This job contributes to REI’s success by designing and deploying best in class processes and building a culture of Continuous Improvement (CI) across REI’s Supply Chain (SC). This role will enable the Supply Chain team to operate in a more efficient, effective manner to reach short- and long-term productivity improvements and to better serve our customer. The role requires a highly resourceful leader with strong operations experience, self-motivation, keen sense of curiosity and bias towards action. They should possess the strong ability to coach and influence teams not reporting to them and have a successful track record of driving results. This position will be responsible for identifying, planning and leading cross functional improvements, as aligned with the CI Manager and SC Leadership. Using Lean Six Sigma disciplines, they will develop, scale, and standardize sustainable processes that reduce waste, utilize data-driven decision making, and promote an end-to-end problem solving mindset.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
- Manage a portfolio of improvement projects that supports divisional priorities and ladders up to REI’s strategic pillars
- Participate in and apply CI principles to a wide array of Supply Chain and Merchandising operations topics, while representing VOC from both shop floor and upstream/ downstream stakeholders, including vendors as applicable
- Represent SC in cross divisional problem-solving engagements and effectively prepare and deliver presentations to exec leadership as needed
- Track and communicate progress of the CI portfolio through quantitative analysis and presenting measurable before/after conditions across a variety of forums
- Contribute to the SC CI strategy and roadmap
- Actively lead and participate in high impact, cross-functional projects relating to material handling, technology and business process optimization
- Assess current state processes and solve for root causes to reduce waste, drive efficiency, increase quality, and optimize cost
- Design future state processes and advocate for network standardization through benchmarking against industry best practices in supply chain fulfillment, e-commerce and distribution
- Recommends process changes that ensure safety standards and regulatory compliance are met (vetted with external parties as needed)
- Serve as subject matter expert on the utilization of CI tools and methodologies to include, but not limited to: DMAIC, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, Standard Work Instructions, Gemba Walks
- Lead and facilitate structured problem-solving events (Kaizens or rapid improvement workshops) across groups of 10+ cross functional SME’s and process owners
- Strengthen Continuous Improvement learning by contributing to the design and deployment of Lean training courses both virtually and in-person
- Serve as a Continuous Improvement coach to project teams, process owners and leaders 2-Way Communication
Preferred:
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or experience running a CI program
Required:
- 5+ years’ progressive work experience in retail distribution or e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse management, manufacturing/material handling or merchandising
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field, or combination of training and relevant experience
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and/or 2+ years in a dedicated CI role
- Experience in facilitating improvement workshops and managing multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced operations environment
- Builds capacity of employees and teams through effective employee development, involvement and communication efforts
- Creates a strong, mutually supportive work culture where people can do their best. Establishes trust and inspires others.
- Delivers on commitments and holds others to same.
- Champions the organization and advocates solutions in the overall Company's best interest.
- Actively participates and collaborates with others on one's own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals.
- Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities.
- Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound decisions.
- Considers the ultimate impact of decisions and actions on internal and external customers.
- Works smart by setting effective work goals, establishing priorities, and planning well in order to produce quality work.
- Executes effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals.
- High problem-solving capacity, determination and willingness to jump in to enable teams to resolve complex problems.
- Challenges the status quo, champions change and influences others to change.
Closing
At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.
Pay Transparency
We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.
REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.
Pay Range
$83,700.00 - $134,000.00 per year