Process Optimization Specialist

Columbia Distributing•Kent, WA

About The Position

The Process Optimization Specialist is an individual contributor responsible for designing, improving, and standardizing operational processes to drive safe, compliant, and highly productive performance. This role leads initiatives related to slotting strategy, labor productivity, facility and layout optimization, SOP development and compliance, and end-to-end process improvement across inbound, storage, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping, returns, delivery processes and value-added services. This role will support multiple departments and initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Maintain valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and current certifications
Effective organizational and interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication skills
Thorough knowledge of MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Data-driven decision making and statistical reasoning
Effective organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines
Strategic thinking and decision-making skills
Presentation Skills
Problem Solving/Analysis
Ability to quickly learn and effectively leverage new software systems and industry tools to improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and support continuous process improvement.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or equivalent managing experience

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain slotting strategies that optimize travel time, throughput, space utilization, and replenishment efficiency (e.g., velocity-based placement, affinity grouping, ergonomic considerations).
Analyze item and order profiles (velocity, cube, seasonality, handling requirements, order affinity) and translate insights into optimized placement strategies and execution plans.
Partner with Inventory Control and Operations to define re-slotting cadence, triggers, and governance (seasonal transitions, new item onboarding, promotions, demand shifts).
Design and optimize replenishment methodologies (min/max levels, forward pick sizing, reserve strategies) to reduce stock-outs, minimize touches, and improve flow.
Support facility and layout optimization, aligning pick paths, staging strategies, and material flow to drive efficiency and service performance.
Conduct capacity planning and space utilization analyses, ensuring alignment with volume forecasts and operational requirements.
Contribute to new facility design, expansions, and retrofits by defining operational requirements and validating alignment with safe, efficient, end-to-end workflows.
Develop, maintain, and audit SOPs, standard work, and visual management tools to ensure consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Partner cross-functionally with Delivery and other departments, as needed, to ensure alignment between operational processes.
Quantify impact (labor efficiency, capacity gains, service improvements, cost avoidance) and track benefit realization, communicating results across stakeholders.
Develop and maintain positive, cooperative and team-oriented relationships with co-workers, supervisors, managers and others you encounter through your job
Adhere to all state liquor laws and regulations
Complete all other tasks or projects as assigned
Demonstrate behaviors consistent with those of the Company's Core Values at all times

Benefits

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan.
Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
Hired applicants may be eligible for incentives/bonuses/annual bonuses.

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