Continuous Improvement Manager

Schnellecke Logistics USA; Vance (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Schnellecke Logistics USA is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead process planning and Lean activities across the business unit, directing planning and maintenance teams to optimize warehouse layouts, material and information flows, and manpower requirements.

You will drive efficiency reporting for invoicing, oversee Kaizen and Idea Management, and partner with operations leadership and customers to improve safety, quality, and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain/Logistics, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years in logistics or manufacturing process planning: warehouse layouts, material flow, and capacity or manpower requirements.
• 2+ years in Lean or CI management: leading Lean projects or continuous improvement initiatives and running Idea Management programs, with training in Lean concepts and shop floor management.
• 2+ years leading a team with direct reports, including financial responsibility for a budget or project costs.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including complex calculations and analysis in Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead process planning and Lean activities for the business unit, directing planning and maintenance teams.
• Develop and implement warehouse layouts, material and information flows, process standards, and manpower requirements.
• Provide efficiency reporting and data analysis for invoicing and Lean/Idea Management activities.
• Lead Kaizen and improvement projects from planning through implementation with operations leadership and customers.
• Support safety, quality, and operational performance through continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean / CI leadership

Team leadership

Process improvement

Excel / data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain/Logistics, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Power BI

SAP

WMS/ERP

Job description

Description

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for, but not limited to, leading process planning and Lean activities for the business unit. This position leads the planning and maintenance teams, directing the development and implementation of warehouse layouts, material and information flows, process standards, and manpower requirements to meet customer requirements. The role is also responsible for efficiency reporting and data analysis for invoicing, as well as the site’s Lean and Idea Management activities, including Kaizen, and leads improvement projects from planning through implementation in close cooperation with operations leadership and the customer to support safety, quality, and operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example in safety, quality, and standard work, ensuring the planning and maintenance teams follow safety rules and standard work procedures
• Execute company values, strategy, and operational standards, ensuring Schnellecke Logistics best practices are applied throughout the business unit
• Lead, develop, and manage the performance of the planning and maintenance teams
• Manage the department budget and project costs
• Lead the planning team in developing layouts, material and information flows, and warehouse strategies based on packaging characteristics, consumption, and delivery method, meeting customer requirements and optimizing internal and external resources
• Maintain process-related resource requirements through MTM analysis and process time investigations, keeping them current as processes change
• Ensure the planning team maintains process documentation, including FMEAs, work instructions, and KIM ergonomic assessments
• Lead the maintenance team in implementing layout and process changes and maintaining facility and material handling equipment
• Plan, coordinate, and direct projects, applying the company’s project management methodology throughout the business unit
• Lead Lean and Kaizen initiatives and promote a Lean culture throughout the organization
• Identify process deficiencies and implement improvements that make processes robust, efficient, and aligned with customer requirements
• Manage the Idea Management program, turning associate ideas into operational improvements
• Support the development of training materials and Lean tools for teams involved in change processes
• Develop and monitor KPIs and analyze efficiency data, working with operations managers to ensure efficiency reports reflect the actual workload of each process
• Provide efficiency reporting and data analysis as the basis for customer invoicing
• Coach and support leadership in applying Lean methods, and audit Lean processes and report results

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain/Logistics, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5+ years in logistics or manufacturing process planning: warehouse layouts, material flow, and capacity or manpower requirements
• 2+ years in Lean or CI management: leading Lean projects or continuous improvement initiatives and running Idea Management programs, with training in Lean concepts and shop floor management
• 2+ years leading a team with direct reports, including financial responsibility for a budget or project costs
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including complex calculations and analysis in Excel

Preferred Requirements

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• MTM-Logistics training or experience
• Automotive, Tier 1, or 3PL experience
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Power BI, or similar tools
• WMS/ERP experience (e.g., SAP)

Physical Demand

• Must be able to work in a plant and office environment
• Exposure to occasionally loud noise levels
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time. Bending and/or reaching may be required.
• Personal Protective Equipment must be worn at all times while on the shop floor to prevent injury to self or others.

Why Join Schnellecke Logistics

Schnellecke Logistics is a global, family-owned logistics provider with more than 80 years of experience supporting automotive and industrial supply chains. We offer a stable and growing environment where employees can build long-term careers while contributing to high-impact operations. Our teams work in a structured, safety-focused culture that values accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from competitive compensation, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth across operations, engineering, and business functions.

EEOC Statement

Schnellecke Logistics is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.