Summary

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Project Manager independently plans, manages, and delivers Continuous Improvement projects across an assigned set of CI project areas. This role owns end-to-end project execution - scoping, planning, implementation, benefits tracking, and closeout - for warehouse optimization initiatives, Lean Management System deployment, Kaizen events, and 6S/Gemba programs within their assigned scope.

The CI Project Manager partners closely with the CI Director and VP of Continuous Improvement but operates with autonomy, managing day-to-day project decisions within assigned areas and escalating only items that affect broader CI strategy, resource allocation, and budget limitations.

This position will support our Event & Exhibit Services team. The position follows an in-person schedule working full-time in-office and/or show-site based out of Orlando, FL.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Project Portfolio Management & Delivery
• Independently manage assigned CI projects end-to-end, from project charter and planning through execution, benefits realization, and close-out.
• Build and maintain project plans, schedules, and milestones; proactively resolve at-risk items within assigned scope.
• Own standard reporting for assigned projects: project status updates, CI scorecard contributions, savings tracking, KPI trends, and benefit realization.
• Identify and manage risks and dependencies within assigned projects, resolving issues directly and escalating only those outside assigned authority.
• Manage workload and prioritization within assigned CI project areas; contribute to the annual project roadmap for assigned scope.

2. Warehouse Optimization/Lean Transformation Project Management
• Independently lead warehouse optimization projects and Lean transformation within assigned regional branches.
• Develop project documentation, including charters, business cases, meeting minutes, and steering committee presentations.
• Manage implementation of layout changes, process changes, equipment, and technology deployment within assigned projects through completion.

3. Lean Management System Deployment
• Support daily management system deployment within assigned project areas; support the rollout schedule and site plans.
• Lead or support performance board and daily huddle implementation, standardize templates, and verify visual management and KPI compliance.
• Support LMS sustainment activity within assigned scope, including maturity assessments, coaching session tracking, and leadership audit scheduling.

4. Kaizen Event Management
• Plan and lead Kaizen events within assigned project areas: scoping, scheduling, participant coordination, baseline data collection, and charter/current-state documentation.
• Manage events in progress: owning the action tracker, documenting decisions, updating project boards, and producing daily summaries.
• Drive post-event follow-through independently: implementation plans, completion tracking, action owner follow-up, and escalation of overdue items outside assigned authority.
• Track and report Kaizen benefits for assigned events, including cost savings, productivity gains, space reduction, safety, and service improvements.

5. 6S and Gemba Program Management
• Manage the 6S audit calendar and scorecards within assigned regional branches; consolidate results and trend findings.
• Own corrective actions from audits within assigned scope, following up directly with site leaders and escalating overdue items outside assigned authority.
• Publish audit summaries, branch rankings, compliance trends, and repeat-issue reporting for assigned scope.

6. Executive & Leadership Reporting
• Develop presentations for monthly business reviews, quarterly operating reviews, KPI Reports and consolidated executive steering committee decks.
• Contribute to CI communications, including newsletters, project updates, and success stories from assigned areas.

7. Other Duties as Assigned

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7+ years of experience leading project management within manufacturing, warehousing/distribution, or operations, ideally across multiple sites or regions.
• Experience leading Lean, Continuous Improvement, or operational excellence projects preferred.
• Strong proficiency with project tracking tools, dashboards, and reporting (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, project management or Power BI software).
• Experience using AI tools (i.e., Claude, ChatGPT, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects across assigned areas, with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentation development.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt certification preferred.

Travel Requirements

Travel 25% to 50%

What We Offer

The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Accident and Disability
• Retirement with Company Match
• Paid Time Off