Continuous Improvement Manager

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Cooper-Booth Wholesale Company (CBW), established in 1865, is a family-owned, full-service distributor serving retailers in the Mid-Atlantic region. With a legacy of growth through acquisitions and a commitment to excellent service and value, CBW is now one of the Top 10 leading convenience store wholesalers in the U.S.

Summary: The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and facilitating cross-functional initiatives that drive operational excellence across all departments within the organization. This role plays a critical part in improving quality, service, productivity, effectiveness, cost efficiencies, and safety. Using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies, this individual works collaboratively with leaders and teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: other duties may be assigned

• Lead, coordinate, and facilitate process improvement projects across multiple departments (e.g., warehouse, transportation, customer service, IT, sales, procurement, finance, HR).
• Conduct thorough analyses of operational performance, identifying inefficiencies, quality issues, and safety risks.
• Use Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to develop and implement solutions that improve workflow, reduce waste, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Partner with departmental leaders to establish KPIs, track progress, and drive accountability for improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a change agent by promoting a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement across the enterprise.
• Standardize successful practices and assist in the documentation of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Design and facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, process mapping sessions, and root cause analyses.
• Build dashboards and reporting tools that provide actionable insights for leadership.
• Mentor and train employees at all levels in process improvement tools and techniques.
• Lead cost reduction and productivity enhancement initiatives that contribute to the company's financial goals.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with HR and department leaders on employee training and development related to process improvement

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Experience working across functional areas in a collaborative, leadership-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success in managing and executing cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and project management software.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a bias for action and results.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in the convenience store, foodservice, or wholesale distribution industry.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 or other ERP systems.
• Change management or organizational development experience

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a process improvement, operations, or project management role, preferably within a distribution, logistics, or supply chain environment.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Certified Lean Practitioner

• Black belt, green belt preferred