Operational Excellence Manager

C.H. Robinson is currently seeking an Operations Excellence Manager to drive the execution of strategic initiatives for C.H. Robinson Operations.

Reporting to the Regional Director of Operations, you will be responsible for executing strategy through a Lean and Six Sigma-driven Continuous Improvement framework. You will collaborate with cross-functional and regional teams to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and enhance operational efficiency. This role involves optimizing resources, reducing variability, and ensuring quality by leveraging data-driven decision-making and industrial engineering principles. The Operations Excellence Manager may also supervise internal or external resources to ensure successful project delivery.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position consists of, but are not limited to, the following:

Leadership:

• Lead Lean Six Sigma initiatives, driving improvements that enhance customer value, increase throughput, and reduce operational waste.

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with Global Forwarding and enterprise-level objectives, focusing on resource optimization and process efficiency.

• Identify industry trends and emerging technologies to proactively address market changes and inform operational decision-making.

• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across the network, leveraging Lean methodologies to optimize workflows and standardize best practices.

• Serve as a change agent, influencing organizational transformation through data-driven insights and process improvement initiatives.

Analytics:

• Continuously monitor and review operational performance metrics at the aggregate, office, and individual levels to identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.

• Leverage data analytics and industrial engineering techniques to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and boost efficiency, quality, and profitability.

• Use workload analysis to ensure consistent resource utilization and adjust for optimal productivity.

Process Implementation, Improvement, and Control:

• Lead project execution through Lean Six Sigma methodologies, either directly or through cross-functional teams, to deliver impactful process improvements.

• Facilitate regional and global initiatives, driving standardization, waste reduction, and process improvements in line with Lean principles.

• Proactively identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure comprehensive project documentation and communication for successful implementation.

• Reengineer processes to reduce costs, minimize variability, and achieve desired service levels by focusing on continuous improvement.

• Implement Kaizen events and other Lean tools to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce waste, and enhance process performance.

Employee Alignment:

• Collaborate with leaders to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, aligning team performance with operational goals.

• Engage with Human Resources to ensure optimal role alignment and structure, reinforcing Lean principles in workforce management.

• Champion ongoing training and development to enhance Lean and Six Sigma competencies across operational teams.

Technology Assessment and Development:

• Stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and automation tools that can be integrated into operations to support Lean and Six Sigma objectives.

• Partner with IT and other resources to implement technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous process improvements.

Communication:

• Coordinate with business partners to ensure successful project implementation, utilizing Lean project management tools and methods to achieve key outcomes.

• Maintain effective communication between internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and progress toward strategic goals.

• Other duties as required to meet team or country-specific needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Operations Management, or related field from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum of 6 years of experience managing large-scale, cross-functional initiatives using Lean Six Sigma or similar Continuous Improvement frameworks.

• Proven experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering techniques to drive operational excellence.

• Ability to travel 25% (Australia domestically and New Zealand Internationally).

Preferred:

• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or other related methodologies (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt).

• Strong experience using business and data analytics to support continuous improvement and resource optimization.

• Advanced project and change management skills with a focus on sustainable behavioural change within teams.

• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and drive transformation in a matrixed environment.

• Exceptional planning and project management capabilities, with a track record of successfully managing multiple concurrent initiatives.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

• Experience leading and inspiring cross-functional teams in the pursuit of operational excellence.

• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Disclaimer:

• This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.

Benefits

At C.H. Robinson Oceania, we are a proud Equal Opportunity employer offering flexible work to support a work/life balance along with offering a broad range of career development opportunities. We have an experienced and passionate team who work collaboratively to deliver smarter solutions for our clients. Employees have access to our well regarded, confidential Employee Assistance Program. Our Robinson Cares program allows our employees to give back to the community.