Operations & Logistics Associate- Hotel Chocolat

Job Description

Job Description:

Operations & Logistics Associate- Hotel Chocolat

Chicago, IL

Hybrid (on-site 3 days a week)

Hotel Chocolat has built a strong position as the UK’s favorite premium chocolate brand

Hotel Chocolat is looking for a proactive and results-driven Operations and Logistics Associate to join our growing US team and support the expansion of our business. This role is integral to managing end-to-end omni-channel operations across retail, e-commerce, and future wholesale channels. You will collaborate closely with supply chain and trading teams in both the US and UK, as well as external third-party partners and cross-functional stakeholders, to ensure best-in-class product availability and service delivery at optimized costs. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of network design strategies that support efficient coast-to-coast operations, enabling the business to maximize trade opportunities and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving problems, and wants to learn every facet of how a consumer brand operates and scales.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 1+ years of experience in consulting, supply chain, logistics, or operations is a plus (CPG, retail, or eCommerce preferred)

• Data-driven and process-oriented problem solver who thrives in ambiguity and loves creating structure from chaos

• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams and external partners

• Eager to learn, grow, and make an impact in a scaling, entrepreneurial environment

• Not afraid to roll up your sleeves to find a way to get the job done

• Willingness & desire to learn, take risks, and improve from mistakes

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)

• Experience with DTC, Amazon, TikTok Shop, or major retailers a plus

What would be your key responsibilities?

Omnichannel Logistics Support

• Support the execution of logistics operations across retail and eCommerce channels, ensuring on-time delivery and seamless coordination between stores, warehouses, and online fulfilment.

• Coordinate with UK-based supply & fulfilment teams, freight forwarders, and trade compliance stakeholders to facilitate seamless movements globally of stock to the US market.

• Partner with the U.S. Operations & Logistics Manager on the setup and optimization of logistics networks that align to store openings and business growth targets.

• Assist in monitoring inventory levels and replenishment across distribution nodes in network, helping maintain optimal stock availability to meet sales and service goals at a minimized cost basis.

• Help execute and refine order fulfilment processes, ensuring smooth flow from warehouse to customer and driving an exceptional end-to-end customer experience.

• Support peak period readiness by coordinating with freight, warehouse, and transport partners to maintain service levels during high-volume seasons.

3PL Operations & Vendor Coordination

• Lead as a day-to-day point of contact for freight forwards, freight brokers, and 3PL partners to have a consistent pulse on order flow, delivery statuses, and ability to resolve exceptions quickly.

• Support vendor and carrier performance management by maintaining metrics dashboards, monitoring on-time and in-full SLAs, and flagging service gaps or improvement opportunities across the partner network.

• Document key 3PL operational processes to ensure adherence to contracts and agreed upon order preparation guidelines to deliver a consistent customer experience.

• Collaborate with external partners to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed of goods movement across the U.S. network.

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and analyze key operations reports — including order accuracy, delivery times, and inventory performance — to identify trends and recommend improvements.

• Contribute to cost tracking and forecasting by providing accurate data for cost-to-serve and per-unit cost analyses.

• Support process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving scalability as the business grows.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Liaise with global supply chain and import teams to coordinate inbound shipments, manage customs documentation, and support timely delivery into the U.S. network.

• Partner with Marketing, Commercial, and Retail teams to align inventory and fulfilment plans with promotions, product launches, and seasonal campaigns.

What can you expect from Hotel Chocolat?

• We offer a range extending from luxury giftable chocolates to alcohol and our pioneering drinking chocolate system; the Velvetiser™. Our mission is to make people and nature happy through chocolate. Customers, colleagues, cacao farmers and suppliers can all benefit from the success we make together.

• A competitive salary and Incentives based on performance

• 50% unlimited staff discount to treat yourself and your friends and family

• 70% discount off a stay in our Hotel in St Lucia

• We recognize that our employees may wish to balance their work and family/home life and therefore we are open to discussions around flexible working

• A chance to work in an exciting, innovative and expanding company

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 74,511.00 - USD 102,453.00