Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

At Kelli's, we give more - more support, more opportunity, more heart. As the nation's leading family-owned wholesale distributor to over 13,000 gift shops across hospitals, resorts, casinos, pharmacies, and tourist destinations, we believe success comes from helping others succeed.

We give our customers more than just products; we give them personalized service, strategic advice, and a trusted partner.

We give our team members more than just a job; we offer purpose, growth, and a place to build your legacy.

Kelli's is looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive improvements across our distribution operation. This role will focus on process improvement, operational analytics, inventory accuracy, and technology adoption to help us work smarter, improve efficiency, and support continued growth.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who enjoys analyzing data, identifying the root cause of issues, improving processes, and finding practical ways to use automation, AI, and technology to make operations better.

This position will also oversee our Cycle Count and Inventory Specialist teams and work closely with Operations, Purchasing, Sales, IT, and Executive Leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the distribution operation.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, inventory accuracy, service levels, and safety.
• Develop, maintain, and improve SOPs and Work Instructions.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and reporting.
• Analyze data and trends to identify problems and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for recurring issues.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards and automate reporting when possible.
• Lead the company's cycle count and inventory accuracy program.
• Supervise Cycle Count and Inventory Specialist team members.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies, adjustments, damages, and customer/vendor issues.
• Partner cross-functionally to resolve problems and implement long-term solutions.
• Research and evaluate automation, robotics, AI, and emerging technologies that can improve operations.
• Partner with IT and Operations to test and implement new technology solutions.
• Lead improvement projects from identification through implementation and measurement.
• Coach and develop direct reports while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in warehouse operations, distribution, inventory control, supply chain, logistics, or continuous improvement.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations and WMS systems.
• Experience with inventory control, cycle counting, and root cause analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools is a plus.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement experience preferred.
• Experience with automation, robotics, AI, or emerging technology is a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with both frontline employees and leadership.

What Success Looks Like

• Improved inventory accuracy and reduced inventory adjustments.
• More efficient and standardized processes.
• Better visibility into operational performance.
• Reduced manual and non-value-added work.
• Successful implementation of process, technology, automation, and AI improvements.
• Sustainable solutions to recurring operational problems.
• A stronger culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to have a direct impact on how our operation works and grows. You will have the autonomy to identify opportunities, develop solutions, implement change, and measure the results.

If you are someone who naturally asks "How can we do this better?", we'd like to hear from you.