Manager of Operations Excellence

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Operations Excellence reports to the Director of Operations Excellence and is responsible for leading continuous improvement initiatives across all warehouse and logistics operations. This role drives operational efficiency, standardization, and best practices implementation while supporting Bluegrass Supply Chain's commitment to zero safety incidents, zero waste, and zero environmental impact through our Work to Zero framework. The position works closely with the Manager of Information Technology to ensure process improvements are supported by appropriate technology solutions.

Requirements

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the operations excellence roadmap aligned with company strategic pillars: People, Process, Technology, and Partnership
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies across all operational facilities
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness and drive accountability
• Partner with operations leadership to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions
• Collaborate with the Manager of Information Technology to integrate technology solutions into process improvements

Process Improvement & Standardization

• Design, document, and standardize operating procedures across warehouse operations, ecommerce fulfillment, and value-added services
• Conduct regular process audits and gap analyses to identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement
• Lead root cause analysis for operational failures and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Develop training materials and facilitate change management for process improvements
• Work with IT to ensure WMS configurations, system workflows, and automation support operational excellence initiatives

Safety & Quality Excellence

• Champion safety culture initiatives that support zero incident objectives
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and industry best practices
• Drive quality assurance programs that minimize errors and enhance customer satisfaction
• Collaborate with HSE teams to integrate safety into all operational improvements

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze operational data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities
• Create executive dashboards and reports that communicate performance metrics and improvement progress
• Utilize data-driven insights to support decision-making and resource allocation
• Benchmark performance against industry standards and best-in-class 3PL (Third-Party Logistics Provider)

Team Development & Collaboration

• Build and mentor a culture of continuous improvement across operations teams
• Facilitate kaizen events and improvement workshops with cross-functional teams
• Coach operations managers and supervisors on excellence methodologies and tools
• Foster collaboration between operations, sales, technology, and customer service teams

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in operations management within logistics, warehousing, or 3PL environments
• Proven track record implementing continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S)
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques
• Excellent project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Deep understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) and operational technology
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to influence at all organizational levels
• Experience collaborating with IT teams to implement technology-enabled process improvements

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience with ecommerce fulfillment operations
• Familiarity with labor management systems and warehouse automation
• OSHA safety training or certification
• Experience in  3PL (Third-Party Logistics Provider) industry serving multiple client verticals

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Change management and influence
• Problem-solving and analytical reasoning
• Results orientation and accountability
• Collaboration and team building
• Communication and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and process discipline
• Cross-functional partnership and influence

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in warehouse environments with varying temperatures
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds
• Regular walking and standing during facility assessments
• Travel up to 75% to multiple facility locations and client sites

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.