OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION: The Manager of Operational Excellence is responsible for leading a team of Industrial Engineers, Analysts, and Special Projects personnel to drive continuous improvement, optimize operational processes, and support strategic initiatives across distribution centers and transportation networks. This role focuses on standardizing best practices, implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation.

JOB SUMMARY:  As the Manager of Operational Excellence, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing process improvement strategies that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve service levels. You will lead cross-functional initiatives, develop data-driven solutions, and collaborate with senior leadership to align operational excellence efforts with business goals. This position requires strong leadership, project management expertise, and a deep understanding of warehouse operations, logistics, and continuous improvement principles.

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Industrial Engineers, Analysts, and Special Projects personnel, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Process Improvement & Standardization: Establish and oversee process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with distribution center leadership, transportation, IT, and finance teams to drive operational efficiencies and implement best practices.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize advanced data analytics and performance metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency gains and cost reductions.
• Project Management & Execution: Oversee strategic projects related to warehouse optimization, labor management, automation, and network efficiency.
• Technology & Innovation: Identify and implement new technologies, automation tools, and process innovations to enhance operational performance.
• Performance Benchmarking: Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarking strategies to measure and improve productivity, safety, and service levels.
• Change Management & Culture Building: Drive a culture of continuous improvement by leading change management efforts and promoting operational excellence principles across the organization.
• Executive Reporting & Communication: Present findings, recommendations, and project updates to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment with corporate strategy.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all operational excellence initiatives comply with OSHA regulations, company policies, and industry best practices.
• Culture & Values: Demonstrate and promote Love’s core values—Focus on the Customer, Integrity, Strong Work Ethic, Innovative Thinking, and Perseverance.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Adapt to evolving business needs and take on additional leadership responsibilities as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (required)
• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Operations Management (preferred)

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in operational excellence, industrial engineering, supply chain, or a related field (required)
• 3+ years of leadership/management experience with direct reports (required)

Job Function(s): Operations

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with more than 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with more than 630 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

The Love’s Family of Companies includes:

• Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets.
• Speedco and Love’s Truck Care, the largest oil change and preventive maintenance and total truck care network.
• Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader.
• Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert.
• TVC Pro-driver, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) protection subscription service.