Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Awards
Timeline
Generic

LEIGH O'NEILL

Jordan,MN

Summary

Sustainability and supply chain professional with 10+ years of experience driving circular economy initiatives, market development, and process improvements in agriculture and manufacturing. MBA-trained with a focus on Strategic Risk & Sustainability. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, streamline operations, and deliver measurable impact through data-driven strategies.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Recycling End-Use Manager

Ag Container Recycling Council
05.2021 - Current
  • Program Development & End-Use Expansion: Led identification of 100+ plastic end-uses, resulting in 7 new end-use applications. Directed research and evaluation to support long-term program growth.
  • Risk & Compliance Management: Oversaw RAM (Risk Assessment Model) software upgrade, utilization and maintenance, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective coordination with consultants and technical committees.
  • Stakeholder & Partner Engagement: Managed approvals and audits for 50+ partners, maintaining strong relationships with internal teams, local governments, and external stakeholders.
  • Market & Strategic Insights: Conducted in-depth market research and pricing analysis to inform strategic decisions for both current and prospective contractors and end-users. Tracked plastic market trends to support program planning, producer engagement, and strategies.
  • Quality & EHS Oversight: Developed QA/QC protocols and EHS tools, improving audit processes and ensuring high standards in quality and safety.
  • Technical Committee Liaison: Acted as liaison to the Technical Committee, aligning on goals and supporting program improvements through structured governance with Executive Board.

Sustainability Manager

Rahr Malting Corporation
02.2020 - 06.2020
  • Strategic Leadership: Developed company-wide sustainability vision, mission, and operating principles with high-level strategic framework for implementation.
  • Cross-Functional Implementation: Collaborated with plant management, engineering, food safety, and marketing teams to roll out coordinated sustainability initiatives.
  • Committee Leadership: Chaired Sustainability Leadership Committee to shape and oversee comprehensive sustainability program across the organization.
  • Vendor & Project Management: Identified, evaluated, and managed external sustainability vendors while monitoring emerging industry trends and regulatory issues.

Supply Chain Analyst & Professional Formulator

Land O'Lakes - Purina Animal Nutrition
08.2012 - 02.2020
  • Program & Budget Management: Develop optimal-cost formulations for Purina Animal Nutrition that meet nutritional, regulatory, and business requirements while identifying cost-saving opportunities (2018 Actual: $740M; 2018 Target: $112M)
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Led daily partnerships with manufacturing, procurement, logistics, planning, and marketing teams while ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Utilized JD Edwards ERP and Microsoft suite to analyze complex data and generate performance reports for senior leadership.
  • Systems Administration: Managed formulation software applications, troubleshooting issues and implementing system upgrades to improve operational efficiency.

Education

Master of Business Management - Strategic Risk and Sustainability Emphasis

University of St. Thomas
Minneapolis, MN
05-2018

Bachelor of Animal Science - Business Emphasis

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
05-2011

Skills

  • Sustainability Strategy & Risk Thinking
  • Circular Economy & Recycling Expertise
  • Supply Chain & Manufacturing Insight
  • Data & ERP Proficiency
  • Compliance, Audits & Quality Control
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Process Development
  • Analytical & Problem Solver
  • Strong Communicator & Coordinator
  • Strategic Planner with Risk Management Lens
  • Decision-making

Awards

Quality Impact Award, Land O'Lakes | 2016, Transformed the way Purina Feed formulates which reduced complexity and cost

Timeline

Recycling End-Use Manager

Ag Container Recycling Council
05.2021 - Current

Sustainability Manager

Rahr Malting Corporation
02.2020 - 06.2020

Supply Chain Analyst & Professional Formulator

Land O'Lakes - Purina Animal Nutrition
08.2012 - 02.2020

Master of Business Management - Strategic Risk and Sustainability Emphasis

University of St. Thomas

Bachelor of Animal Science - Business Emphasis

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

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