Director Continuous Improvement and Automation

Yusen Logistics • Union City, GA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Continuous Improvement & Automation will lead the strategy and implementation of process optimization and automation initiatives to transform Air freight operations. This role drives efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvement by identifying waste and implementing advanced technologies (IE: AI / Digital TMS) alongside Lean methodologies. The goal is to enhance client satisfaction and employee productivity through digital transformation, standardized processes, & share services optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or Business.
• MBA or master’s preferred or 10+ years of progressive experience in logistics, freight forwarding, or distribution, with at least 5 years in a CI leadership role.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or higher) preferred.
• Deep knowledge of TMS, WMS, and ERP systems.
• Experience with RPA tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere) and data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Air/Ocean freight forwarding processes, including customs compliance, Incoterms, and documentation.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, excellent communication, and a passion for challenging the status quo.
• Involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and frequent use of computers and office equipment.
• Regular use of hands and fingers, including, but not limited to, typing, filing, frequent keyboarding, mouse clicking and handling documents.
• Requires strong analytical, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills.
• Must be able to read, interpret, and compose clear written and verbal communications.
• Visual acuity required for tasks including, but not limited to, computer work, document review, and data analysis.
• Must maintain strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and independent work habits.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and effective professional communication with colleagues and customers.
• Regular, punctual attendance and compliance with all company policies and procedures; occasional overtime may be required.
• Must be able to work as part of a functional team including working in an office on a Hybrid Schedule as required by company policy

Nice To Haves

• MBA or master’s preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or higher) preferred.
• Experience with RPA tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere) and data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a comprehensive CI and automation strategy aligned with company growth goals.
• Assist in developing a 1–3-year technology and process roadmap in line with the current F1 project, identifying opportunities for Share services in manual documentation and cargo handling tasks.
• Identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact opportunities using data analysis, value stream mapping, and stakeholder engagement.
• Apply Lean/Six Sigma principles to reduce cycle time and lead times in freight booking, customs documentation, and warehousing.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and Kaikaku teams (breakthrough improvements) to overhaul underperforming processes.
• If necessary, conduct time studies to establish standards for logistics and forwarding tasks.
• Partner with IT to identify, evaluate, and implement technologies such as AI for document processing, intelligent chatbots, and predictive analytics.
• Optimize existing Transport Management Systems (TMS) to automate manual workflows.
• Lead "footprint rationalization" initiatives to improve facility workflows and cargo flow.
• Provide input for establishing KPIs to measure improvement impact, focusing on cost reduction, productivity, documentation accuracy, and on-time performance.
• Provide input for Creating visual management dashboards for real-time performance tracking.
• Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks.
• Serve as a change agent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
• Coach site managers and staff on process improvement methodologies, mentoring future Lean practitioners.
• Ability to travel up to 30% as well as work a Hybrid Schedule as required by company policy.
• Process improvement initiatives could apply to any of the following operational areas: employee onboarding, training and upskilling, system functionality, pricing and quoting, customer onboarding and maintenance, transactional workflow and related elements inclusive of invoicing and cash flow.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month following start date
• 401k with a company match
• Standard 10 days PTO
• Eligible for bonus plan
• 7 Paid Holidays
• Eligble for OT pay if applicable
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits, vacation, and much more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director