What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Continuous Improvement Associate position at Madewell?
Position Overview
We are seeking an innovative Senior Continuous Improvement Associate to elevate our continuous improvement initiatives at J. Crew's Asheville, NC distribution center. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on implementation to drive transformational change across the organization. Reporting to the Site Transformation Manager, the ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in lean methodologies, change management, and collaborative problem-solving while building and maintaining strong partnerships at all organizational levels.
Essential Job Functions
Transformation Deployment & Change Management
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Expertise
Location: Asheville, NC (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are committed to affirmatively providing equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, legally protected physical or mental disability or any other basis protected under applicable law.
One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.
JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.
We are seeking an innovative Senior Continuous Improvement Associate to elevate our continuous improvement initiatives at J. Crew's Asheville, NC distribution center. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on implementation to drive transformational change across the organization. Reporting to the Site Transformation Manager, the ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in lean methodologies, change management, and collaborative problem-solving while building and maintaining strong partnerships at all organizational levels.
Essential Job Functions
Transformation Deployment & Change Management
- Lead implementation of transformation strategies across the distribution center
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with business leaders
- Design and execute change management processes
- Drive team member engagement and adoption of new initiatives
- Monitor and report on transformation metrics
- Create and maintain transformation program documentation
- Evaluate program effectiveness and ROI
- Assess organizational lean expertise gaps
- Design and implement lean training programs
- Coach teams on lean methodologies and tools
- Develop standard work documentation
- Create and maintain coaching materials
- Monitor progress and effectiveness of coaching initiatives
- Mentor team members in lean practices
- Lead preparation and facilitation of improvement events
- Manage Strategic Planning sessions
- Facilitate Value Stream Analysis (VSA)
- Direct Rapid Improvement Events (RIE)
- Coordinate Kaizen activities
- Track and report event outcomes
- Ensure successful implementation of solutions
- Coach operational huddles for daily improvement
- Implement and optimize readiness boards
- Develop standard work processes
- Design problem-solving methodologies
- Create issue escalation frameworks
- Monitor daily improvement metrics
- Drive continuous process enhancement
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Expertise
- Proficiency in lean tools and techniques
- A3 Problem Solving methodology
- 6S implementation experience
- JIT and Kanban systems
- Six Sigma methodology
- Process mapping and analysis
- Performance metrics development
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Change management expertise
- Project management skills
- Process improvement capabilities
- Team leadership abilities
- Excellent stakeholder management
- Superior communication skills
- Action-oriented mindset
- Dynamic problem-solving approach
- Results-driven focus
- Strong organizational abilities
- Excellent judgment
- Proactive management style
- Accountability for outcomes
- Bachelor's Degree with 2-3 years' experience in a related field OR 5 years' experience without a degree
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification required; Green Belt Certification preferred.
- Proven track record of utilizing critical thinking and analytical skills
- Demonstrated success in collaborative environments to deliver measurable results in process improvement initiatives
- Full-time, Monday – Friday
- Flexible hours as needed to support business needs
- Some evening/weekend work may be required
- Comprehensive medical and dental benefits
- Life Insurance
- Enhanced 401(k) matching program
- Generous PTO package including floating holidays
- Employee discount on J.Crew merchandise
- Professional development fund
- Career advancement opportunities
- Leadership development programs
- Ability to move throughout the distribution center
- Extended periods of standing and walking
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
- Computer work as needed
Location: Asheville, NC (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are committed to affirmatively providing equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, legally protected physical or mental disability or any other basis protected under applicable law.
One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.
JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.
