Job Overview:

The Senior Director Continuous Improvement is responsible for driving the implementation of lean six sigma in all areas of supply chain operations and will collaborate cross-functionally to develop, deploy and sustain continuous improvement best practices to deliver on performance expectations.  This position serves as the strategic partner for Regional Operations Leadership and has direct accountability for driving efficiency, waste elimination and value through Supply Chain Operations with a focus on enhancing operational capabilities to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, service and cost for customers and stakeholders. 

The Senior Director Continuous Improvement is responsible for establishing a high-performing Continuous Improvement team that consistently demonstrates organizational value. 

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Support the development of the strategic plan for lean six sigma implementation across Supply Chain and cross-functionally in alignment with UNFI’s overall goals and objectives.
• Effectively implement the utilization of lean six sigma methodologies to identify waste and continuous improvement opportunities, analyze data, determine countermeasures, implement solution and validate performance results expected to deliver and sustain value.
• Collaborate with all levels of Supply Chain leadership to develop the lean six sigma capabilities of the organization with an emphasis on effective execution at the Gemba to drive continuous performance improvements.
• Develops and leads a cohesive, high-performing team to effectively establish supply chain’s lean six sigma capabilities by leading tactical objective setting, delegation, and communication.
• Provide training, coaching and lean six sigma expertise to associates at all levels of the organization designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Conducts audits and objective reviews of existing lean six sigma systems, initiatives, and commitments to validate delivery of performance expectations.
• Leads and is responsible for the design and execution of Policies, Programs and Initiatives used to execute, monitor, and measure the overall delivery of process improvement projects across the enterprise.
• Champions new and modified processes and coach’s teams/individuals on optimal execution, performance measurement, and process monitoring.
• Partners with business resources to develop dashboards, scorecards, metrics, and general reporting that enable governance and control of process for various owners.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices in continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards related to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or related field preferred
• Lean six sigma Green Belt/Black Belt Certification or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of total experience in lean six sigma and process improvement methodologies
• 5+ years’ experience working in UNFI Operations preferred.
• Expert with Lean, Six Sigma, Business Process Management, Process Intelligence
• Demonstrated effective project management experience.
• Strong business and supply chain acumen
• Experience in developing and deploying enterprise policy and systems.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Outstanding leadership and communication skills with the skill to build rapport and trust with reporting teams, cross-functional stakeholders and internal customers.
• Collaborative and organized work style; demonstrated ability to build successful business partnerships as well as leading and delivering solutions to complex business opportunities.
• In-depth knowledge of program and project plan development and management, scheduling methodology, agile methodologies, program and project metrics, analysis, and status reporting
• Capability to evaluate conflicting priorities and understanding of target-setting strategy with ability execute with speed and agility to achieve established goals despite challenges.
• Proven ability to effectively manage accountability and measures to hold self and others accountable for performance results.
• Ability to leverage thought diversity to identify and execute innovative ideas to improve the business. 
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (major):

• Travel is required up to 75% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

Warehouse Roles:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, and turn frequently.  
• Exposed to temperatures ranging from -20 degrees below zero to 35 degrees Fahrenheit in Perishable Operation and 37 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Grocery Operation.
• Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist, and hand movements required for maintenance and service procedures.  
• Must be able to work with hands and arms overhead, and to work in or under the equipment.  
• Requires manual dexterity, overall coordination, and good balance to work both at ground level and in high places to perform job duties.  Ability to operate work-related equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.