Continuous Improvement Specialist

DistributionNOW; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary + bonus

401(k)/ Retirement savings

Comprehensive Benefits (medical, etc.)

Career growth opportunities

Friendly work environment

Paid vacation/holidays

Job summary

DNOW is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to analyze and enhance internal and client-facing processes. You will lead cross-functional teams, define project scope and timelines, and develop SOPs with training materials to drive efficiencies and safety.

Ideal candidates hold a Six Sigma Green Belt with 5 years of project management and continuous improvement experience, and are able to travel up to 25% to support initiatives across locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree preferred with five years of project management and continuous improvement experience.
• Demonstrated ability to apply Six Sigma methodologies to improve processes and reduce waste.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and cross-functional leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to evaluate processes and implement improvements.
• Develop project requirements, scope, and timelines; manage execution with cross-functional teams.
• Create SOPs and training materials; monitor risks and deliverables across projects.
• Present business cases with cost-benefit analyses to senior leadership.
• Travel as needed to support branch and client initiatives (at least 25%).

Skills

Six Sigma Green Belt

Project Management

Stakeholder Leadership

Excel

ERP/ SAP experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Project

Visio

Smartsheet

Outlook

Excel

SAP

Job description

At DNOW, we believe our associates are the best in the business. We value and reward hardworking, creative, and dedicated employees that desire to be part of a team committed to outstanding customer service.

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for evaluating existing internal and external (client-facing) business processes and systems, in efforts to determine solutions aimed at improving efficiencies, quality, value, and safety. These activities will take place in accordance with DNOW policies and procedures, governmental legislation, and required quality and safety service guidelines.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to evaluate existing business processes, identify improvement initiatives, and develop comprehensive solutions
• Assist with the development of project requirements, scope, project/implementation plans and their respective timelines
• Lead and manage internal and client-facing integration initiatives and their execution through cross-functional teams
• Consult and coordinate various subject matter experts, departments, and clients in the development of specific business objectives and project requirements
• Work efficiently to meet required deliverables and complete tasks within established timeframe
• Act as a liaison between the business and functional/technical teams as needed
• Provide and maintain effective and well-documented project related materials
• Hold recurring project meetings (internal & external) to keep key stakeholders and team members apprised of current statuses and notified of any risks to the project plan or timeline as soon as they arise
• Effectively multitask and manage concurrent projects and timelines
• Create and disseminate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as necessary
• Assist in the development of user training (internal and external) pertaining to continuous improvement initiatives as needed working directly with the Centralized training team on requirements and roll out of training initiatives
• Immediately and effectively respond to urgent branch support requirements should they arise
• Develop and present compelling business cases, including cost-benefit analysis, to secure leadership buy-in
• Continuously monitors market trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive innovation and elevate continuous improvement efforts
• Represent and act on behalf of DNOW in an ethical manner
• Does not commit DNOW to any financial expenditure without company approval
• Ensure compliance with personnel policies and government HSE employment practices
• Other duties as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• 5 years of relevant experience in project management and continuous improvement initiatives

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel (at least 25%)
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification required; Black Belt preferred
• Knowledge of company deliverables and offerings
• Strong strategic and tactical problem-solving skills with a solutions-driven approach
• Demonstrate experience in applying Six Sigma methodologies to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency
• Proven ability to lead or participate in continuous improvement projects, utilizing Six Sigma tools like DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and statistical analysis
• Display of leadership capabilities
• Ability to establish confidence internally and within client’s organization and deliver against communicated expectations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills within all levels of an organization (internal and external) and the ability to work closely with various organizational levels
• Ability to deliver results, prioritize tasks and adjust to changing priorities
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Project, Visio, Smartsheet, and Outlook
• Prior SAP experience (preferred) or an understanding of ERP systems (and related technologies)
• Project management experience (preferred)
• Prior exposure to EDI interfaces and resultant benefits (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to perform within a continuous improvement culture
• Strong ethical compliance standards

BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary + bonus
• 401(k)/ Retirement savings
• Comprehensive Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage)
• Career growth opportunities
• Friendly work environment
• Paid vacation/holidays

At DNOW we know that our greatest asset is our employees. With approximately 200 locations worldwide, DNOW is growing and so are the employment opportunities. We offer a multitude of disciplines and professions within the company and we invite you to view these opportunities.

DNOW is an industry leading provider of pipe, valves and valve automation, fittings, instrumentation, mill and industrial supplies, tools, safety supplies, electrical products, drilling and production equipment, artificial lift, pumps, fabricated equipment, and industrial paints and coatings to the upstream, midstream, and downstream and industrial markets.

We also offer supply chain solutions such as procurement, inventory, warehouse management logistics, safety and turnaround support services, project management, and business process and performance metrics reporting.