Manager, Continuous Improvement – Branch Operations

Job Description

Position Summary

The Manager, Continuous Improvement – Branch Operations is responsible for leading and integrating quality assurance, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives across warehousing and distribution operations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for quality systems, occupational safety and health compliance, and process improvement at the facility level.

In close partnership with local leadership and global Quality, Safety, and FEM teams, this position drives a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across a multi-site distribution network.

This role reports directly to the Director of Branch Operations and maintains a dotted-line relationship with site-level warehouse leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement (Lean / FEM)

• Lead the implementation and sustainment of Lean methodologies and the Facilities Excellence Mapping (FEM) program across branch operations.
• Facilitate current- and future-state value stream mapping to identify inefficiencies and eliminate waste in material flow, information flow, and process execution.
• Manage FEM program performance, including tracking, reporting, and presenting monthly progress updates to leadership.
• Lead kaizen events and structured problem-solving initiatives, including root cause analysis and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).
• Deploy and sustain Lean tools such as Standard Work, Method Sheets, Baseline metrics, and Pull/Kanban systems.
• Ensure accuracy and visibility of operational performance through regularly updated digital dashboards.
• Partner with the Global FEM Team to ensure alignment, consistency, and adoption of program standards; provide feedback from field operations.
• Train, mentor, and certify FEM coordinators and trainers; serve as an FEM Skillcoach.

Quality Systems & Assurance

• Oversee the development, review, and control of quality documentation required by customers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage quarantine processes and material inspection holds; coordinate with Quality Assurance to ensure timely evaluation and disposition.
• Analyze Performance Evaluation Reports (PER) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address identified gaps.
• Lead internal product and process audits; prepare and present findings and recommendations to leadership.

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Serve as the primary safety and environmental leader for branch distribution facilities, ensuring compliance with OSHA and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as corporate policies.
• Lead the facility Safety Committee and facilitate recurring safety meetings.
• Oversee safety training programs, including forklift certification, lockout/tagout (LOTO), hazard communication, and other required programs.
• Lead incident investigations, including root cause and human factor analysis; ensure corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
• Champion Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) programs to reinforce a proactive safety culture.
• Conduct and oversee industrial hygiene assessments, Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), and Job Safety Analyses (JSA).
• Maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliance and ensure employee awareness of hazard communication standards.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment on quality, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support training and development of operations personnel in Lean principles, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Assist with new facility launches, expansions, and operational start-ups.
• Evaluate and support implementation of new technologies, equipment, and ERP/WMS systems.
• Develop and deliver regular performance reports, metrics, and program updates to senior leadership and global teams.
• Participate in corporate safety forums and global operational initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, distribution, or operations, including leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing safety programs in compliance with OSHA and applicable regulations.
• Working knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Self-directed with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed to support multi-site operations.
• FEM Skill coach certification or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience with ERP and/or warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Experience supporting multi-site and/or global operations environments.
• Familiarity with training development and process documentation.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement: Victaulic is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic data, or other legally protected status

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Victaulic Staffing Partner Communication Policy

All staffing agencies are strictly forbidden from directly contacting any Victaulic employees, except those within the Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team. All communications, inquiries and candidate submissions must be routed through Victaulic's Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team. Non-compliance with this policy may result in the suspension of partnership, cancellation of the current contract, and/or the imposition of a mandatory probation period before any future business can resume. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to a permanent ban on future business. This policy ensures a streamlined and compliant recruitment process.