United Natural Foods, Inc

Senior Director Lean - Strategic Priorities

United Natural Foods, Inc • $150K — $180K *
Providence, RI 02902In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Business preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years' experience in distribution or industrial businesses.
  • Proven track record in high-performance continuous improvement environments.
  • Deep experience with Lean Toolsets including Value Stream Mapping.
  • Experience implementing a structured Lean Daily Management system.

Responsibilities

  • Support leaders and associates in executing the UNFI business strategy.
  • Develop a Continuous Improvement engine through Value Stream Mapping.
  • Facilitate rapid Cadence of Kaizen workshops for process improvement.
  • Establish integrated daily management systems to improve KPIs.
  • Create visual performance tools for problem prioritization and root cause analysis.
  • Develop an employee-driven idea implementation system for improvements.
  • Foster an engaged high-performance culture aligned with business values.

Benefits

  • Remote work flexibility with the option to work in an office.
  • Opportunities for travel to various company locations.
  • Continuous learning and capability building for leadership and teams.
Full Job Description
Job Overview:

This role supports the development of the UNFI Lean Business System by providing leaders and associates in key Value Streams with implementation and capability building support, and creating an Engaged, High-Performance Culture that aligns the mission, values and strategy of the business to the behaviors of leaders, teams and individual contributors in the organization. The role also supports the execution of the Strategy Deployment Process

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide Leaders and Associates in key Value Streams tied to execution of our UNFI business strategy and defined as part of our annual Strategy Deployment Process with implementation and capability building support.


  • Ensure the development of an "engine" of Continuous Improvement built on:


  • Utilization of Value Stream Mapping to establish a customer focused, quantified, prioritized Roadmap of Kaizen (Rapid Improvement Workshop) aligned to Strategy Deployment goals, Financial (Revenue, Profit and Cash Flow) and Operating KPI gaps


  • Rapid, effective cadence of Kaizen utilizing the appropriate Lean Continuous Improvement toolsets (1 week, "no newspaper", rigorously prepped and followed up - Shingijutsu style)


  • Development of an integrated Daily-Weekly-Monthly Management/Operating System that drives incremental day-to-day performance improvement of the Key Performance Indicators (metrics) that are leading indicators of the financial performance of the business.


  • Establish the critical KPIs to measure at the right levels in the organization tied to Customer, Supplier, Employee, Shareholder and Communities we live and work in satisfaction.


  • Create customer-focused, rigorous, simple visual performance tools to drive consistent review versus targets, prioritization of problems and effective root cause problem-solving / countermeasure throughout the organization.


  • Create, simple visual, easy to manage improvement ideas implementation system for employees


  • Establish Leader Standard Work at all levels in the organization that drives operating reviews, problem solving, and continuous improvement activities to the core Value Streams that are tightly aligned to customers and the value drivers that will make them and us successful.


  • Create an Engaged, High-Performance Culture that aligns the mission, values and strategy of the business to the behaviors of leaders, teams and individual contributors in the organization, embracing the principles of:


  • Intense Focus on Understanding and Creating Value for Customers


  • Daily Continuous Improvement & Elimination of Waste


  • Cadence of Kaizen (rapid, sustainable process change)


  • Root Cause Problem Solving based on data and facts


  • Leadership Humility and a "Go to Gemba" (point of impact) approach to learning and problem-solving.


  • People Engagement, Teamwork, Diversity


  • Results Focus, Transparency and Accountability


  • In concert with the Value Delivery Office support execution of Strategy Deployment Process to drive breakthrough, transformational process and capability changes aligned to the execution of UNFI strategic business plan and in support of achievement of short- and long-term business financial and operational objectives.


  • Increase capabilities of critical Value Stream leaders/associates in execution of the UNFI Lean Business System without need for external support.


  • Support critical Value Stream leadership in driving accelerated rates of improvement in leading indicator KPIs tied to:


  • Revenue


  • Profit


  • Cash Flow


  • Customer NPS


  • Supplier NPS


  • Employee NPS


  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

  • Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Business is preferred.


