Francesco Tacconi

Supply Chain & Operations Manager | NPI & Demand Planning | Cost Optimization & Supplier Strategy

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

Master's-level Supply Chain and Operations Management professional with hands-on experience in demand planning, forecasting, production support, and new product development. Proven success in driving operational efficiency through data analytics and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt methodologies, including cost-saving process and improvements and inventory optimization. A retired Division 1 collegiate athlete with a demonstrated ability to excel in team-driven environments, bringing disciplined time management and a commitment to continuous learning. A native Italian and advanced English speaker, with diverse international experience living, studying, and working across borders. Authorized for employment in the U.S. under an H1B Visa.

Experience

  • Color Brands (Full-time · 4 yrs 1 mo)
    • Supply Chain & Operations Manager | NPI & Demand Planning
      Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

      - Lead cross-functional supply chain activities for new product commercialization projects with global FMCG clients (e.g.,Kraft Heinz, Mars Inc., Perfetti Van Melle, Playboy), aligning demand planning, production and supplier execution - Collaborate with R&D, suppliers, and co-manufacturers to design, test and refine product recipes and packaging based on consumer preferences - Oversee sourcing of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging, driving cost efficiency, ensuring top-quality standards and maintaining full regulatory compliance across managed products

    • Supply Chain Analyst
      Jun 2022 - Mar 2025 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      - Achieved a 16% reduction (~$400K annually) in production costs through strategic supplier negotiations and process optimization initiatives, including streamlining procurement processes, renegotiating raw material pricing, and implementing efficient inventory management practices - Implemented a dual-sourcing strategy with performance tracking across 5 manufacturing locations, lowering quality issues by 20%, improving on-time production schedules and enhancing customer satisfaction scores by 25% - Building and maintaining strong partnership with suppliers and vendors, achieving consistent product quality and delivery by fostering transparent communication, setting clear expectations, leveraging performance KPIs to drive continuous improvement and accountability, and using an ERP system to streamline operations and ensure efficiency

  • Student Consultant - Supply & Logistics at East Chicago Rail Terminal
    Jan 2022 - May 2022 · 5 mos

    • Streamlined data processing for a large Commodity Flow Survey dataset, condensing over 5 million entries into actionable insights that guided the organization’s strategy for expanding market share through cost-effective rail alternatives • Conducted comprehensive market analysis to identify key commodities and high-potential locations for transloading from truck to rail, resulting in a strategic report that pinpointed the top five revenue - generating commodities and regions for long distance shipments over 400 miles

  • Teaching Assistant at University of Illinois Chicago
    Aug 2021 - May 2022 · 10 mos

    • Delivered hands-on advanced Excel training on key tools such as Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, and Trend Analysis to over 240 students, enhancing data analysis and reporting capabilities • Leveraged strong communication and teaching skills to achieve a high student satisfaction score of 90%, reflecting exceptional clarity, engagement, and support for learners.

  • Logistics Analyst Intern at Agricycle Global
    Jan 2021 - May 2021 · 5 mos

    • Performed extensive research to identify the sourcing needs of food and beverage CPG manufacturers, as well as foodservice businesses, focusing on ingredient requirements and trends in the industry • Secured co-packing services for packaging bulk products into consumer-ready packaging. Managed vendor relationships and coordinated logistics for packaging operations across multiple regions

  • Cardinal Stritch University (United States)
    • Student Success Ambassador
      Feb 2020 - May 2021 · 1 yr 4 mos

      - Maintained a high level of customer service at the Student Services Desk acting as the first contact for students/guests seeking resources from departments on campus or information about campus events.

    • Student Athlete
      Aug 2019 - May 2021 · 1 yr 10 mos

      - Academic and Athletic scholarship recipient - Ranked top 50 nationally single