Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement & Automation

Yusen Logistics•Secaucus, NJ

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement & Automation will help 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. The role will lead a team of super users to help monitor proper KPI adherence at the Gemba sites. The role helps streamline the integration of new clients. They manage communication, assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), coordinate internal teams (operations, IT), and ensure client requirements are met, maximizing long-term retention and satisfaction. The goal is to enhance client satisfaction and employee productivity through digital transformation, standardized processes, & share services optimization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and/or 10+ years of progressive experience in logistics, freight forwarding.
2-4 years of experience in a continuous improvement/system administrator role preferably in the supply chain industry.
CW1 Professional Level Certification
Deep knowledge of TMS, WMS, and ERP systems.
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.
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

Experience with RPA tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere) and data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary contact for new clients, setting expectations, conducting kick-off meetings, and managing technical integrations.
Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Internal Operating Procedures (IOPs) to ensure operational accuracy.
Collaborate with internal departments (sales, operations, IT, customs) to ensure a smooth transition to operational teams.
Monitor onboarding health metrics and gather feedback to refine processes and improve efficiency.
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.
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.