplier collaboration to support long-term growth and resilience. This role also required navigating organizational dynamics to align cross-functional teams and ensure adoption of best practices in supply chain performance.

Search Strategy

Our search targeted senior-level supply chain professionals with extensive consulting experience in both strategy and execution. We prioritized candidates with a proven track record in supply chain optimization, transformation, and operational efficiency initiatives for Fortune 500 companies. Ideal profiles included former Partners or Principals from leading consulting firms (Top 10) or specialists from boutique firms focused on supply chain management. Key focus areas included omnichannel logistics strategy, procurement excellence, digital supply chain transformation, and experience with large-scale manufacturing and distribution networks. Additionally, candidates needed to demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to work closely with executives to deliver measurable results.

The Placement

We placed a senior consulting executive with over 25 years of industry and advisory experience. As a recognized thought leader in supply chain strategy and performance improvement, he had successfully led transformation initiatives for major consumer goods and industrial clients. His expertise spanned omnichannel logistics, digital transformation, supplier collaboration, and operational efficiency. As President of a boutique consulting firm, he built a reputation for helping organizations redesign their supply chains to drive cost savings, improve service levels, and increase agility in fast-changing markets.

The Outcome

The consultant conducted a comprehensive assessment of the client’s supply chain, pinpointing inefficiencies and designing a roadmap for operational excellence. He implemented key initiatives to optimize procurement, inventory management, and distribution networks, leading to significant cost reductions and improved delivery performance. By fostering collaboration across departments and introducing digital tools for greater supply chain visibility, he helped the company modernize its operations to meet the demands of both professional and retail markets. The improvements positioned the client for sustainable growth and enhanced their competitiveness in the specialty chemicals industry.