Operational Excellence Project Manager

Operational Excellence Project Manager Gurnee, IL Job Details Full-time | Contract $75 - $85 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance Referral program Qualifications Quality control corrective actions Performance dashboard reports Dashboard development Power BI Purchase orders Program design Procedural guides Technical documentation Procurement Curriculum development Regulatory compliance ERP systems Data reporting Warehouse management system Gap analysis Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) Hazard Communication Standard Mid-level Improving operational efficiency 8 years Invoice processing Change management Data Architecture Design (Architecture design skills) Transportation management systems Shipping & receiving Project management Bachelor's degree Performance Improvement (PI) Data analytics Developing new training programs Logistics inventory management Occupational safety risk assessments Training & development Freight Root cause analysis Hazard analysis Workshop facilitation Lean management Distribution center Document management Cross-functional collaboration Warehousing technology implementation Escalation handling Leadership Communication skills Lean Six Sigma Certification Master data management Regulatory compliance management Cross-functional communication Internal audits Training delivery Health and safety training programs Business process modeling

Full Job Description Operational Excellence Project Manager Location:

Gurnee, IL -

Onsite Contract Role:

12-month duration Automated Systems, Inc. is seeking an Operational Excellence Project Manager to support a 12-month contract role reporting directly to the SVP of Supply Chain & Warehousing. This contract role is a purpose built to build the operational foundation the business currently lacks; documented processes, system-native workflows, reporting infrastructure, trained process owners, and the accountability structures required to support scalable growth. The role spans process design, systems adoption, workforce training, and operational discipline across eight key areas: Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay, RACI accountability frameworks, 6S workplace organization, Environmental Health & Safety, KPI and root cause analysis infrastructure, WMS/ERP/TMS adoption and exception reporting, and organizational capability transfer. The individual in this role will not only build each program, they will train the internal owners who sustain them. The ideal candidate is a proven operational excellence practitioner who builds from scratch, drives disciplined system adoption, navigates organizational resistance, and leaves durable capability behind. This role requires equal parts technical credibility, facilitation skill, and change management instinct.

Key Responsibilities:

Order-to-Cash (O2C)

Process Mapping & Documentation:

• Conducts a current-state assessment of the end-to-end O2C process, documenting actual workflow across all functions and identifying where system-native steps have been replaced by manual workarounds.
• Develops detailed swim-lane process maps for each O2C stage; order entry, order management, pick-pack-ship, carrier handoff, invoicing, and collections using standardized mapping conventions.
• Identifies and prioritizes gaps, handoff failures, redundancies, and non-value-added steps, with specific attention to activities that should be executed within the WMS, ERP, or TMS.
• Builds and maintains a standardized O2C documentation library including process maps, SOPs, and work instructions that are accessible, version-controlled, and scalable.
• Establishes process performance baselines, identifying where cycle time, order accuracy, and on-time delivery metrics can be captured from system data for ongoing KPI tracking.
• Develops and delivers role-specific O2C training for all employees with accountability in the cycle, covering process standards, system workflows, and exception reporting expectations.

Procure-to-Pay (P2P)

Process Mapping & Documentation:

• Conducts a current-state assessment of the end-to-end P2P process from requisition through vendor payment, documenting all points where manual processes or spreadsheets have displaced system-native workflows.
• Develops detailed swim-lane process maps covering requisition, PO issuance, goods receipt, invoice matching, and payment, with clear illustration of roles, decision points, and system touchpoints.
• Identifies control weaknesses, approval bottlenecks, and manual intervention points, presenting findings with prioritized improvement recommendations.
• Builds a standardized P2P documentation library including process maps, SOPs, approval matrices, and vendor onboarding documentation.
• Establishes process performance baselines for PO cycle time, invoice matching rates, on-time payment, and vendor acknowledgment sourced from system data rather than manual tracking.
• Develops and delivers role-specific P2P training covering ERP-native purchasing and receiving workflows, approval standards, and exception reporting disciplines.

