Continuous Improvement Manager Distribution Operations

Ellsworth Corporation - Germantown, WI

Full-time - Senior

Germantown, WI

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Continuous Improvement Manager for Distribution Operations at Ellsworth Corporation is responsible for driving operational excellence across the distribution network. This role focuses on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, implementing strategic initiatives, and ensuring high standards of performance and customer service. The ideal candidate will leverage their project management expertise to identify improvement opportunities and oversee multiple improvement projects concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance, training, and mentorship to distribution team members on continuous improvement methodologies and practices.
• Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of distribution operations, monitors performance regularly, and implements corrective actions as necessary.
• Implements visual management tools and techniques, such as daily huddles, performance boards, and workplace walkthroughs to provide real-time visibility into distribution operations and facilitate proactive decision-making.
• Oversees multiple improvement projects concurrently, from initiation to completion, including scope definition, resource allocation, timeline management, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.
• Leads cross-functional teams to analyze current distribution network structures, identifies optimization opportunities, and implements solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Requirements

• 5+ years of continuous improvement experience with 2 years management experience in distribution operations.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Project Management Certification (PMP) preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with TPS-Toyota Management Systems, and VDM -Visual Daily Management, preferred.
• Proven / successful track record in distribution management or related field, with expertise in continuous improvement, visual management, distribution network optimization, and project management.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and DMAIC- Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to drive change and deliver results.
• Proven experience opening, consolidating, moving, and closing distribution centers.
• Knowledge and experience in Network Optimization including Inventory Segmentation 80/20 methodology preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams at all levels of the organization.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in a related field
• Project Management Certification (PMP)
• Knowledge of TPS-Toyota Management Systems
• Experience with Visual Daily Management (VDM)
• Experience in Network Optimization including Inventory Segmentation 80/20 methodology

Benefits

• Wellness program
• Paid holidays
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance