Continuous Improvement Manager

Volcafe; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Volcafe is seeking an Operational Excellence Specialist in Bangalore to drive end‑to‑end performance management and continuous improvement across the supply chain. This role reports to the Head of Logistics and offers long‑term development within a global soft commodities environment.

You will lead cross‑functional initiatives, map processes, identify automation opportunities, and develop dashboards to monitor KPIs. A strong Lean background and business‑savvy mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Operational Excellence and Process Improvement.
• Experience in supply chain operations (order management, logistics, trade execution).
• Experience in shared service centres or global business services environments is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to initiate and lead continuous improvement projects with measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrable application of Lean, continuous improvement, and process management tools.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skill with cross‑functional and cross‑geographical teams.
• Experience with automation tools (UiPath, Power Automate, Automation Anywhere, macros, Python scripts) is a serious differentiator.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and defect patterns across end‑to‑end Volcafe’s supply chain; conduct process mapping and value stream mapping; redesign processes for standardization and lower variability.
• Collaborate with automation teams to scope, design, and deploy automation solutions; build light automations where appropriate and coordinate testing and rollout.
• Work with PowerBI and Data teams to design dashboards for process health and KPI monitoring; create and report KPIs such as productivity and cycle time.

Skills

Operational Excellence

Process Improvement

Supply chain operations

Lean

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

UiPath

Power Automate

Automation Anywhere

Macros

Python scripts

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us as an Operational Excellence Specialist to work in a truly global environment supporting end-to-end performance management and continuous improvement initiatives for supply chain operations managed from Bangalore office, reporting to Head of Logistics. The role provides long term development potential for someone eager to demonstrate their skills and experience in the fast-paced soft commodities environment.

Volcafe Ltd is one of the world’s leading international green coffee trading companies, operating in over 20 countries globally. Our expertise spans green coffee procurement and preparation, sustainability, blending, quality control, risk management and export as well as importing and distribution. We supply the world’s major coffee roasters and retail distributors with their green coffee requirements, with significant strategic growth ambitions for the future. We are part of ED&F Man Commodities, a world leading trader of agricultural products including coffee, sugar, molasses and animal feed.

Volcafe works across the whole green coffee supply chain to make coffee business better, together with our partners and employees. We have built and operate sustainable coffee supply chains across all our origins, addressing key economic, social and environmental issues in coffee farming communities. Our Volcafe Way farmer support programme engages with thousands of coffee farmers and provides a holistic response to the challenges they face.

This role will be working for ED&F Man Commodities India Pvt Ltd, business entity in Bangalore that operates as in-house global centre of excellence.

Key Accountabilities

• Continuous Improvement: Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and defect patterns across end-to-end Volcafe`s Supply Chain. Conduct process mapping, value stream mapping, RCA, and process waste elimination workshops. Redesign processes toward higher standardization, lower variability, and improved cycle time.
• Automation: Identify processes suitable for automation (RPA, scripting, workflow automation, AI/ML use cases). Collaborate with automation teams (internal or external) to scope, design, and deploy automation solutions. Build light automations where appropriate (e.g. Power Automate flows). Coordinate testing, validation, and rollout of automation solutions.
• Data Analytics: Use operational data to identify inefficiencies, redundant processes and automation opportunities (high-volume repetitive tasks, rework loops, defects). Work with PowerBI and Data teams to design dashboards for process health and continuous monitoring. Create, monitor and report KPIs such as productivity, cycle time and error reduction.
• Standardization: Create SOPs, KPIs, work instructions, and governance documents for existing and new processes. Ensure processes remain compliant with internal controls and external requirements. Conduct periodic reviews to highlight areas for continuous improvement.
• Enablement: Train local and global teams on problem solving, Lean basics, process adherence, standard work, and best practices. Support change adoption through structured communication and change management tools. Act as an internal ambassador for operational excellence culture.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Operational Excellence and Process Improvement
• Experience in supply chain operations (order management, logistics, trade execution, etc.) is highly preferred
• Experience in shared service centres or global business services environments is a strong plus
• Proven ability to initiate and lead continuous improvement projects with measurable outcomes
• Demonstrable application of Lean, continuous improvement, and process management tools
• Excellent communication and facilitation skill with ability to work with cross‑functional and cross‑geographical teams
• Experience with automation tools (e.g., UiPath, Power Automate, Automation Anywhere, macros, Python scripts) is a serious differentiator
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Computer Science, or related field
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment. We recognise that talent comes in many forms, and we value potential just as much as experience. If this role excites you but you don’t meet ever requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Our Offer

We provide a fast-paced, stimulating and truly global environment, which will stretch your abilities and channel your talents. We also offer competitive salary and benefits combined with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the global leaders in soft commodity trading.

Our Values

Respect, Integrity, Meritocracy, Client Focus, Entrepreneurship Volcafe shares the values of our parent company, ED&F Man Commodities. Our values define who we are. They are the fundamental beliefs that determine our actions and guide our behaviour. They influence the way we communicate and collaborate, and define the way we engage with our clients, partners, and communities.

Our Commitment

Volcafe shares the commitment of our parent company, ED&F Man Commodities. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and are focussed on actively building and developing diverse teams. All qualified applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to race, colour, sex, gender, age, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partner status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment (identity, gender expression), genetic information or any characteristic protected by local law.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

To apply you must have the right to work for the provided location.