Position Summary
Design, coordinate and execute performance improvement initiatives. Collaborate with internal / external partners to define, document, update and maintain best practice simple and complex business process workflows. Translate business requirements and partner with internal teams to develop, implement and configure systems to introduce efficiencies and automation.

The Continuous Improvement Analyst II role is responsible for a wide range of business challenges, which will require coaching, facilitating, and training to drive best-in-class performance across all aspects of the global distribution network.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Continuous Improvement:
  • Lead, facilitate, and manage projects designed to improve the global distribution network’s operational quality and efficiency, enhance customer service, and reduce cost.
  • Act as a catalyst for change and facilitate the distribution network’s journey to a Continuous Improvement culture.
    • Develop, identify, analyze, and improve general business processes which impact global distribution operations.
    • Analyze KPI’s and performance metrics which drive and facilitate continuous improvement events.
    • Solve problems using structured methods to determine root cause and implement appropriate countermeasures.
  • Facilitate business excellence across all facets of global distribution and supply chain operations.
    • Encourage and facilitate a LEAN mindset culture and the associated behaviors which deliver high performance and sustained transformation.
    • Partner with business operations leaders and subject matter experts to identify, analyze, and document best-practices across the entire global distribution network.
    • Coach and train individuals, and teams, to improve their effectiveness and systematic use of LEAN Tools, such as 5S, Kaizen, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Process Flow Mapping, Practical Problem Solving, etc.
    • Develop best-practice templates for standardized documentation (work Instructions) of processes across all operational areas.
    • Apply knowledge of processes, technology, and robotic process automation (RPA) to prototype new procedures/methods for the purpose of enhancing business processes, operations, and information flow.
      • Identify opportunities and ‘ideal’ processes to leverage automation.
      • Recommend solutions to streamline and scale existing workflows.
      • Identify business risk related to missing functionality and partner with Information Technology Department to support and recommend potential solutions.
  • Communicate process and/or system changes effectively to key stakeholders so issues and solutions are understood.
  • Assist in development, promotion, and refinement of a centralized documentation and knowledge management system (Microsoft SharePoint Site).
  • Work with Manager - Continuous Improvement and internal/external stakeholders to identify and prioritize requirements.

• Labor Management:
  • Conduct systematic process assessments to measure levels of process adherence, leadership, and customer service excellence.
    • Audit and provide feedback on operational performance against documented processes workflows.
  • Facilitate application and refinement of engineered labor standards utilizing the MOST predetermined time system.
  • Ensure proper ELS documentation utilizing the Labor Pro ELS software application.
    • Ensure established procedure for rate announcements to workforce and operational sign-off/approval on all work standards.
  • Partner with distribution center operations and human resources in design, maintenance, and utilization of staffing models to ensure operations are staffed to projections.
  • Assist in translating documented processes into training materials for internal stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in an engineering or analytical field, applicable certifications, and equivalent experience.
  • Prefer ASQ Certified Manager of Quality – Organizational Excellence, or Certified Business Analysis professional.
• Requires a minimum 5+ years in an analytical or process improvement role.
  • Strong background in Lean/Continuous Improvement tools and methodology.
  • Strong analytical, project, and product management skills, including a thorough understanding of how to interpret business/operational needs and translate them into operational process requirements.
• Proven ability to lead complex, large scale, multi-disciplinary efforts successfully.
• Proven track record of successfully achieving priorities and accomplishing objectives.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (including Project, Visio, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), SQL, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft SharePoint, MOST, and Manhattan WMS.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Strong competency in various tools, systems, or procedures required to accomplish the job.
• Experience within the essential functions listed above is preferred.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The Know Your Rights poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster The pay transparency policy is available here: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, ID theft, and legal services). We have extensive wellness benefits and employee discounts available.