Continuous Improvement Manager

CI Manager

The Continuous Improvement Manager acts as the primary change agent and OpEx leader across cold-chain distribution, fulfillment, and warehousing network. Unlike a traditional plant-based CI role focused on processing line equipment and yields, this specialized role focuses on optimizing outbound logistics, dock-to-stock workflows, warehouse slotting, cold-storage material handling, order picking accuracy, and network fleet efficiencies.

Working closely with Distribution Center (DC) Managers, Transportation Leads, Supply Chain Planners, and Quality Assurance, this role leads Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives designed to eliminate operational waste, reduce transit and lead times, improve safety, and lower cost-per-case shipped.

Responsibilities:

• Lead CI strategies across cold-storage, fresh, and frozen distribution centers to streamline dock-to-stock cycle times, staging, order assembly, and outbound trailer loading.
• Implement pick-path optimization, dynamic warehouse slotting, and inventory flow improvements to maximize cube utilization and reduce labor movement in refrigerated environments.
• Standardize standard operating procedures (SOPs) across multi-site distribution networks for receiving, putaway, cycle counting, picking, packing, and shipping.
• Partner with Transportation and Fleet Management to improve route efficiency, dock door turn-times, backhaul strategies, and carrier compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in temperature-controlled supply chain workflows, minimizing temperature excursions, product loss, and shelf-life degradation.
• Analyze logistics and warehousing KPIs (e.g., On-Time In-Full [OTIF], Order Fill Rate, Dock-to-Stock Time, Pick Rate, Damage/Scrap Rate, and Cost-per-Case Shipped).
• Deploy Lean Logistics, 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and Kaizen frameworks tailored to distribution and warehousing employees.
• Coach and mentor Distribution Center leadership and frontline staff on problem-solving techniques and continuous improvement toolkits.
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement teams between Manufacturing Operations, Quality Assurance, and Logistics to resolve systemic supply chain bottlenecks.
• Leverage Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and automated material handling systems (e.g., ASRS, voice picking) to extract data and drive automation solutions.
• Conduct cost-benefit and return-on-investment (ROI) analyses for capital expenditure (CapEx) proposals in warehouse technology, racking, or automation.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or Business Administration.
• 5+ years of Continuous Improvement experience in supply chain, warehousing, or distribution, with preference for temperature-controlled food or perishable protein manufacturing/distribution.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required (Black Belt certification strongly preferred).
• Proficiency with Enterprise WMS and TMS software (e.g., SAP, Manhattan, RedPrairie/Blue Yonder, Oracle). Advanced Excel and data analytics skills (Power BI, Tableau, or Minitab).
• Solid understanding of cold-chain logistics, food safety standards (FSMA, HACCP, USDA guidelines for storage/transit), and OSHA safety regulations in material handling.