Kearney Associate, Digital Operations, Supply Chain Design & Optimization

Kearney•Chicago, IL

4d•$188,000 - $194,000

About The Position

As an Associate within Kearney’s Digital & Analytics (D&A) practice, you will be a core contributor to our Digital Operations team, specializing in Supply Chain Design & Optimization . In this role, you will help global organizations reimagine and optimize their supply chains using data science, optimization, and simulation platforms. You will work with clients across industries to solve complex operational challenges, high-impact consulting engagements, and deliver measurable value. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Kearney’s fastest-growing capabilities at the intersection of strategy, operations, data science, and digital transformation.

Requirements

Experienced: An MBA (preferred) and 5–10 years of professional experience, ideally within management consulting or a Fortune 500 environment
Functionally grounded: Deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes (source, plan, make, deliver), with experience in driving transformation programs across industries such as consumer goods, healthcare, retail, and industrials.
Technically strong: Hands-on experience with data science, optimization, simulation, and visualization tools (e.g., Coupa, AIMMS, Gurobi, AnyLogic, Tableau, Python, R, SQL).
Digitally fluent: Understands how to integrate data, tools, and analytics into large-scale operational transformations.
Leader and collaborator: You thrive in managing cross-functional teams and partnering closely with clients at every stage of the journey.
Structured thinker: Can navigate ambiguity, break down complex problems, and create clear, actionable solutions.
Academically accomplished: Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Analytics, Applied Math, or a related field. MBA preferred.
Curious and entrepreneurial: Eager to build, scale, and influence a high-growth capability within a global firm.
Are located near or willing to relocate to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Southfield, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington D.C.

Nice To Haves

Responsibilities

Collaborate on end-to-end supply chain network design & optimization projects using tools like Kearney's Optano, Coupa SC Guru, AIMMS SC Navigator, Python and Gurobi to design resilient, cost-effective networks.
Serve on client engagements, delivery quality, managing workstreams, and fostering trusted advisor relationships.
Translate executive priorities into analytical models and digital tools that support decision-making across deliver, make, and plan functions.
Work with large datasets, enterprise systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA), advanced planning systems (e.g., Kinaxis, o9) and cloud analytics platforms to enable digital transformation in operations.
Collaborate with practice leadership to develop client proposals, participate in business development, and shape proprietary offerings.
Help drive innovation in the firm’s supply chain approach—developing new IP, reusable assets, and thought leadership in areas such as optimization, simulation, ML/AI, scenario planning, and digital twin technology.

Benefits

Structured and on-the-job learning and development opportunities
Generous retirement/pension savings contributions
Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and their families
Non-partner equity-based awards (for consulting managers and above)
Personalized opportunities including talent mobility, flexible work programs, and externships to help you chart a unique career journey to pursue your own personal and professional goals
paid time off
401(k) match and profit sharing
medical, dental and vision coverage
healthcare concierge
backup child/adult care
annual employer HSA contribution
home office stipend
subsidized Gympass and annual wellness program
leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being