Walmart

Senior Director, Process Improvement - Operational Excellence (Fulfillment & Reverse Network)

Walmart$130K — $260K *
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a highly quantitative field.
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership in logistics or supply chain environments.
  • Transformational leadership experience in organizational redesign or centralization.
  • Expert in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies; LSS Master Black Belt preferred.
  • Strong analytical skills with expertise in metrics analysis and financial acumen.
  • Experience implementing warehouse technology and AI initiatives.
  • Proven ability to develop talent and standardize training programs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and empower a high-caliber leadership team across several operational clusters.
  • Drive the transition to a network-scaled operating model while optimizing performance.
  • Align field teams to eliminate responsibilities overlap and ensure coordinated execution.
  • Partner with site management to achieve operational plans and cost-saving goals.
  • Champion the Continuous Improvement Cycle, ensuring clear task ownership and compliance.
  • Govern the implementation of standardization and training programs across the network.
  • Oversee the onboarding and training processes to maximize associate performance and retention.

Benefits

  • Health benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Financial benefits such as 401(k) and company-paid life insurance.
  • Generous PTO including sick leave, parental leave, and family care leave.
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
  • Company discounts and education benefits, including reimbursement for tuition and fees.
  • Support for adoption and surrogacy expenses.
Full Job Description
Position Summary...
As the Senior Director of Operational Excellence for the Fulfillment & Reverse Network, you will act as the architect and strategic lead for network-wide performance improvement, standardization, and capability building across Walmart's entire fulfillment network.

This role leads the overarching transformation from a traditional, localized site-by-site support model to a highly integrated, network-scaled Cluster Operating Model. You will oversee a dual-engine organizational structure consisting of Cluster Champions (Directors of Operational Excellence leading Next Gen, HVFC, Schaefer, Non-Sort w/ MHE, Non-Sort w/o MHE & Hybrids, Sam's Club, and Reverse) and two key Centers of Excellence (COEs): Operational Standards and Onboarding & Training.

Your mission is to eliminate operational variability, drive relentless execution of the Continuous Improvement (CI) Cycle (Define, Enable, Deploy, Sustain, Improve), optimize Cost-Per-Carton/Unit (CCPU) goals, and ensure 100% adherence to process standards across all nodes.

What you'll do...
Organizational Architecture:
You will lead, align, and empower a high-caliber leadership team designed to drive network performance:
  • (7+ Direct Reports - Directors of OpEx):
    • Next Gen Cluster (e.g., ORD1, IND3, DFW5, PHL5, SMF2)
    • Schaefer Cluster (e.g., MCO1, ATL1, PHL1, LAX1)
    • HVFC Cluster (e.g., NJ3, KY1, MEM1, CLT1, DFW6, NV1, PHX1)
    • Non-Sort w/ MHE Cluster (ICC & 2-Tier nodes)
    • Non-Sort w/o MHE & Hybrids Cluster (e.g., MCI1, ATL3, PHL4, PHL2, DFW2, MCO2, CVG1)
    • Sam's Club Cluster (e.g., LAX3, DFW3, CMH, ATL4, LUM, TPA)
    • Reverse Cluster (e.g., Waco, Spartanburg, Greenfield)
  • Operational Standards Center of Excellence (COE Leader): Focused on Rollout Governance, Change Management, Platform Optimization, Standardized Tools, Risk Identification, Digital Automation, and AI Enablement & Efficacy.
  • Onboarding & Training Center of Excellence (COE Leader): Focused on Salaried Leadership Onboarding, Hourly Associate Training Pathways, Cross-Training Strategies, Productivity Enablement, and Talent Acceleration.


Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

Cluster Strategy & Network Performance (The 'Big Shift')
  • Drive Network Scale: Transition the network from site-level variation to a coordinated cluster network. Enable rapid identification of performance gaps and scale best practices across similar sites.
  • Unified Field Leadership: Align field teams (SCILs, IMs, and CSDs) under unified cluster priorities to eliminate overlapping responsibilities, vague handoffs, and siloed execution.
  • Site and Cluster Accountability: Partner with GM and AGM teams to ensure sites meet their Annual Operating Plan (AOP), CCPU targets, and deliver annual project savings goals.


Execution of the Continuous Improvement Cycle:
Champion and enforce the five-step CI Cycle across the network, ensuring crystal-clear task ownership and zero ambiguity:
  • Define (Standardization): Author and document clear, measurable standards establishing the 'one right way' to perform work across the network.
  • Enable (Training): Translate standards into standardized tools, training programs, and capabilities for easy frontline adoption.
  • Deploy (Change Management): Drive seamless change management plans, site readiness, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and structured communication loops.
  • Sustain (Audit & Adherence): Monitor and sustain compliance using structured compliance frameworks, Leader Standard Work (LSW), and risk identification models.
  • Improve (Process Improvement): Utilize performance data, trend analysis, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and top-loss analyses to adjust standards and close performance gaps.


