Sr. Manager - Process Improvement, Lean Manufacturing Specialist

McKesson; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

McKesson is seeking a Sr. Manager – Process Improvement, Lean Manufacturing Specialist to lead continuous improvement across our 3PL and pharmaceutical distribution operations.

The role requires Lean expertise, large-scale initiative leadership, and strong cross-functional collaboration with client accounts. The preferred candidate will reside near Louisville KY, Erlanger KY or Mason OH with on-site support; remote candidates may be considered for the right mix of on-site and virtual work.

Qualifications

• Experience applying Lean methodologies, Kaizen facilitation, value stream mapping, process optimization, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders and driving enterprise-wide change initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with ability to balance operational improvement objectives with customer and business needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex process redesign initiatives focused on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and strengthening customer satisfaction.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and Kaizen events to accelerate identification of operational opportunities.
• Utilize Lean principles and structured problem-solving to deliver sustainable improvements.
• Manage change effectively as a result of continuous improvement events.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external clients to drive measurable outcomes.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing Practitioner

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Kaizen facilitation

Value stream mapping

Process optimization

Structured problem-solving

Executive-level presentation

Job description

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve – we care.

What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow’s health today, we want to hear from you.

CoverMyMeds is seeking a strategic and hands‑on Sr. Manager – Process Improvement, Lean Manufacturing Specialist to lead continuous improvement initiatives across our Third‑Party Logistics (3PL) organization. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence through Lean methodologies, value stream optimization, process redesign, and performance improvement initiatives that enhance service, quality, productivity, and cost outcomes.

As a leader within the Continuous Improvement team, you will partner with operational leaders, cross‑functional stakeholders, and key client accounts to identify opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and deliver measurable business results. This position combines people leadership, process excellence expertise, and business partnership to help shape the future of our pharmaceutical distribution and logistics operations.

Our preferred candidate would reside in the areas of Louisville KY, Erlanger KY or Mason OH where our Distribution Centers are located to support occasional on‑site work, but we may consider a well‑qualified, fully remote candidate.

What You’ll Do:

Operational Excellence Leadership

• Champion a culture of Operational Excellence and continuous improvement across the organization
• Lead business‑wide Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and value stream improvement efforts that drive measurable business outcomes
• Identify, prioritize, and execute strategic process improvement projects aligned to operational and financial objectives
• Establish, standardize, and monitor KPIs that support productivity, quality, service, and cost improvement goals
• Partner with business leaders to align continuous improvement strategies with organizational priorities
• Partner with the business to analyze business performance and operational trends to proactively identify opportunities for optimization and risk reduction

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Lead complex process redesign initiatives focused on improving efficiency, reducing waste, enhancing service delivery, and strengthening customer satisfaction
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and structured problem‑solving methodologies to deliver sustainable improvements
• Facilitate cross‑functional workshops and Kaizen events to accelerate the identification of operational performance opportunities
• Evaluate current business processes with SME to understand where application of innovative solutions will enhance operational effectiveness
• Ensure effective change management as a result of continuous improvement events.

Client & Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and strategic client partners
• Collaborate closely with client services, distribution center operations, and other shared service partners, as required, to deliver business results
• Support key client initiatives by teaching the business how to identify opportunities through lean methodologies to improve operational performance, service delivery, and customer experience
• Influence stakeholders at all levels through clear communication, and strong business acumen

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of continuous improvement professionals
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning
• Build organizational Lean capabilities by coaching team members and business partners on Lean principles and methodologies
• Guide project prioritization and resource allocation to maximize impact across the business

Basic Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent experience, and typically 9+ years of relative professional experience and 1+ years of supervisory and/or management experience
• Proven experience leading large scale Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Experience managing and developing teams in a business, operations, distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain environment
• Demonstrated expertise applying Lean methodologies, Kaizen facilitation, value stream mapping, process optimization, and structured problem‑solving techniques
• Experience influencing cross‑functional stakeholders and driving enterprise‑wide change initiatives
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational improvement objectives with customer and business needs
• Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously while delivering measurable results

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Lean Manufacturing Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or 9+ years of demonstrated history
• Experience within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, medical products, healthcare distribution, or pharmaceutical distribution industries
• Experience in warehousing, fulfillment, distribution center operations, supply chain, third‑party logistics (3PL), or manufacturing operations
• Experience supporting strategic customer‑facing initiatives and partnering directly with external clients
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to connect process improvements to business outcomes
• Experience working with senior leaders and influencing decisions in complex organizations
• Excellent communication and executive‑level presentation skills
• Industrial engineering or operations engineering experience is a plus
• Demonstrated success improving service, quality, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction metrics

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long‑term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson.

Our Base Pay Range for this position

$96,900 - $161,500

McKesson is an Equal Opportunity Employer

McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson’s full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit our Equal Employment Opportunity page.

McKesson is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including job seekers with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to (United States) [e-mail] or (Canada) [e-mail]. Resumes or CVs submitted to this email box will not be accepted.

Join us at McKesson!