Director of Continuous Improvement

Department: Operations
Job Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: EVP, Service Operations
Job Type: Regular
Travel Required: 75–80%
Direct Reports: None
Work Schedule: Remote – Bentonville area or Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with extensive field presence at network facilities

Job Summary

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives across Onsite (TPM) and Offsite (RAD) facilities within the Walmart network.
• Partner with site leadership to analyze facility-level KPIs, identify root causes of underperformance, and develop corrective action plans.
• Design and facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and process audits.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and drive consistent adoption across multiple facility types, including TPM and RAD operations.
• Develop and track continuous improvement metrics and present results and return on investment (ROI) to senior leadership.
• Train site supervisors and frontline leaders on continuous improvement methodologies, processes, and tools.
• Benchmark facility performance against industry standards and best-in-class facilities throughout the network.
• Support capital project justification for equipment, automation, and facility layout redesign through data-driven business cases.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced continuous improvement and operations professional who can combine strong analytical capabilities with hands-on leadership in the field.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly with facility leadership and frontline teams, analyzing operational performance, identifying improvement opportunities, leading change, and ensuring new processes are successfully implemented and sustained across multiple locations.

Key Competencies

• Analytical Skills: Ability to use data, KPIs, and structured problem-solving techniques to identify root causes and quantify improvement opportunities.
• Change Management: Ability to lead teams through process changes, build buy-in, and sustain adoption across multiple locations.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively present results and ROI to senior leadership.
• Influence: Ability to gain cooperation and commitment from site leadership and frontline teams without direct authority.
• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, and drive multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously through completion.
• Training & Coaching: Ability to teach continuous improvement methodologies and tools to supervisors and frontline leaders.
• Adaptability: Ability to work effectively across different facility types, teams, and operating conditions while traveling extensively.
• Initiative: Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement or operations within logistics, distribution, or manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading multi-site or multi-facility improvement programs.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, SQL, or business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Ability and willingness to travel to facility locations throughout the network approximately 75–80% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in third-party logistics (3PL), retail distribution, or manufacturing environments.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Familiarity with ROI analysis for automation and material-handling equipment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others, review information, operate a computer and standard office equipment, and travel to facility locations throughout the network approximately 75–80% of the time.
• When working at a facility, the employee will move throughout active warehouse and production environments, including walking facility floors for extended periods. The position may require reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities may include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The work environment alternates between a professional office or home-office setting and warehouse/distribution facilities. Facility environments may include moderate to high noise levels, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in designated areas.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

• PLA Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
• PLA Holdings also prohibits retaliation against individuals who raise concerns, report suspected misconduct, or participate in an investigation or proceeding protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodation

• PLA Holdings is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, in accordance with applicable law, unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
• Individuals who need an accommodation to participate in the application process, perform the essential functions of the position, or enjoy equal employment opportunities should contact Human Resources at hr@plasolutions.com.

Job Description Disclaimer

• This job description is intended to describe the general nature, essential duties, and minimum qualifications of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or working conditions.
• PLA Holdings reserves the right to revise, interpret, or change this job description and to assign additional duties or responsibilities as business needs require.
• Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment, express or implied. Employment with PLA Holdings is at-will where permitted by applicable law, which means either the employee or the company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, subject to applicable law.