Operational Excellence Manager

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Belding, Michigan, Flat River Group, LLC is a leading end-to-end ecommerce partner that works with vendors to take their businesses to the next level by accelerating ecommerce sales growth. We sell a variety of product categories as a 1st Party Seller, including toys, games, pet, sports & outdoor, home and patio, lawn & garden. Flat River Group has experienced incredible growth, and we now have four US-based distribution facilities.  

Flat River Group is seeking an Operational Excellence Manager that will report to the Director of Operational Excellence.  This candidate must be experienced in leading in a Matrix environment in a high volume, multi-shift distribution center.  You will have the ability to utilize your extensive and proven interpersonal, employee development, problem-solving and team building skills.  Critical success factors in this position are the ability to work and build coalitions within the distribution network at all levels creating value and buy-in regarding LEAN items. 

Duties and Responsibilities:
•    This Manager will provide leadership / mentoring / training to all levels and functions of the distribution network on the use and practice of Lean methodology and tools within the company’s various Distribution Centers.  
•    Help deliver significant and quantifiable process improvement and financial benefit across the network focusing on four key areas:
1.    Profiling & Slotting of inventory
    Identify inventory optimization strategies within the distribution centers to eliminate waste and reduce errors.
2.    Operational Flow Management
    Planning, leading, and assisting in the execution of various Kaizen events targeted towards elimination of waste.
    Champion the efforts to optimize flow through assigned distribution centers.
    Implement Visual Controls.
o    Translate performance into expected vs. actual, throughout production and management systems
3.    Process Reengineering-Best Practice Implementation
    Partner with functional leaders and DC management to assess current processes and identify process improvement opportunities.
    Knowledge of Lean principles and tools (cycle-time reduction, line balancing, corrective action, PDCA, set-up reduction, pull product support, Kanban implementation, material handling techniques, and just-in-time delivery).
    Maintain leader standard work, visual concepts, and daily accountability process.
o    Periodically assess status of the Lean implementation
o    Clarify goals, compare expected vs. actual performance
o    Focus on the process and how to improve it.
4.    Workforce Management
    Acts as a visible champion for LMS principles and practices while establishing and cultivating an environment that encourages problem solving, critical thinking, and innovation.
    Lead process mapping, value stream mapping, data analysis, problem solving, measurement and/or sustainability.
•    Focus on operations performance that constantly strives to eliminate waste and improve customer satisfaction via the use of Lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
•    Act as a key driver of change within the assigned distribution centers, supporting distribution staff and functional leaders by communicating the company changes to employees and helping them to learn, understand, adjust, and grow with the Lean transformation.
•    Metrics to measure success will include, but are not limited to:
o    Total Orders Picked / Person
o    Total Orders Shipped / Person
o    Total Kaizens Completed
o    Total Dollar Savings and Cost Avoidance
o    Head Count to Same Day Serve Percentage by Distribution Center
o    Individual Process Cycle Time Reductions
o    Errors per Million Rate
o    Lost Time Injury Rate
o    Site Excellence Grades

Flat River Group Offers You…

•    Competitive compensation package (salary commensurate with experience).
•    Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision plans upon hire with flex spending/health savings account options.
•    Company-paid group life insurance policy.
•    Company-paid short-term disability insurance.
•    Unlimited paid time off.
•    Paid holidays.
•    Paid maternity leave.
•    401(k) with Company match, immediately vested upon hire.
•    Tuition reimbursement program.
•    A challenging yet rewarding career with opportunities for growth within the organization.
 

Required Skills & Abilities:
•    Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to drive results.
•    Very proficient with computer software and applications.
•    Experience in implementing Lean initiatives within a distribution environment preferred.
•    Ability to travel occasionally to other Distribution Centers.
•    Excellent organizational skills.
•    Proven training and employee development skills with a strong emphasis on team building.
•    Strong influencing skills, with proven ability in coaching and inspiring others.
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office. 
•    Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and project management skills.
Physical Requirements:
●    Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance repeatedly.
●    Must be able to lift 50-75 pounds without assistance occasionally.
●    Must be able to stand and/or walk for 8-10 hours for 5-7 days/week.
●    Ability to regularly bend, twist, stoop, and reach.
●    Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
●    Excellent communication skills, both within the department and interdepartmentally.
●    Effective problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
●    Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask effectively.

Education and Experience
•    Bachelor’s degree in business, management, logistics, material management or related field of study strongly preferred.
•    1-3 years of relevant experience required.