Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: Continuous Improvement Manager
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Supply Chain
REPORTS TO: Corporate Direct of Continuous Improvement
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

Gold Star Foods is the leading food distributor to K-12 schools in the United States. We are a company devoted to providing our customers with incredible customer service. We know that it is our teammates who make the difference! Join our team and find out what it is like to work somewhere where you enjoy getting up for work every day!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a results-driven Continuous Improvement Manager to champion operational excellence across our national food distribution network. This individual will be a key change agent, responsible for identifying, leading, and implementing performance improvement initiatives across multiple facilities. With a focus on driving measurable gains in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)—including efficiency, quality, service levels, and waste reduction—this role will work cross-functionally to build a culture of continuous improvement. Although this position has no direct reports, it will require strong leadership through influence, coaching, and collaboration with facility managers, supervisors, and frontline teams.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across multiple warehouse and transportation sites.
• Analyze operational data to identify performance gaps and opportunities in labor productivity, service levels, waste reduction, and quality assurance.
• Facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and root cause analyses using Lean Six Sigma and other CI tools.
• Partner with site leadership teams to develop and implement standardized best practices and performance management frameworks.
• Coach and mentor frontline leaders and associates to build CI capabilities and foster a performance-driven culture.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Experience in the food distribution or perishable goods industry is strongly preferred.
• Proven success leading CI projects across multiple sites or business units.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and performance management principles (Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus).
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and coaching skills; ability to lead through influence.

• Comfortable working independently in a matrixed environment and traveling frequently.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of experience in operations, logistics, or supply chain, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Associate or Bachelor’s preferred

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques are required. May include lifting to 25 pounds on occasion.

EOE M/W/Vet/Disabled:

The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements as the employee may be required to perform any other duties as assigned. In the event of an absence where the teammate cannot perform these duties, the Manager will determine who shall perform these duties.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.