Manager, Distribution Process Optimization - Management Pillar
Bolton, Ontario, Canada, L7E 3A9
Who We Are
Becoming experts on beer doesn't happen overnight - we've been in business since 1927 and today, The Beer Store is the primary distribution and sales channel for beer in Ontario and is owned by 28+ Ontario-based brewers! Through our Retail Stores, Distribution Centres, Draught Services, Customer Experience Centre, and our Corporate Office, we form one large team that is passionate about the beer business. The Beer Store is proud to foster a respectful and inclusive culture that expands and leverages the diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives of our team members to deliver exceptional service for our customers. We continue to be successful by working together, respecting each other, having a positive attitude and by trying new and innovative ideas. Not only are we knowledgeable, passionate, and loyal ambassadors for beer, we’re also health and safety advocates, environmental champions, DEIB enthusiasts and we give proudly back to our communities.
The Role
We are currently searching for a Manager, Distribution Process Optimization (DPO) – Management Pillar, reporting to the Senior Manager, Distribution Process Optimization. This vacancy is a full-time, permanent opportunity. The Manager, DPO – Management Pillar will lead the national execution of the Management Pillar within our Distribution Process Optimization (DPO) framework - shaping how we plan, execute and continuously improve across our logistics network. They will partner with supporting national and local leads to ensure alignment and execution of standards across the management pillar. The focus will span strategy cascading, 5S implementation, driving operational performance by setting proper management routines, working with operations to set clear business descriptions and operating procedures, ensuring project deliverables meet operational excellence standards, establishing best practices, driving a problem-solving culture founded in CI and root cause analysis, standards creation and knowledge management -ensuring every site operates with clear direction, strong governance, and aligned KPIs. The incumbent will guide teams in building effective management systems, applying PDCA methodologies and embedding tools like process/value steam mapping, SOP reviews, and frontline problem-solving routines. Through leadership coaching and strong analytics, they’ll help create a culture where insights drive decisions and every employee understands their impact on our shared goals.
Location
This role follows a flexible work model that includes a blend of remote work and time at Company worksites, with the majority of on-site presence required at the Bolton Distribution Centre. The position also requires approximately 10–15% travel to our sites across our operating provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and own the national strategy and standards for Management Pillars of the Distribution Process Optimization (DPO) program
- Lead the development/standardization/maintenance of all Management Pillars related tools and templates
- Train and support Local Pillar Leads with understanding/interpreting what each DPO requirement means for their warehouse and/or delivery operations to achieve and sustain all four levels of audit requirements
- Foster strategic collaboration with other National Pillar Leads (e.g., People, Safety, Planning) to ensure holistic, end-to-end process optimization across the DPO framework
- Govern national KPI performance and maturity scorecards
- Lead/Support CI projects focused on cost reduction
- Champion the standardized approach to problem solving
- Conduct routine KPI analysis and implement corrective actions for underperforming metrics
- Maintain and continuously improve SOPs and implement corrective actions when deviations occur
- Ensure SOPs include all critical operational steps and are aligned with best practices
- Act as the Subject Mater Expert (SME), coaching and supporting local management leads
- Attend weekly support meetings and support the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) training program, focusing on process adherence and driver/mechanic autonomy/training
- Build DPO knowledge across DCs
- Promote autonomous problem-solving and feedback-driven improvements among team members
- Support and coach Lean Six Sigma (LSS) training participants in the effective use of tools and data analysis techniques and getting certified
- Perform other related duties and projects as assigned
Who You Are - Your Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, business administration, supply chain management or related field
- Minimum Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification or equivalent is preferred
- Certification in Change Management is considered a strong asset
- Certification in Project/Program Management (PMP) is a strong asset
- ISO auditing certification is considered a strong asset
Experience
- 10+ years of experience leading an operations team in warehouse or manufacturing environment, supply chain, continuous improvement or process optimization roles
- 5+ years of experience facilitating problem-solving sessions (Root Cause Analysis, PDCA, SWOT analysis, fishbone, 5 why, process mapping, value stream mapping, process reengineering) and leading cross-functional improvement teams
- 5+ years of experience managing cross-functional initiatives
- Proven experience leading 5S implementation, Kaizen or CI projects with measurable impact on safety, cost or quality
- Proven experience leading Continuous Improvement initiatives in operations for projects exceeding significant budget thresholds
- Demonstrated success in implementing and sustaining visual management systems, tracking/measuring KPIs, building KPI trees or KPI boards, or conducting floor observations/performance reviews
- Experience developing and maintaining SOPs and standards, conducting Operational Work Diagnosis and Gemba walks
- Exposure to strategy deployment and cascading organizational goals into frontline actions
- Demonstrated experience working effectively in a unionized environment
Skills
- Strong Ability to interpret KPIs trends, conduct gap analysis and develop data-driven action plans
- Strong communication skills, facilitation skills and storytelling practices required to influence, deliver, and cascade strategic plans
- Skilled in change leadership and capable of creating a sustained culture of Continuous Improvement by engaging with and developing frontline teams to adopt CI mindset
- Demonstrated leadership, facilitation and coaching skills
- Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Visio, MS Project), Power BI dashboards and familiarity with SAP
- Strong knowledge of Lean/6 sigma tools, root-cause analysis tools and PDCA cycle; able to mentor/train others in structured thinking
- Comfortable working in dynamic environments, managing ambiguity, and sustaining continuous improvement culture
- Capable of maintaining multiple routines (meetings, audits, action plans) and prioritizing improvement projects
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally between various teams
- Strong attention to detail and high level of organizational skills required
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently in a remote or autonomous environment
- Requires regular travel to distribution centers and operational sites as needed to support kick-offs and final qualification audits for all participating sites
Compensation
The hiring range for this position is $93,000-$116,200 CAD per year. The final agreed upon salary may vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience.
What We Offer
Our success as an organization is a result of our commitment to our greatest strength…our people! We believe that any opportunity we can provide to help further your career growth and development is an investment in not only your individual success, but our overall success as a business. We work to recognize you in meaningful ways including a competitive compensation, incentive pay, a flex health benefits program, employee & family assistance program, defined pension plan with company matching, recognition programs, tuition reimbursement program, generous paid time off, employee special offers, and a casual dress and work environment.
*Benefits and perks are dependent upon role and status and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to providing a respectful and empowering workplace that values our greatest resource, our people. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging are essential components of our culture that empower us to meet the needs of our employees, customers and communities. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds including racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and any other characteristic. We’re an equal opportunity employer and provide employment accommodation in accordance with provincial legislation. If contacted for an employment opportunity or testing, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.
We genuinely thank you for your interest in this opportunity with us. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
