Continuous Improvement Manager - Materials & Distribution

Role Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager (Expert, Non-People Manager) is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading strategic, high-impact process optimization initiatives across HP’s distribution operations. This hands-on role partners with cross-functional leaders to identify, design, and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, cost control, and customer satisfaction-without direct people management responsibilities. The ideal candidate is an expert in Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation, with a proven record of delivering measurable results in high-volume, technology-driven distribution environments. This role requires strong communication, project management, and influencing skills to inspire teams, embed continuous improvement principles, and drive adoption across the network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the multi-year continuous improvement (CI) roadmap for HP’s distribution operations, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer requirements.
• Identify and prioritize high-impact opportunities using data analysis, value stream mapping, and stakeholder engagement, uncovering continuous improvement possibilities that enhance productivity, cost control, and quality.
• Lead large-scale, cross-functional projects (e.g., automation, digitalization, process reengineering, storage optimization, layout enhancements) from concept through benefit realization within distribution operations.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain Operations leadership and other BUs (including Human Resources, Sales, IT, Customer Service, and Manufacturing) to understand current and future needs, drive process standardization, and optimize distribution flow.
• Facilitate executive steering committees and present progress, risks, and outcomes to senior leadership.
• Coach, educate, and mentor CI practitioners and operational teams, building a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement across the distribution network.
• Drive Lean culture by training and deploying Lean toolkits (PDCA, value stream mapping, visual controls, Kaizen, total employee involvement), and facilitate Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops, including joint sessions with customers, suppliers, and corporate staff.
• Inspire and engage cross-functional teams, influencing management at all levels to secure support and resources for timely and effective solution implementation.
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive training programs to upskill employees and reinforce best practices.
• Ensure robust change management, including communication plans, training, and post-implementation audits.
• Establish and track robust KPIs tied to organizational improvement goals, including order accuracy, cycle time, cost per order, inventory turns, and customer satisfaction, ensuring standardization and adoption of CI practices across the network.
• Serve as a project manager for strategic initiatives, ensuring successful initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout.
• Participate in the specification and procurement of storage and material handling equipment as part of layout and process optimization projects.
• Communicate brilliantly, fostering collaboration and driving success across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field; Master’s or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in process improvement or operational excellence within distribution operations, logistics, or manufacturing (preferably in the technology sector).
• Minimum of 5 years in a continuous improvement leadership or senior project management role, with a deep understanding of supply chain or distribution logistics operations.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or higher) certification.
• Demonstrated success leading transformational projects with significant cost savings and service improvements in distribution operations.
• Advanced skills in data analytics (Power BI, Tableau, SQL) and process modelling.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present opportunities and inspire teams at all levels.
• Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), automation, and digital supply chain technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; detail-oriented and able to thrive with limited direction in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a global, matrixed organization.
• Familiarity with HP’s products, distribution models, or technology sector best practices.
• Formal training in change management (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR).