Continuous Improvement Manager

Cooper‑Booth Wholesale Company (CBW), established in 1865, is a family‑owned, full‑service distributor serving retailers in the Mid‑Atlantic region. With a legacy of growth through acquisitions and a commitment to excellent service and value, CBW is now one of the Top 10 leading convenience store wholesalers in the U.S.

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and facilitating cross‑functional initiatives that drive operational excellence across all departments within the organization. This role plays a critical part in improving quality, service, productivity, effectiveness, cost efficiencies, and safety. Using Lean, Six Sigma, and data‑driven methodologies, the manager works collaboratively with leaders and teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

• Lead, coordinate, and facilitate process improvement projects across multiple departments (e.g., warehouse, transportation, customer service, IT, sales, procurement, finance, HR).
• Conduct thorough analyses of operational performance, identifying inefficiencies, quality issues, and safety risks.
• Use Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to develop and implement solutions that improve workflow, reduce waste, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Partner with departmental leaders to establish KPIs, track progress, and drive accountability for improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a change agent by promoting a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement across the enterprise.
• Standardize successful practices and assist in the documentation of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Design and facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, process mapping sessions, and root cause analyses.
• Build dashboards and reporting tools that provide actionable insights for leadership.
• Mentor and train employees at all levels in process improvement tools and techniques.
• Lead cost reduction and productivity enhancement initiatives that contribute to the company’s financial goals.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with HR and department leaders on employee training and development related to process improvement.

• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Experience working across functional areas in a collaborative, leadership‑driven environment.
• Demonstrated success in managing and executing cross‑functional improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and project management software.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem‑solving ability with a bias for action and results.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in the convenience store, food service, or wholesale distribution industry.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 or other ERP systems.
• Change management or organizational development experience.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a process improvement, operations, or project management role, preferably within a distribution, logistics, or supply chain environment.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Certified Lean Practitioner
• Black belt, green belt preferred