Director of Continuous Improvement - Turn Data into Decisions - Turn Processes into Performance - Columbus, Ohio

The Wasserstrom Company is seeking a strategic, analytical, and forward-thinking leader to drive continuous improvement across our distribution, operational, and business support functions. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on a well-established industry leader while shaping the future of how work gets done.

If you're energized by solving complex business challenges, uncovering insights hidden in data, deploying automation and AI solutions, and leading transformational change, we want to hear from you.

Why This Role Matters

As Director of Continuous Improvement, you will lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce cost, enhance productivity, and create sustainable business results. You will partner with leaders across operations, IT, warehousing, and corporate functions to identify opportunities, build solutions, and drive measurable improvements.

This role combines the best of

• Advanced analytics and business intelligence
• Process optimization and Lean methodologies
• AI and automation innovation
• Systems improvement and technology implementation
• Cross-functional leadership and change management
• You will have the opportunity to directly influence operational strategy while helping our associates work smarter, faster, and more effectively.

What You'll Do

Drive Business Transformation

• Lead the company's Continuous Improvement program and portfolio of strategic initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance, productivity, quality, and customer experience.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving teams.
• Develop sustainable solutions that create measurable business value.
• Harness the Power of Data
• Analyze operational and business performance data to uncover trends and opportunities.
• Perform root cause analysis on complex business challenges.
• Create actionable recommendations supported by meaningful metrics and insights.
• Track savings, performance improvements, and project outcomes.

Partner With Technology & Innovation Teams

• Collaborate closely with IT to design and implement system enhancements.
• Translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Support SAP and warehouse management system improvements.
• Evaluate and implement AI, automation, and digital transformation opportunities that eliminate manual work and improve decision-making.
• Lead and Influence Across the Organization
• Coach leaders and associates on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Deliver engaging training programs and workshops.
• Build a culture that embraces innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead change initiatives that drive lasting adoption and results.

What Makes You Successful

You're more than a process improvement expert.

You are someone who

• Loves digging into data to uncover insights.
• Thrives on solving complex operational challenges.
• Sees opportunities where others see obstacles.
• Can translate analytics into action.
• Is excited about emerging technologies, AI, and automation.
• Builds alignment and influence across diverse teams.
• Has a demonstrated track record of delivering measurable business results.

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Distribution, or a related field.
• Extensive experience leading Kaizen events, value stream mapping initiatives, and process transformation projects.
• Strong analytical skills including data analysis, root cause analysis, and business performance measurement.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving organizational change.

Preferred

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Industrial Engineering background.

Warehouse management system (WMS) experience.

Distribution center consulting experience.

Commercial foodservice industry experience.

Experience implementing AI solutions, AI agents, process automation, Microsoft Copilot, or UiPath technologies.

Why Join Wasserstrom?

At Wasserstrom, you'll join a company with a proud history, strong values, and a commitment to continuous innovation. You'll have the opportunity to shape operational strategy, influence enterprise-wide improvements, and help define how technology, automation, and analytics drive the future of our business.

If you're ready to lead transformational initiatives and deliver measurable business impact, we'd love to meet you.

Apply Today and Help Build the Next Generation of Operational Excellence.

#wasserstromhasgreatpeople

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will give consideration to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.