RACI Framework Development & Accountability Architecture:

• Develops a comprehensive RACI framework across all critical Supply Chain and Warehousing processes O2C, P2P, warehouse operations, inventory management, carrier management, and systems administration.
• Facilitates cross-functional working sessions to assign, validate, and align on RACI designations, including system-specific responsibilities within the WMS, ERP, and TMS.
• Resolves accountability gaps, ownership conflicts, and decision authority ambiguities, escalating unresolved issues to the SVP with recommended paths forward.
• Integrates RACI documentation directly with process maps and SOPs, and trains functional managers on using RACI as an active management tool rather than a static reference.

Workplace Organization Program Implementation:

• Conducts a scored, photographic current-state assessment of all warehouse and operational areas against 6S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety).
• Develops and executes a phased 6S implementation plan, leading hands-on kaizen events and establishing visual standards, floor markings, shadow boards, and labeling conventions.
• Builds a 6S audit program with standardized checklists, scoring methodology, and corrective action tracking to sustain gains beyond initial implementation.
• Develops and delivers 6S training for all warehouse employees and certifies designated supervisors as internal audit owners and program stewards.

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)

Program Development:

• Conducts a comprehensive EH&S current-state assessment, evaluating safety practices, incident history, hazard identification processes, regulatory compliance posture, and documentation gaps.
• Develops a formal, written EH&S program meeting applicable OSHA requirements, including Safety Policy, Emergency Action Plan, Hazard Communication Program, PPE Assessment, and JHA documentation for high-risk tasks.
• Implements a safety incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action process ensuring all incidents and near-misses are documented, root-caused, and resolved with tracked permanent corrective actions.
• Builds and delivers a comprehensive EH&S training curriculum and designates trained internal EH&S champions to own ongoing program administration and audit execution.
• Establishes EH&S KPIs (TRIR, DART, near-miss frequency, audit completion rate) and a reporting cadence to the SVP enabling proactive safety performance management.

Infrastructure, Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action:

• Conducts a KPI discovery process to identify existing metrics, available data sources, and measurement gaps across O2C, P2P, warehousing, systems adoption, and safety.
• Designs and implements a comprehensive KPI framework defining measures, targets, data sources, reporting frequency, and accountable owners across operational, financial, quality, safety, and systems dimensions.
• Builds the data infrastructure required to support reporting and defining

ERP/WMS/TMS

data tables and structures that eliminate dependence on manually maintained spreadsheets as the primary reporting mechanism.

• Develops exception-based KPI dashboards (Power BI or equivalent) providing role-appropriate visibility that surfaces what requires attention rather than requiring manual data interpretation.
• Establishes a formal RCA and corrective action process, trains functional managers and process owners on structured methodology, and facilitates RCA sessions for significant KPI misses and recurring failures.
• Builds a corrective action tracking register and governance cadence ensuring open items are visible, reviewed regularly, and escalated when at risk of missing closure commitments.

WMS, ERP & TMS

Adoption, Discipline & Systems Transformation:

• Conducts a current-state assessment of WMS, ERP, and TMS utilization; documenting adoption gaps, shadow processes, and the extent to which spreadsheets or manual methods are being used in place of system-native capabilities.
• Defines future-state utilization standards for each system by role, establishing clear expectations for how the WMS, ERP, and TMS are to be used as the primary tools of record across warehouse, procurement, order management, and carrier operations.
• Leads WMS adoption activities, driving disciplined execution of receiving, picking, packing, shipping, and cycle count processes within the system and retiring manual alternatives.
• Enforces ERP utilization discipline across all functions eliminating manual workarounds and redundant spreadsheet tracking that undermine data integrity and reporting reliability.
• Leads TMS adoption enforcement, ensuring all shipments are planned, tendered, tracked, and documented within the system and retiring legacy carrier selection and freight tracking methods.
• Designs exception-based reporting within the WMS, ERP, and TMS, configuring alerts and reports that surface discrepancies and non-compliance events requiring human intervention.
• Establishes systems adoption KPIs (WMS transaction compliance, ERP PO-to-receipt accuracy, TMS tender compliance, manual override frequency) integrated into the organization's KPI cadence and subject to RCA and corrective action.
• Maintains a structured change management approach throughout the systems transformation managing resistance, communicating expectations, and partnering with the SVP to hold non-compliance accountable.

