Process Improvement Manager

Position Summary:

The Process Improvement Manager is responsible for driving enhancements in safety, quality, cost efficiency, and customer service across manufacturing and distribution operations. This role requires experience in manufacturing process and active involvement in day-to-day facility operations. The manager will lead initiatives that support continuous improvement, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic business goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and develop the CI team by providing training and coaching in Engineering Initiatives and Lean practices.
• Promote cross-functional teamwork and collaboration to foster ownership of Operational Excellence activities across all levels of the organization.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team members to propose ideas, experiment with innovative solutions, and solve problems proactively.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvements within maintenance and production workflows.
• Develop and implement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes and reduce waste.
• Introduce and evaluate new technologies, equipment, and methodologies to enhance maintenance practices and extend equipment life.
• Share best practices, tools, and techniques across teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Performance Management & Data Analytics

• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of improvement initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Utilize data-driven insights to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement, supporting informed decision-making.
• Oversee the collection, cleaning, and integration of data from various sources to ensure accuracy and consistency before feeding into Power Apps and Power BI.
• Implement data governance practices to maintain high-quality data standards.

Project Management & Change Leadership

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, develop project plans, and implement solutions.
• Facilitate project meetings, provide status updates, and resolve issues or roadblocks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and present reports on project progress, results, and impact on stakeholders at various organizational levels.
• Develop and execute change management strategies to support the successful adoption of new processes and technologies.
• Provide training and support to employees on new procedures and tools to ensure effective implementation and sustainable improvements.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations and industry standards.
• Promote a culture of safety across maintenance and production teams, emphasizing safe working practices.
• Conduct regular audits of maintenance processes to ensure adherence to safety protocols and identify areas for improvement.

Budget Management

• Manage the Business Unit CI Projects budget, ensuring effective and efficient allocation of resources to support project implementation and production goals.
• Control costs related to CI activities and external contractors to optimize operational efficiency.

Training & Support

• Provide training and support to end-users on Power Apps and Power BI tools, including the development of user guides and documentation.
• Assist with special projects such as process audits, performance reviews, and strategic planning activities.
• Support other departments as needed to address challenges or opportunities related to continuous improvement.

Feedback & Continuous Learning

• Collect feedback from stakeholders and team members to refine and enhance improvement strategies.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in continuous improvement.
• Proactively propose and pilot new tools, techniques, or methodologies that could benefit the organization.

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in Operations Management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing Lean initiatives in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven experience implementing and managing Lean strategies and systems across large-scale manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of industrial equipment, machinery reliability, and maintenance best practices.

Technical Skills

• Lean and Six Sigma training and application.

Leadership & Communication

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop teams.
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, from operators to senior management.
• Ability to facilitate workshops, training sessions, and problem-solving meetings.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field.
• Bilingual: fluent in English and Spanish.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of CI systems and methodologies including Lean and Six Sigma.
• Strong proficiency in Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present ideas to diverse audiences from hourly workforce to executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional projects.
• Knowledge of EHS, quality, manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.
• Proven ability to analyze and solve complex problems.

Physical Demands

Standing and Walking:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Frequent movement within the production area to supervise and assist team members.

Lifting and Carrying:

• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Occasional lifting of heavier items with assistance from equipment or team members.

Bending, Stooping, and Kneeling:

• Regular bending, stooping, and kneeling to inspect machinery, perform maintenance tasks, and handle materials.
• Flexibility to work in low positions and confined spaces as needed.

Reaching and Handling:

• Frequently reaching overhead and below shoulder level to access materials and operate machinery.
• Manual dexterity to handle small parts and tools accurately.

Pushing and Pulling:

• Ability to push and pull carts, equipment, and materials as needed within the production area.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Regular use of PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and safety shoes.
• Compliance with all safety protocols and regulations regarding PPE usage.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and potential hazards.
• Tolerance for working in conditions that may include dust, fumes, and strong odors.

Physical Stamina:

• Endurance to work extended hours, including overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays as production demands.
• Ability to remain alert and focused during long shifts and high-pressure situations.

Employer’s Rights

This description outlines the essential job functions, supplemental responsibilities, and requirements for this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify duties at any time.

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally. 

Fanatics Collectibles is a new model and vision for the hobby, fundamentally changing the experience for current and future collectors, leagues, and players across many U.S. and international professional and college sports. The organization has long-term, exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards for several sports and entertainment properties, including MLB, MLBPA, the Premier League, MLS, UFC, Formula 1 as well as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, among others. In January 2022, Fanatics Collectibles announced the acquisition of Topps, establishing the preeminent licensed trading card brand as the cornerstone of Fanatics’ trading cards and collectibles business, and jumpstarted its MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards