Manager DC Excellence and Continuous Improvement

This role drives implementation of the adidas Operations Excellence operating framework in the distribution centre and coaches the DC leadership team through adoption of a continuous improvement mindset, lean concepts and new tools to drive excellence on the shop floor. It helps identify improvement opportunities and the resources necessary to accomplish planned improvements. The role works with site leaders and cross-functional partners including the DC Director, regional and global DC Excellence and Continuous Improvement teams, DC operations leadership, Industrial Engineering, Training, HR, global and DC IT and Tech, and non-trade procurement.

• Drive adoption of key lean principles in the DC, including visual management, performance dialogues, 6S and gemba, ensuring alignment with global standards.
• Support implementation and sustainability of the adidas Operations Excellence operating framework on site, developing documentation with site leaders, Quality, Safety and HR teams and aligning customisation of global tools.
• Train and coach the DC leadership team in adoption of the Operations Excellence operating framework and new continuous improvement tools and routines.
• Conduct regular internal gemba and audits to monitor progress and adoption of global lean and Operations Excellence standards.
• Support operations process owners to optimise processes and focus on key customer requirements, including through regular workshops with area leads to identify improvement opportunities using VSM, CIP and similar methods
• And act as single point of contact for continuous improvement topics in the area of responsibility.
• Drive the Site Improvement Plan by facilitating development of a holistic annual action plan, securing funding and resources, and tracking progress with the DC leadership team.
• Lead continuous improvement projects, prepare business cases for the demand process and track the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Share and standardise best practices and processes by driving standard work, and partner with Industrial Engineers, Labour Management Team and Pay-for-Performance teams on standard excellence initiatives.
• Act as main point of contact and expert for project teams implementing Operations Excellence tools such as Labour Management System, Kaizen, 6S and Problem-Solving; enable Labour Management practices and systems alongside superusers and localise global training and tools.
• Function as a change agent by challenging existing ways of working and promoting creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
• Share and seek best practices across the Lean Ambassador community and Best Practice Groups, contribute to design of future Operations Excellence standards, and provide training, coaching and mentoring in LEAN/continuous improvement concepts and techniques.

• Minimum 2 years' experience in applying LEAN/Continuous Improvement concepts.
• Demonstrated statistical and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation and presentation skills to all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Computer skills: MS Office suite, MS Project, MS Visio/Signavio, Copilot and Smartsheet.
• Fluent in English.
• Analytical skills.
• Bachelor degree in logistics, supply chain, engineering or another relevant discipline.
• Experience working in logistics or in manufacturing/operations.

• Education as a certified LEAN Ambassador or Six Sigma Green Belt.

• Robust and progressive medical coverage, including HSA with employer funding or FSA options, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Adoption support with surrogate and fertility support.
• Short- and long-term disability and basic life and AD&D insurance.
• 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.
• Education assistance and generous leave policies, including 14 weeks of paid parental leave for full-time employees.
• Annual bonus based on company performance.
• Prorated flexible time off accruing at.4388 hours per day, increasing with years of service.
• Twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.

Adidas believes that embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into its culture and talent processes gives employees a sense of belonging and the brand a competitive advantage, and it celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in the workplace.