Continuous Improvement Leader

Kenco Group; Mundelein (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

HSA / FSA

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Job summary

Kenco Logistics is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Leader to deploy and sustain the Kenco Operating System (KOS) at our Distribution Center. You will lead cross-functional teams in lean initiatives, process mapping and ROI-driven improvement projects across operations.

The ideal candidate has 6–8 years of experience, Lean Six Sigma credentials, and strong coaching skills to mentor site leaders and drive measurable performance improvements company-wide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 6–8 years of experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt with practical examples.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, ISO, and Change Management.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and deploy KOS.

Responsibilities

• Support deployment of Kenco Operating System (KOS) at the site.
• Coach leaders and associates on standard work, lean, and Six Sigma.
• Develop and execute the KOS implementation plan.
• Present data and ROI analyses to stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction across the network.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project Management

Data Analysis

Change Management

Communication

Excel

Minitab

Training & coaching

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical software

Job description

At Kenco Logistics, you’re more than just a team member—you’re part of a company that values innovation, integrity, and a strong commitment to its people. As one of the leading 3PL providers in the U.S., Kenco offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where your ideas matter and your growth is a priority. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, Kenco empowers employees to make a real impact in the supply chain industry while building rewarding careers. Join a company where your contributions help move the world forward—one shipment at a time.

About The Position

Senior level in Continuous Improvement job progression. Responsible for, but not limited to, functions pertaining to the development, implementation and maintenance of the Kenco Operating System (KOS) at our Distribution Center. This includes the cross functional activities of: Lean, Work Measurement & Accountability, Six Sigma, Quality, Financial Management, Training and Project Management. The CI Leader will be the change agent within the network to deploy the Kenco Operating System (KOS) in support of Operational Excellence.

Functions

• Supports and enables the deployment of Kenco Operating System (KOS) at the assigned site with general/minimal supervision
• Serves in a project champion advisor role and provides advice on project selection, definition, prioritization, and completion.
• Provides regular feedback and updates on active projects.
• Assists all Site leadership in the culture and practices around the Kenco Guiding Principles.
• Assists all Site leadership in the development and execution of the KOS implementation plan.
• Facilitates and coaches KOS training at a site level.
• Provides on-going education in data-driven business improvement philosophies/methods at all employee levels.
• Will manage the site KOS deployment on an on-going basis.
• Coach and mentor leaders and associates on the following:The application of standard work and quality management systems,Work measurement and accountability,Lean philosophies and Six Sigma,Financial management and project management,Effective training,
• Calculate financial cost and benefits to process changes; validate results with process owners.
• Instill KOS ownership via training, mentoring, coaching, and other technical support at the site and functional levels.
• Influence leadership on KOS principles, processes, and tools as defined in the implementation plan.
• Partner with network leaders to develop and complete KOS deployment and action plans, plan and complete maturity assessments and phase gate reviews.
• Share knowledge with other Continuous Improvement Leaders and teams across the organization for support and continued update of the latest KOS enhancements and updates.
• Drive breakthrough performance and expectations through the network.
• Drive solutions to assigned tasks incorporating a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Flexible application of KOS concepts to meet business needs.
• Presenting data to customers, both internal and external.
• Perform process mapping, value stream mapping, process design, methods development, establishing performance standards/metrics, ROI analysis and project management.
• Issues written and oral instructions to employees as needed.
• Assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures as related to EIP.
• Coach employees to improve their performance and expand their skills as outlined within EIP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in a related discipline; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 6-8 years of relevant experience
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. At the least, the candidate/employee should be able to give detailed examples of experience in lean manufacturing techniques.
• Technical competencies in: Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Process Management, ISO, Change Management and advanced statistical techniques.
• A basic knowledge of Material Handling Equipment and other various machinery
• Must be results-oriented, a change agent, with the ability to interface with all levels and areas of an organization, establish close working relationships, and build consensus for chosen solutions
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, and area
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to read, interpret, and write documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Experience using appropriate statistical software such as Minitab, Crystal Ball, Statistic, SPC XL, SPSS, etc.
• Competence using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to quantify impact to process metrics and financials.
• Skill in coaching/mentoring in on-the-job application of new skills is critical.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Competencies

• Business Acumen - Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting his/her business and organization.
• Communicate for Impact - Proactively communicate with all stakeholders throughout the life cycle of programs and projects.
• Influencing Others - Can quickly find common ground and can solve problems for the good of the organization with a minimal amount of noise. Authentically gains trust and support of peers.
• Managing Transitions/ Change Management - Effectively plans, manages and communicates changes in processes with appropriate stakeholders.
• Strategic Agility - Enable Kenco to remain competitive by adjusting and adapting to innovative ideas necessary to support Kenco’s long-term organizational strategy.

Travel Requirements

• This position is expected to travel approximately 25% or less.
• A passport is not required, but recommended.

Disclosures

• For California residents – please enter or copy/paste the address below into your address bar to review an important notice regarding Kenco’s privacy policy https://www.kencogroup.com/ccpa-notice-at-collection-for-employees-and-applicants/
• The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned as needed. The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Kenco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Per company policy, all internal job postings expire 14 days from the date they are posted.

Benefits Offered

• Medical insurance including HSA, HRA and FSA accounts
• Supplemental insurance including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accidental injury
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life
• Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off approximately 2 weeks (accrual begins on Day 1 of employment)
• Employer Paid Holidays- 10 days

Kenco strives to provide a supportive, professional environment for all employees. As a part of Kenco, we expect our team to uphold our three key pillars: be honest, serve, and get better. Each should strive for operational excellence, pursue innovation, and want to grow with our company.

Kenco Group is an Equal-Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For California residents please enter or copy/paste the address below into your address bar

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

For California residents – please enter or copy/paste the address below into your address bar to review an important notice regarding Kenco’s privacy policy.

https://www.kencogroup.com/ccpa-notice-at-collection-for-employees-and-applicants/