Experience:

  • Minimum of 15 years' experience in distribution or industrial businesses


  • Proven track record of delivering results in a high-performance continuous improvement environment ideally including:


  • Distribution Center/Warehousing, Logistics


  • Experience with Improving Plan for Every Part (PFEP) and Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) in a Distribution environment


  • Deep experience applying and building capability in others in key Lean Toolsets including:


  • Value Stream Mapping to produce quantified, prioritized, scheduled Kaizen Roadmaps


  • Preparing, Facilitating, Following Up on Kaizen Workshops (1 week, Implementation focused) high KPI results impacting improvement events)


  • Root Cause Problem Solving and Countermeasure with a focus on Mistake-Proofing and Visual Controls


  • Experience implementing a structured Lean Daily Management system of Leadership Standard Work that includes:


  • Point of Impact KPI Boards with Daily Review and Accountability Boards for escalation and execution tracking


  • Weekly Cadence of Root Cause Problem Solving and Improvement Kata


  • Obeya Room with targeted Site Level Critical KPIs / Root Cause Problem Setting / Management of Kaizen Roadmap Execution and Major Projects


  • Monthly Operating Reviews to drive improvement at a Site level including KPI Scorecards (Bowlers), A3 Root Cause Problem Solving, Financials, Talent


  • Building Leadership Standard Work at all levels in the organization from Front Line Leaders to Senior Leaders


  • Experience implementing a Lean Business System based on Danaher Business System / Toyota Production System principles and toolsets across complex organizations.


  • Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities


  • High energy, effective communicator capable of leading across functional lines and without direct reporting authority


  • Results focus and orientation. Understands and balances driving process change for sustainability while delivering on financial and operational results.


  • Innovative thinker, but even more importantly, able to help other leaders and teams get "outside the box" and drive "breakthrough thinking".


  • Has the technical capability to understand and help solve complex problems.


  • Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.


Work Environment:

Remote Role:

  • This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.


Travel 75%:

  • This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.


Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

  • Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.


  • Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.


  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.


  • Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.


  • Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.


Warehouse Roles:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

About United Natural Foods, Inc

UNFI is the leading independent national distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods and related products including nutritional supplements, personal care items and organic produce, in the United States. In addition to excellent distribution services, we provide a range of innovative, value-added services for our customers and suppliers, to foster mutual success and growth. Our services include marketing and promotional tools, merchandising, category management and store support services.

United Natural Foods, Inc. Careers

Join the vibrant team at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), where we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and innovation in the food industry. As a leading distributor of natural and organic foods, we are committed to nurturing talent through diversity training, leadership development, and a culture that values each team member's contribution.

Work You’ll Do

At UNFI, we are passionate about transforming the food industry sustainably and healthily. By joining our team, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on food access and quality. Our commitment to innovation and growth offers our employees unparalleled career advancement opportunities within a dynamic industry.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a senior management role, UNFI offers a range of career paths in areas such as logistics, sales, marketing, and corporate support. Our internship programs provide a robust foundation for students and recent graduates eager to gain hands-on experience and develop essential industry skills.

Innovative Work Environment

Our leadership is deeply invested in fostering an environment where creativity and strategic thinking are at the forefront of operational success. With cutting-edge technology and a focus on sustainable practices, working at UNFI means being part of a team that’s leading change.

Be Part of a Great Team

At UNFI, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. Our team is made up of passionate, curious, and solution-driven players who bring a wealth of perspectives and expertise to our company.

Future-Proof Your Career

With UNFI, the trajectory of your career is bound only by your ambition. We support our team members with extensive training, development programs, and certification support to ensure you are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Embrace the opportunity to grow with a company that is as committed to your career as it is to leading the industry.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the exciting employment and career opportunities at UNFI. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for innovative, driven, and professional individuals ready to join our leading team.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Networking and Professional Development

Enhance your career through our networking events, professional development sessions, and leadership training. At UNFI, we invest in your future with resources that are designed to elevate your professional journey.

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Learn more about United Natural Foods, Inc
Size
28,300 employees
Market Cap
$2.3 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$198.4 million
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
+25.5%
Revenue
$27.9 billion
NASDAQ
UNFI
* Ladders Estimates

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