Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement

Job Description

Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement is a critical leadership role responsible for architecting and championing a pervasive culture of continuous improvement across our food and beverage 3PL operations. Leveraging deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma, this individual will spearhead the identification, development, and implementation of strategic initiatives to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and elevate service quality for our food and beverage clients. This data-driven leader will translate complex data into actionable insights, collaborate effectively across all organizational levels, and align improvement efforts with corporate strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Leadership & Vision: Develop and execute a multi-year CI strategy for food/beverage logistics (e.g., cold chain, traceability, compliance), aligned with operational, financial, and strategic goals. Identify process innovation opportunities and build strong relationships with senior leadership for buy-in.

Lean Six Sigma Expertise: Apply advanced Lean Six Sigma (DMAIC, DMADV, VSM, Kaizen, 5S) and analytical tools to analyze processes in warehousing, transportation, and value-added services. Identify root causes, lead complex projects (optimization, variability/defect reduction, SPC), and maintain a best practices repository.

Project Management: Lead a portfolio of CI projects using methodologies like PMBOK/Agile. Define scope, develop plans (timelines, resources, critical path), manage teams, track progress against milestones/budget, mitigate risks, and conduct post-implementation reviews for effectiveness and sustainability.

Data Analysis & Performance Monitoring: Design and implement robust KPI systems for operational performance (e.g., warehouse efficiency, transport costs, order accuracy). Utilize statistical analysis (e.g., regression, hypothesis testing) and data visualization (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to interpret data, identify trends, quantify impact, and report findings to stakeholders, championing data-driven decisions.

Process Optimization & Standardization: Lead efforts to map, analyze, and optimize core processes in warehousing (inbound, storage, fulfillment), transportation (routing, loading), and food/beverage specific value-added services (kitting, labeling, temperature control, lot/date codes). Develop SWIs and process flowcharts to ensure consistency and facilitate training; utilize process simulation for impact assessment.

Waste Reduction & Efficiency Improvement: Systematically identify and eliminate all forms of Muda. Implement Lean tools to streamline workflows, optimize resource utilization (labor, equipment, space), and improve OEE. Drive initiatives for material flow, cycle time reduction, and first-time quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with operations leaders, functional teams (IT, Customer Service, Quality, Finance), and corporate stakeholders to drive unified CI efforts. Influence stakeholders, secure resources, and facilitate problem-solving workshops.

Training & Mentoring: Design and deliver Lean Six Sigma training programs for various levels. Mentor CI champions on methodologies, project execution, and data analysis, fostering a learning culture.

Best Practice Implementation: Research and implement industry best practices in CI for food/beverage logistics. Stay updated on trends, technologies (automation, AI), and regulations. Network with peers for knowledge exchange.

Reporting & Communication: Prepare clear reports for senior management on CI progress, achievements, challenges, and plans. Develop visual management tools to communicate performance and progress across sites. Articulate the value of CI on business outcomes.

Corporate Alignment: Ensure CI strategies and projects align with corporate objectives, quality systems (e.g., SQF/ISO), and food/beverage regulations (e.g., FSMA, HACCP, cold chain). Contribute to corporate CI standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field; Master's preferred.

Minimum 7-10 years progressive CI experience in logistics/supply chain/manufacturing, with significant food/beverage exposure.

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) required; Black Belt (LSSBB) strongly preferred. Green Belt acceptable with commitment to Black Belt within defined timeframe.

Proven success leading complex CI projects with measurable financial and operational impact.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficiency in statistical tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel).

Excellent project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to influence at all levels.

Strong understanding of 3PL operations, warehousing, transportation, and value-added services.

Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP).

Proficiency in process mapping software (e.g., Visio).

Experience with ERP and WMS is a plus.

Requirements

Adherence to Company Values: Demonstrate and promote the company's core values in all interactions and initiatives.

Compliance: Ensure all improvement initiatives comply with relevant corporate policies, legal regulations, and industry standards.

Financial Acumen: Understand the financial implications of improvement projects and demonstrate a focus on delivering a strong return on investment (ROI).

Stakeholder Management: Effectively manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including corporate leadership and client representatives.

Change Management: Possess strong change management skills and the ability to drive adoption of new processes and technologies across the organization.

Reporting Standards: Adhere to corporate reporting standards and provide timely and accurate updates on project status and outcomes.

Travel: Ability to travel to different operational sites as required

Full-time