VALERIE KAKOLIRES
Experienced Logistics and QSHE professional
Schaumburg,IL
Summary
Logistics and operations manager with experience supporting 300+ employees across multiple locations. Leads training, compliance, safety, and team communication while resolving service issues, coordinating shipment activity, and helping keep export and transportation work aligned with legal and operational standards.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
QSHE Manager
Kuehne & Nagel Inc.
Bensenville, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Supported audits, training, compliance, safety, quality, and operations programs for 300+ employees across seven Upper Midwest locations.
- Ensured compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards, contributing to organizational integrity and healthcare.
- Facilitated regular staff meetings to assess progress and pinpoint improvement opportunities.
- Coached, mentored, and trained team members, enhancing overall job performance.
Air Logistics Operational Support Supervisor
Kuehne & Nagel Inc.
Bensenville, IL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led team of six to ensure AES and export compliance, enhancing operational integrity.
- Supervised a support team across logistics and freight forwarding operations.
- Coordinated and streamlined shipment documentation for Kuehne + Nagel customer accounts, improving accuracy and efficiency.
- Resolved service issues with warehouse, transport, and client teams.
- Communicated daily with carriers, vendors, and internal logistics departments.
- Facilitated regular meetings with support team to promote effective communication and collaboration across logistics operations.
Air Logistics Operational Support Specialist
Kuehne & Nagel Inc.
Bensenville, IL
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed export logistics for major accounts including Amazon and Toyota.
- Coordinated shipment updates with operations teams across Kuehne+Nagel logistics networks
- Tracked freight status in transportation systems and reported delivery exceptions
- Reviewed documentation for customs, billing, and transport compliance
- Communicated service issues to carriers, warehouses, and internal support teams
- Resolved customer inquiries using email, phone, and service ticket systems
Logistics Coordinator
CBX Global
Arlington Heights, IL
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Coordinated logistics for FCL/LCL sea freight, air freight and domestic road freight.
Logistics Coordinator
Tata Steel LTD
Schaumburg, IL
01.2016 - 11.2019
- Managed logistics for imported steel coils and iron ore from India and Europe.
- Coordinated inbound and outbound steel shipments across Tata Steel plant operations.
Yusen Logistics Americas
Elk Grove Village, IL
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Managed door-to-door logistics operations.
Service Coordinator
Wheels / Clipper Group
Woodridge, IL
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Intermodal service coordinator for major accounts such as Unilever and Constellation.
- Coordinated service schedules for Wheels and Clipper Group client transportation operations.
- Scheduled drivers, vehicles, and trip assignments across daily service routes.
- Managed customer requests and resolved service issues with clear, professional communication.
General Manager
Munchie P's Eatery
Geneva, IL
01.1998 - 01.2012
- Oversaw daily operations as General Manager to ensure alignment with company objectives.
- Directed daily restaurant operations at Munchie P's Eatery, ensuring smooth service flow.
- Supervised kitchen and front-of-house teams across shifts.
- Managed staff schedules, timekeeping, and labor coverage.
Equipment Manager
APL – American President Lines
Chicago, IL
01.1989 - 01.1998
- Managed equipment for drayage operations, optimizing utilization and availability.
- Managed APL container and chassis equipment across port and inland service lanes.
- Coordinated equipment repairs with vendors, terminals, and marine service providers.
- Tracked fleet availability using APL equipment control systems and daily reports.
Education
Licensed Esthetician -
G Skin & Beauty Institute
10-2026
Bachelor's - Business Administration
DePaul University
10-2026
Associate of Applied Science - Supply Chain Management
Harper College
01-2023
Skills
- Employee training
- Account Management
- Customer Relationships
- Logistics
- Team Leadership
- Freight Forwarding (3PL)
- Administration
- GxP-Healthcare
- Audits
- Oracle, AS400, TPS, Steel Roads, TMS, Microsoft 365, REZ, SAP, CW1, SALOG, WMS
- Compliance monitoring
- Policy development
- Policy implementation
- Reporting and documentation
- Safety procedures
- Excel proficiency
- Collaboration skills
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Reporting and documentation
- Operations management
- Collaboration skills
Personal Information
Title: OPERATIONS LEADER
Certification
Logistics (2022), Procurement (2022), Inventory/Production Control (2022), Supply Chain Management (2022)
Timeline
QSHE Manager
Kuehne & Nagel Inc.
01.2023 - Current
Air Logistics Operational Support Supervisor
Kuehne & Nagel Inc.
01.2022 - 01.2023
Air Logistics Operational Support Specialist
Kuehne & Nagel Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2022
Logistics Coordinator
CBX Global
01.2020 - 01.2021
Logistics Coordinator
Tata Steel LTD
01.2016 - 11.2019
Yusen Logistics Americas
01.2015 - 01.2016
Service Coordinator
Wheels / Clipper Group
01.2012 - 01.2015
General Manager
Munchie P's Eatery
01.1998 - 01.2012
Equipment Manager
APL – American President Lines
01.1989 - 01.1998
Licensed Esthetician -
G Skin & Beauty Institute
Bachelor's - Business Administration
DePaul University
Associate of Applied Science - Supply Chain Management
Harper College