Operations Process Manager – Distribution CenterPosition OverviewThe Operations Process Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence across a high-volume Food & Beverage Distribution Center, including warehouse, logistics, transportation, and traffic operations.This position leads the analysis, standardization, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational processes to increase productivity, efficiency, service levels, capacity, quality, safety, and cost effectiveness. The role works closely with Distribution Center leadership and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and establish a culture of continuous improvement.The ideal candidate is a hands-on, data-driven process leader with strong knowledge of warehouse and logistics operations and proven experience implementing Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.Primary ResponsibilitiesContinuous Improvement & Operational ExcellenceLead the continuous improvement agenda across warehouse, logistics, traffic, and distribution operations.Identify process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and cost-reduction opportunities.Lead Lean, Kaizen, 5S, root-cause analysis, standard work, and process improvement initiatives.Facilitate cross-functional improvement projects and ensure successful implementation and sustainability.Establish and maintain a structured pipeline of continuous improvement projects.Develop and implement standardized operating processes and best practices.Measure the impact of improvements through productivity, service, quality, and financial metrics.Promote a continuous improvement culture throughout the Distribution Center.Warehouse Process ManagementReview and optimize processes including:Receiving and unloadingPut-away and replenishmentInventory movementPicking and order fulfillmentStagingLoading and shippingReturns and reverse logisticsAnalyze workflow, labor utilization, process cycle times, and warehouse capacity.Identify opportunities to improve labor productivity, throughput, space utilization, inventory flow, and order accuracy.Establish and maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions.Partner with Warehouse Operations leadership to ensure processes are consistently executed.Support optimization of WMS functionality and warehouse processes.Logistics & Traffic Process ImprovementAnalyze and improve transportation and traffic processes, including load planning, scheduling, dock management, carrier coordination, and shipment execution.Improve trailer utilization, dock throughput, transportation efficiency, and turnaround times.Identify opportunities to reduce transportation costs, detention, waiting time, and unnecessary movements.Partner with Traffic and Transportation teams to improve on-time shipment and delivery performance.Support optimization of TMS processes and transportation workflows.Develop standardized processes and performance expectations for transportation operations.Process StandardizationDocument current and future-state processes using process maps, SOPs, and standard work.Establish clear process ownership, controls, performance expectations, and escalation procedures.Ensure operational processes are aligned across shifts, departments, and facilities where applicable.Conduct process audits to identify gaps and ensure compliance with established standards.Drive consistency and scalability of best practices across the Distribution Center.Data & Performance ManagementDevelop and maintain operational dashboards and performance reports.Analyze data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.Establish KPIs and performance targets for key operational processes.Monitor metrics such as:Warehouse productivityLabor efficiencyOrder accuracyThroughputCycle timeOn-time shippingDock utilizationTrailer turnaroundTransportation costOvertimeInventory accuracyProcess adherenceTranslate operational data into actionable improvement plans.Quantify the financial and operational benefits of improvement initiatives.Project ManagementLead cross-functional process improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation.Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, responsibilities, and success criteria.Coordinate with Operations, Warehouse, Traffic, Transportation, Supply Chain, IT, Finance, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety.Manage multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously while maintaining clear priorities.Communicate project status, risks, results, and financial impact to leadership.Systems & TechnologyPartner with IT and Operations to improve utilization of WMS, TMS, ERP, and other operational systems.Identify opportunities to use technology, automation, and digital tools to simplify and improve processes.Participate in system enhancements, testing, implementation, and process validation.Ensure system capabilities are aligned with operational requirements and future growth.Key Performance IndicatorsThe Operations Process Manager will be measured by improvements in:Warehouse productivityLabor efficiency and costDistribution center throughputOrder fulfillment accuracyOn-time shipment performanceTransportation efficiencyDock and trailer turnaround timeInventory accuracyProcess cycle timeOvertime reductionSpace utilizationSafety and quality performanceContinuous improvement savingsProject completion and sustainabilityROI of improvement initiativesQualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or related field.Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.Project Management certification is a plus.Experience5–8+ years of experience in process improvement, operations, distribution, logistics, warehouse, supply chain, or related environments.Experience in Food & Beverage, FMCG, Consumer Goods, or high-volume distribution operations strongly preferred.Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in warehouse and/or transportation environments.Experience with WMS, TMS, ERP, and operational reporting systems.Experience working with cross-functional teams and frontline operational personnel.Demonstrated ability to convert operational problems into measurable process improvements.Technical SkillsLean / Six Sigma methodologiesKaizen and continuous improvementProcess mapping and standard workRoot Cause AnalysisKPI development and performance managementWarehouse operationsLogistics and transportation processesWMS / TMS / ERP systemsAdvanced ExcelPower BI or similar analytics toolsProject managementData analysis and visualizationSOP development and process documentationCore CompetenciesContinuous improvement mindsetStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsProcess-oriented thinkingOperational disciplineData-driven decision makingProject leadershipChange managementStrong communication skillsCross-functional collaborationAbility to influence without direct authorityHands-on leadership styleStrong sense of urgencyResults-oriented approachLeadership & CollaborationThe Operations Process Manager serves as a key continuous improvement partner to Distribution Center leadership, working closely with operational leaders and frontline teams to identify opportunities and implement practical, sustainable solutions.The successful candidate must be comfortable spending significant time on the warehouse floor and within transportation and traffic operations, observing processes, engaging employees, identifying root causes, and driving improvements.This position requires the ability to balance strategic process improvement with hands-on operational execution, ensuring that improvements deliver measurable and sustainable business results.Work EnvironmentPrimarily based within a high-volume Food & Beverage Distribution Center.Frequent presence in warehouse, loading dock, traffic, transportation, and operational areas.May work in varying temperature environments depending on warehouse operations.Requires interaction with employees and leaders across all levels of the organization.Occasional travel to other Distribution Centers, suppliers, carriers, or operational locations may be required.