Leadership of Centers of Excellence (COEs):
  • Operational Standards COE: Establish strict rollout governance and deployment standards for predictable program rollouts. Accelerate digital automation and AI enablement to reduce manual, fragmented floor processes.
  • Onboarding & Training COE: Govern the structured 6-week network-wide onboarding program for salaried leaders. Direct hourly associate onboarding pathways to reduce early (0-90 day) turnover, maximize learning curves (90% AALC target), and champion cross-training strategies (85% of associates cross-trained in 2+ paths).


Site-Level Operating Engine:
You will govern the performance and standards executed on the floor by three critical, specialized roles:
  • Supply Chain Improvement Leads (SCILs): Focused on business change, data analysis, Gemba, and project savings.
  • Implementation Managers (IMs): Focused on change adoption, process standards compliance, and auditing.
  • Continuous Skills Development (CSD) Leads: Focused on safety-first onboarding, training delivery, and skills validation.


What you'll Bring...
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a highly quantitative field.
  • Experience: 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing, high-volume logistics, or multi-site supply chain environments.
  • Transformational Leadership: Proven experience managing large-scale organizational redesigns or transitioning multi-site organizations to centralized/regional models.
  • Continuous Improvement Expertise: Demonstrated mastery of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies (LSS Master Black Belt preferred).
  • Executive Presence & Change Leadership: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence VPs, Regional General Managers, and HR partners.
  • Analytical & Financial Acumen: Exceptional data-driven decision-making capability. Expert in dissecting complex operating metrics (CCPU, AOP, throughput, and yield).
  • Tech & Automation Catalyst: Experience deploying and scaling warehouse technologies, warehouse management systems (WMS), digital workflows, or AI/automation initiatives.
  • People & Capability Builder: Strong focus on building talent benches, coaching leaders, and standardizing curriculum-based learning.


Why This Role Matters:
Walmart's Fulfillment & Reverse Network is undergoing a critical evolution to power the next generation of omnichannel retail. As the Senior Director of Operational Excellence, you are not just maintaining the standard; you are writing the playbook, training the leaders, and defining the future of how Walmart executes on its promise to save customers money so they can live better.

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.

You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.

For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.

Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.

For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

The annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $260,000.00

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :

- Stock








Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Human Resources, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field and 6 years' experience in consulting, project management, business strategy, or related area OR 8 years' experience in consulting, project management, business strategy, or related area.

3 years' experience leading cross functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Leading and mentoring Six Sigma projects, Master's degree in Finance, Human Resources, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field., Project Management Certification, Six Sigma certification, Strategic planning and setting team direction

Primary Location...

805 Respect, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America

About Walmart

WalmartLabs is accelerating their development to redefine the shopping experience to meet the changing needs of our customers wherever they are —in a store, on our website, or on their mobile device.

Walmart Careers

Joining Walmart means becoming part of a world-renowned team that leads with innovation and is committed to creating impact. As the largest retailer globally, Walmart offers unparalleled job opportunities and career growth in an environment that values diversity and leadership. Work You’ll Do At Walmart, you will be part of a dynamic team that drives our mission to help people save money so they can live better. Engage in work that matters with a company that offers both stability and the flexibility to explore different career paths. Transform the retail landscape with your skills and help shape the future of millions of customers worldwide. Walmart is at the forefront of combining retail with advanced technology, making it an exciting place for professional growth and innovation. Lead with Us Step into a role that harnesses your potential and places you at the intersection of retail and technology. Walmart is not just a company; it's a community where you can develop your leadership skills and contribute to a culture that nurtures professional growth. Work with a diverse team of experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that all team members are valued and can thrive. Walmart Careers and Employment Opportunities We are continuously expanding our team to include enthusiastic professionals eager to drive change and make a significant impact. Explore a range of positions from entry-level to executive, each offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to advance. Innovate with Us Join Walmart and be part of a team that is dedicated to innovation and excellence. With over 2.3 million associates worldwide, you are joining the largest private employment group, ready to innovate, lead, and impact the global market. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Walmart internship. Gain invaluable experience, build your resume, and develop networking connections that will empower your career journey. Our internships provide a platform to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, preparing you for future employment. Be Part of a Great Team At Walmart, our team is our strength. We invest in our employees through robust training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive and inclusive environment where every member’s contribution is valued. Future-Proof Your Career Your journey at Walmart can be as vast as your ambitions. With endless opportunities to grow, learn, and lead, you can take your professional experience to new heights. Benefit from our comprehensive training programs and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the diverse job opportunities at Walmart and find where you can make a difference. 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. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Walmart. SEARCH WALMART JOBS Join Walmart today and be part of a story of growth, innovation, and leadership.
Learn more about Walmart
Size
2,300 employees
Market Cap
$387 billion
Industry
Net Income
$13.5 billion
Founded
1962
5 Year Trend
+3.3%
Revenue
$559.1 billion
NASDAQ

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