Area Manager - ACES - Process Excellence

Role Overview:

The ACES Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement, process standardization, and operational excellence across all functional areas of the fulfillment center. This role leverages Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify and eliminate defects, reduce variability, and improve safety, quality, and productivity outcomes. The ACES Manager partners closely with Operations, Safety, Quality, and HR teams to build a culture of data-driven decision-making and sustainable process improvement.

Key job responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement & Kaizen:

- Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process improvement workshops across Inbound, Outbound, and ICQA functions.

- Drive adoption of Lean tools (5S, visual management, standard work) on the floor.

- Achieve measurable year-over-year improvements in productivity, quality, and cost metrics.

Defect Elimination & Root Cause Analysis:

- Own the site defect elimination pipeline; manage projects from identification through verification of effectiveness.

- Partner with process engineers and operations leaders to implement corrective and preventive actions.

Standard Work & Process Audits:

- Develop, deploy, and maintain standard work documentation for all critical process paths.

- Conduct regular Gemba walks and layered process audits to ensure compliance with SOPs.

- Coach and train associates and area managers on standard work adherence and problem-solving techniques.

- Drive audit finding closures and escalate systemic non-conformances to leadership.

Metrics & Reporting:

- Own site-level ACES metrics dashboard including DPMO, cycle time, first pass yield, and process capability indices.

- Prepare and present weekly/monthly ACES business reviews to site leadership.

- Benchmark against network best practices and drive adoption of successful initiatives from other FCs.

Stakeholder Management & Coaching:

- Build strong partnerships with Operations, Safety, Quality, RME, and HR teams.

Basic qualifications:

- Degree in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or another technical field.

- Experience working with cross-functional teams.

Preferred qualifications:

- Degree in Engineering, Logistics, or a similar field.

- Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen techniques.

- Experience in program or project management.