Continuous Improvement Manager

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Industrial Automation Engineer to join our growing team.

The Industrial Engineer will provide technical skills in a high velocity warehousing operation environment, utilizing their proficiency in facility layout and design, productivity tracking, Labor management systems, and warehouse slotting to lead significant warehouse projects and strategic corporate initiatives. Additional responsibilities include: 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Analyze warehouse operations, material flow, storage strategies, and facility layouts to maximize throughput, improve space utilization, and reduce operating costs.
• Develop aand implement engineered standards for receiving, putaway, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory movement.
• Establish labor standards and staffing models through engineered time studies and workload analysis to optimize labor utilization while maintaining service levels.
• Monitor productivity, capacity, inventory accuracy, order cycle time, and other operational KPIs, identifying performance gaps and recommending data-driven improvements.
• Build dashboards and reporting tools using SAP S/4HANA, EWM, Power BI, and other business intelligence platforms to provide actionable insights for leadership.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives that eliminate waste, streamline processes, and improve operational performance.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement sustainable corrective actions to improve efficiency, quality, and service levels.
• Evaluate warehouse slotting strategies, storage systems, and material handling equipment to optimize capacity, operational flow, and scalability.
• Support warehouse expansion, automation, system implementations, and facility redesign projects to meet current and future business needs.
• Lead cross-functional operational improvement initiatives involving Distribution, Transportation, Planning, Inventory, Procurement, and third-party logistics (3PL) partners.
• Drive successful implementation and adoption of new processes by developing engineered solutions, measuring outcomes, and ensuring long-term operational effectiveness.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in distribution engineering, warehouse operations, industrial engineering, or supply chain analytics.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA, SAP EWM, Blue Yonder (JDA), or comparable ERP/WMS platforms.
• Experience developing engineered labor standards, time studies, and labor management systems (LMS).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar business intelligence tools.
• Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with warehouse layout optimization, slotting, capacity planning, and material handling systems.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 20% as business needs require.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off  
• 13 paid holidays  
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases  
• Comprehensive Health Insurance   
• Annual well-being subsidy
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options 
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement  
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.