Organizational Training, Capability Transfer & Sustainment:

• Develops a Training & Capability Transfer Plan at engagement outset, mapping all programs and processes to designated internal owners, training approaches, and readiness timelines.
• Designs and delivers role-specific training curricula across all program areas: O2C, P2P, RACI, 6S, EH&S, KPI/RCA, and systems adoption — in formats repeatable by internal owners, including facilitator guides, participant materials, and job aids.
• Conducts skills gap assessments for designated program owners and superusers, tailoring training content and coaching support to each individual's current capability level.
• Certifies internal program owners in their respective areas through demonstrated competency, not training completion alone, before transferring accountability.
• Develops a post-engagement sustainment framework for each program area, defining governance cadences, audit schedules, refresher training triggers, and performance indicators that signal whether standards are being maintained.

Process Governance, Data Infrastructure & Scalability:

• Develops and implements a process governance model defining how processes are documented, version-controlled, communicated, trained, and updated as the organization evolves.
• Creates a centralized process documentation repository encompassing all process maps, SOPs, RACI matrices, training materials, and program documentation organized for long-term use by internal owners.
• Designs foundational data tables, master data standards, and reporting structures to support scalable KPI reporting and operational analytics with data originating from system-native sources.
• Delivers a comprehensive end-of-engagement summary report documenting all work completed, baseline-to-end-state comparisons, open items, and a prioritized roadmap for continued operational and systems development.

Education, Experience and Skill Requirements:

Required Competencies Operational Excellence & Lean / Continuous Improvement Methodology Process Mapping, Documentation & Workflow Design Project Management & Multi-Workstream Execution in Ambiguous Environments Building Accountability Frameworks (RACI, Governance, Ownership Design) EH&S Program Development & Regulatory Compliance (OSHA) Workplace Organization & 6S / 5S Program Implementation KPI Design, Data Infrastructure & Exception-Based Reporting Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action Facilitation

WMS, ERP & TMS

Adoption, Discipline & Systems Transformation Change Management & Organizational Resistance Navigation Training Design, Delivery & Organizational Capability Transfer Cross-Functional Stakeholder Facilitation & Influence Without Authority Executive Communication — Clarity, Impact & Forward Orientation Adaptability & Comfort Operating in Build-From-Scratch Environments Knowledge & Skills 8-12+ years of progressive experience in Operational Excellence, Supply Chain, or Warehousing, with demonstrated success building programs from scratch in environments without existing infrastructure. Proven experience mapping Order-to-Cash and Procure-to-Pay workflows end-to-end, including facilitation, current-state documentation, future-state design, and SOP development. Hands-on experience leading 6S or 5S implementation in warehouse or distribution environments, including kaizen facilitation, visual standard development, and audit program design. Demonstrated experience building formal EH&S programs in warehouse settings, including OSHA compliance documentation, incident investigation, safety training, and safety KPI development. Proven experience leading WMS implementation or adoption, driving system-native warehouse execution and retiring manual or spreadsheet-based workarounds. Experience enforcing ERP and TMS adoption across supply chain and warehouse functions, including shadow process identification, system-of-record discipline, and change management. Strong proficiency in exception-based reporting design and KPI dashboard development. Experience with Power BI or equivalent tools strongly preferred. Formal proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, 8D) and structured corrective action, including facilitation and closure tracking experience. Demonstrated training design and delivery experience including curriculum development, job aids, competency assessment, and capability transfer to internal owners.

Lean / Six

Sigma certification strongly preferred (Green Belt or Black Belt). PMP or CAPM a meaningful differentiator. Exceptional facilitation, change management, and communication skills, with a track record of driving behavioral change in environments where legacy habits are entrenched. Demonstrated sense of urgency, ownership, and accountability with consistent focus on durable results over activity-based outputs. Education Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field required. Master's degree (MBA, MS in Supply Chain, or MS in Industrial Engineering) preferred and considered a meaningful differentiator. Work Environment On-site role with regular presence across office and warehouse/distribution environments throughout the engagement. Active floor presence required as a core component of 6S, EH&S, systems adoption, and process discovery work. Remote work may be approved on a limited, task-dependent basis by the SVP. Minimal travel required outside of primary facility locations.

Pay:

$75.00 - $85.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person