Specialist, Lean /Continuous Improvement

Job Purpose

Key Accountabilities

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead and support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across PDC and warehouse operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, inventory accuracy, material flow, cost, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with Headquarters, regional teams, PDC leadership, supervisors, and associates to develop and implement improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate Kaizen activities and manage the continuous improvement suggestion program.

Process Analysis & Standardization

• Analyze operational processes and performance data to identify inefficiencies, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement corrective actions and countermeasures based on data and operational findings.
• Develop, maintain, and improve SOPs, Standard Work Instructions (SWIs), visual management tools, and other operating standards.
• Ensure approved standards are properly implemented, followed, and sustained within the PDC.

Project Management & Implementation

• Manage continuous improvement projects from planning through implementation and completion, ensuring schedule, scope, and budget requirements are met.
• Work directly with warehouse associates and supervisors to implement process changes and improvements on the floor.
• Prepare business cases, A3 reports, work instructions, project documentation, and completion reports.
• Coordinate implementation of new processes, equipment, technologies, and operational standards.

KPI, Reporting & Communication

• Collect and analyze operational data using Excel and internal systems.
• Develop, monitor, and report KPIs used to measure operational performance and improvement results.
• Communicate project status, risks, results, and recommendations to management.
• Follow up on completed improvements to ensure expected results are achieved and sustained.

Facility, Equipment & Vendor Support

• Coordinate assigned facility, equipment, maintenance, and on-site vendor activities.
• Conduct facility walks with vendors and internal teams to identify and address building, equipment, and operational issues.
• Ensure assigned maintenance activities are completed, documented, and reported appropriately.
• Support proper utilization of materials, equipment, and resources according to department and Headquarters requirements.

Training & Collaboration

• Train and coach employees on Lean, problem-solving, standard work, safety, and continuous improvement practices.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Headquarters, regional teams, and other stakeholders to resolve operational challenges.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, problem-solving, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Major Challenges and Key Decisions

Work Schedule and Travel Requirements

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Flexible schedule at the discretion and approval of the manager

Travel Required

• Yes

Travel Details

• Minimal overnight travel (up to 10%) by land and/or air

Experience Requirements

Preferred Experience

• 2 to 4 years of experience in a warehousing or distribution center environment
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, TPS, and operational excellence programs
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives in operations
• Project coordination experience

Education Requirements

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's Degree in any field

Licenses / Certifications

Preferred

• Lean Certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Intermediate computer skills, including email, databases, word processing, and spreadsheets
• Strong reasoning ability with the capability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work on the floor in a fast-paced warehouse or distribution environment
• Intermediate Excel and general computer proficiency