Operations Early Career Development Program

Cardinal Health; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401k savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Cardinal Health’s Embark Program is an entry-level professional development program designed to build capability and career readiness for new graduates with a passion for healthcare. Participants gain mentorship, tailored development, and cross-functional collaboration through a capstone project, while working in Warehouse Operations in a structured distribution center environment.

The program starts June 28, 2027, in Waukegan, Illinois, and includes exposure to a high-performing distribution

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, or related field (Graduation 2026–2027).
• Willingness to work day, evening, or overnight shifts as required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the daily work assignments and performance of frontline group leads and associates.
• Interact with subordinates, customers, and peers at various management levels.
• Identify opportunities to improve operations and mitigate risks within supervised team and broader warehouse operations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects and initiatives.
• Monitor productivity and quality metrics and ensure scheduling adheres to budget and goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics, management, operations, or supply chain

Job description

Embark Program Overview

Embark Program Overview Cardinal Health’s Embark Program is an entry‑level professional development and capability building program. Through a robust career readiness journey, participants gain the skills needed to navigate the organization, forge meaningful connections and take ownership of their career paths. The program offers challenging, hands‑on work that fosters both personal and professional growth. Tailored for new college graduates with a passion for the healthcare industry, Embark provides a rewarding launchpad for those seeking to make a meaningful impact from day one.

Who we’re looking for:

Undergraduate students graduating between December 2026 and June 2027 Curious, driven, and eager to learn Interested in a career in the healthcare industry

Program Highlights

Tailored Development

Embark participants receive personalized training to build their skills, knowledge, and capabilities—setting the foundation for long‑term career success.

Mentorship

Each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor who will guide your growth and help you navigate your early career.

Networking & Collaboration

The program fosters a strong professional network by connecting participants with peers, business leaders, and cross‑functional teams. As a cohort, participants collaborate on a capstone project that tackles real business challenges—building teamwork and problem‑solving skills.

Leadership & Professional Development

Through a blend of formal and self‑led learning, participants enhance their leadership potential and develop critical professional competencies that prepare them for future roles.

Job Description Summary

Location: Waukegan, Illinois

Start Date: June 28, 2027

Warehouse Operations is responsible for performing/controlling a combination of manual or automated tasks necessary for the receipt, storage, and shipment of product. This may include functions of receiving, picking, packing, shipping, staging, transporting, storage, delivery, etc. Also responsible for the efficient flow of products from the point of product receipt from vendors to the shipment of products (via prescribed service parameters) to a variety of internal and external customers. Participants will work full‑time as an Operations Supervisor during the 12‑month program and gain hands‑on experience within a distribution center. The program provides exposure to a high‑performing distribution environment that operates one of the most efficient and cost‑effective networks in the industry.

Teams may include, but are not limited to: Inbound Department Outbound Department

Within their role, participants will potentially support the organization in several of the following ways:

• Supervises the daily work assignments and performance of frontline group leads and associates.
• Frequently interacts with subordinates, customers, and peer groups at various management levels.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to improve operations and mitigate risks within supervised team and broader warehouse operations.
• Responsible for continuous improvement projects and initiatives.
• Monitors productivity and quality metrics including cycle times, lines per hour, shortages, damaged units, missed dispatches, and missed scans, among others.
• Adhere to budgetary guidelines, and work to meet Distribution Center objectives and operational goals while maintaining standards pertaining to quality and inventory.
• Active engagement in employee development, which includes training, coaching, counseling, and performance appraisals.
• Responsible for accurate timekeeping, attendance/PTO records and ensure scheduling is maintained.
• Majority of work day is spent on the floor while balancing administrative duties.
• Ensures that all warehouse systems are ready, scheduled, and prioritizes the work that each group lead and team of associates will complete.

Accountabilities in this role

• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail in all tasks
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization
• Maintain a proactive, results‑oriented approach to work
• Prioritize tasks efficiently, recognize urgency, and consistently meet deadlines
• Work independently with moderate guidance, showing initiative and ownership
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and evolving business needs

Qualifications To be considered, candidates should meet a combination of the following criteria:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics, management, operations, supply chain or a related field, preferred
• Expected graduation between December 2026 and June 2027, preferred
• Comfortable working in a warehouse environment
• Ability and willingness to work day, evening, or overnight shifts based on operational requirements
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, Lean Six Sigma or other improvement techniques, preferred
• Previous internship experience, preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, communication and analytical skills
• Participation in extracurricular activities, community organizations and/or professional associations
• Must have unlimited work authorization in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future

Please note, applicants may redact any age-related information.

Anticipated salary: $86,000

Bonus eligible: No

Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well‑being.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• 401k savings plan
• Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short- and long‑term disability coverage
• Work‑Life resources
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy lifestyle programs

Application window anticipated to close: 12/31/2026

Candidates who are back‑to‑work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background.

We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day.

Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for healthcare facilities.

We are a crucial link between the clinical and operational sides of healthcare, delivering end‑to‑end solutions and data‑driving insights that advance healthcare and improve lives every day.

With deep partnerships, diverse perspectives and innovative digital solutions, we build connections across the continuum of care.

With more than 50 years of experience, we seize the opportunity to address healthcare's most complicated challenges — now, and in the future.

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