Operational Excellence Program Manager

Overview:

REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.  

This position is responsible for leading end to end continuous improvement or cross functional projects from planning and discovery to deployment, stabilization, and optimization. This position will be focused on driving improvements through efficient and effective business process improvement and design, leading to elimination of process waste and variability. Program management tools and processes will be used to ensure the multiple dependencies among multiple projects are appropriately managed. This position leads high-impact initiatives, and acts as a representative in cross-divisional forums for store operations.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees the management of a portfolio of programs and projects that support divisional priorities in alignment with REI’s strategy.
• Ability to analyze Voice of Customer (VOC) and Voice of Business (VOB) data to scope and define a program including KPIs, program milestones and deliverables.
• Effectively uses continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as process and value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and the DMAIC problem solving framework to evaluate and optimize processes.
• Ability to make data driven decisions and recommendations using quantitative analysis.
• Writes, reviews and maintains standard operating procedures for store processes. Optimizes SOP storage and categorization system.
• Initiates, plans, and delivers medium to large cross-divisional, multi-year initiatives. Utilizes established project management methodology or, where appropriate, partners with Project Manager(s) in leading/influencing project implementation.
• Ensures program quality and success through management of action items, issues, and decisions, assessing risks, initiating change requests, identifying resource needs, assessing scope, meeting deadlines for deliverables, and financial planning. Appropriately escalate barriers to project managers and department leaders for collaborative resolution.
• Contributes to Operational Excellence strategy and roadmap.
• Creates and supports comprehensive deployment plans inclusive of testing, risk identification, communications, change management and stabilization.
• Represents store operations in cross-divisional engagements and effectively prepares and delivers presentations as needed to Leadership.

 

Qualification

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in process improvement and/or project/program management
• Experience in DMAIC problem solving framework 
• Certification in process improvement and/or project management preferred 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Proficient computer skills within the MS Office Suite
• Knowledge and experience with project management skills and tools
• Knowledge of standard operating process design principles
• Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems and process design/improvement

Closing:

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a  fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization . We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.   

Pay Transparency  

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI  provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to  determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic  location or other relevant factors. 

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and  accrued time off. Click  here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.  

Base Pay Range: USD $83,700.00 - USD $134,000.00 /Yr.