Value Stream Manager

SEC Group; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SEC Group is seeking a Value Stream Manager for distribution and warehousing in Northbrook, IL. You will own the full value stream from receiving to dock, driving safety, quality, and cost objectives while leading process improvements and team development.

Responsibilities include staffing, labor optimization, and implementing digital solutions with SAP, ERP, and WMS. A strong Lean background is essential for scalable operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in distribution and warehousing with increasing responsibility.
• 5–8+ years in a leadership role within distribution/warehousing.
• Hands-on in establishing or standing up a new distribution center.
• Experience with SAP, ERP, WMS, RF scanning and related tools.
• Lean, continuous improvement mindset with measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end performance of the distribution and warehousing value stream.
• Oversee receiving, put-away, inventory, picking, packing, shipping, and dock ops.
• Set staffing, labor, workflow, capacity to hit service and cost goals.
• Drive KPIs: perfect orders, on-time shipment, accuracy, inventory.
• Establish routines using KPIs, visual management, problem solving.
• Lead Lean transformation, standard work, value stream mapping.
• Develop labor plans, shift structures, cross-training, scalability.
• Drive DC startup, consolidation, expansion, and optimization.
• Partner with IT and business teams on SAP, ERP, WMS implementations.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Waste Reduction

Kaizen

Staff Development

Gemba

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

ERP

WMS

RF Scanning

Automation

AMRs

Job description

Value Stream Manager – Distribution & Warehousing:

We are seeking an experienced Value Stream Manager to lead distribution and warehousing operations within a high-volume, complex environment. This individual will have end-to-end ownership of the distribution value stream, including receiving, put-away, inventory, picking, packing, shipping, and dock operations, with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, inventory accuracy, cost, productivity, and team performance.This is a highly hands-on leadership role for someone who has successfully stood up, expanded, or consolidated distribution operations and can drive significant operational transformation. The Value Stream Manager will lead day-to-day distribution operations while improving processes, developing teams, implementing technology, and building a disciplined, scalable operation.

• Responsibilities:Lead end-to-end performance of the distribution and warehousing value stream, including receiving, put-away, inventory management, picking, packing, shipping, and dock operations.
• Manage day-to-day operational priorities, staffing, labor allocation, workflow, capacity, and resources to achieve customer service, productivity, inventory, quality, and financial objectives.
• Drive performance against key operational metrics including perfect order rate, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, on-time shipment, dock-to-stock time, labor productivity, and cost per order.
• Establish and lead daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly operating rhythms utilizing KPIs, visual management, structured problem solving, and accountability.
• Drive Lean transformation and continuous improvement through Routine Management, Standard Work, value stream mapping, visual management, Gemba leadership, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Maintain a strong presence on the distribution floor and dock, coaching teams in real time, identifying waste, challenging existing workflows, and improving operational execution.
• Develop labor plans, shift structures, staffing models, and cross-training strategies that allow the operation to flex with changing volume and customer demand.
• Lead distribution center startup, consolidation, expansion, and optimization initiatives, including facility layout, slotting, material flow, dock operations, workflow design, and process standardization.
• Capture and improve processes transferred from legacy operations and convert them into documented, repeatable standard work.
• Lead or support end-to-end digital business-to-warehouse integration initiatives while maintaining operational continuity and customer service.
• Partner with IT and business process teams to implement and optimize SAP, ERP, WMS, inventory, warehouse management, shipping, RF scanning, and other digital solutions.
• Evaluate and implement emerging distribution technologies including warehouse automation, labor management systems, AMRs, data-driven visual management, and other technologies that improve productivity and service.
• Ensure safe and compliant receiving, shipping, dock, material handling, carrier, and yard operations in accordance with OSHA, EHS, DOT, hazardous material, and company safety requirements.
• Ensure distribution operations comply with applicable quality and regulatory requirements related to storage, handling, preservation, identification, traceability, and distribution records.
• Support product traceability, product holds, recalls, field actions, CAPA activities, and internal, customer, and regulatory audits as required.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Customer Service, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Transportation, EHS, IT, and other functions to resolve operational issues and meet customer commitments.
• Lead, coach, and develop associates, leads, supervisors, and other team members while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
• Own hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, employee development, succession planning, engagement, and retention within the value stream.
• Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field. Relevant additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 10+ years of distribution and warehousing experience with progressive responsibility in complex distribution operations.
• 5–8+ years of leadership experience within distribution, warehousing, operations, or a similar operational leadership role.
• Hands-on experience establishing or standing up a new distribution center.
• Demonstrated experience leading a significant distribution center consolidation, expansion, or operational transformation.
• Hands-on experience with distribution facility design, layout, slotting, material flow, workflow optimization, receiving, shipping, and dock operations.
• Experience leading or co-leading an end-to-end digital business-to-warehouse integration within a live operation.
• Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement with measurable results in safety, customer service, productivity, inventory accuracy, and cost.
• Strong Lean and continuous improvement background with experience utilizing Routine Management, Standard Work, visual management, value stream mapping, Gemba leadership, and structured problem solving.
• Experience developing staffing models, labor plans, productivity standards, shift structures, and cross-training strategies within a high-volume distribution environment.
• Working knowledge of warehouse and dock safety requirements, including powered industrial trucks, material handling, carrier operations, and OSHA requirements.
• Experience with SAP, ERP, WMS, or similar warehouse and inventory management systems.
• Experience with warehouse technology including RF and scan-directed work, labor management systems, automation, AMRs, or other distribution technologies preferred.
• Experience within medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or another regulated product distribution environment preferred.
• Experience supporting lot traceability, UDI, quality systems, audits, recalls, or similar regulated distribution requirements preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-channel distribution including dealer/distributor, direct, e-commerce, parcel, LTL, and international shipping preferred.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to operate hands-on on the distribution floor and dock while managing overall value stream performance and cross-functional priorities.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or related certification preferred.
• Ability to work primarily within a distribution and warehouse environment and travel domestically on a limited basis.