Process Improvement Manager

Job Description

The Process Improvement Manager will lead efforts to optimize the store development process, targeting 300 new store openings annually across the US. This role will drive cross-functional process improvement initiatives, coordinating with departments such as Research, Real Estate, Legal, Design, Owner Furnished Items, Construction, and Finance to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce costs, and accelerate store openings. The Process Improvement Manager will leverage advanced Microsoft Excel skills to quickly learn Excel-based tools prevalent across store development teams. Additionally, this role will supervise the Process Improvement Analyst to ensure new processes are effectively designed and adopted. By combining project management expertise, leadership, and Excel proficiency, this role will ensure initiatives align with the company's growth objectives.

Responsibilities

• Project Planning and Execution: Develop and manage project plans for process improvement initiatives, such as streamlining permitting workflows, optimizing site selection handoffs, or standardizing procurement processes. Define scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables with the Process Improvement Director and team members (e.g., Data Scientists, GIS Specialists, Finance/Excel Experts).

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Facilitate collaboration among departments (e.g., Real Estate, Legal, Design, Construction) to ensure seamless handoffs and alignment on process changes, using templates and dashboards to share updates and resolve issues, ensuring compatibility with tools used across store development teams.

• Supervision and Process Implementation: Manage the Process Improvement Analyst, guiding the design, piloting, and adoption of new processes (e.g., standardized contract templates or automated procurement workflows). Set performance goals, provide feedback, and review training materials and adoption metrics, using tools to track progress and ensure clarity for end-users across departments.

• Timeline and Resource Management: Track milestones and deadlines across multiple initiatives, ensuring effective resource allocation. Use project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Smartsheet) alongside advanced Excel models to monitor progress and provide real-time stakeholder updates.

• Performance Monitoring: Collaborate with Data Scientists and Finance/Excel Experts to define and track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as time from site selection to store opening, cost per store, or permitting approval rates. Use advanced Excel skills to develop dashboards, analyze data, and report outcomes to the Process Improvement Director.

• Risk Management: Identify risks to project success (e.g., delays in contract approvals or regional permitting challenges) and develop mitigation strategies, using Excel to model scenarios and track plans. Escalate critical issues to the Process Improvement Director as needed.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with department leads to secure buy-in for process changes, acting as a liaison to align initiatives with operational needs, using effective communication to share progress and address adoption challenges.

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain project documentation, including plans, status reports, and lessons learned, using tools for detailed reports and visualizations. Create executive summaries for senior leadership.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Agile, Scrum) is highly preferred.

Experience:

• 4-6 years of project management experience, preferably in retail, real estate development, construction, or a related industry.

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience, managing direct reports or cross-functional teams, with a focus on mentoring and performance.

• Proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.

• Experience in high-volume, fast-paced environments, ideally supporting large-scale operational goals (e.g., multiple simultaneous projects).

• Familiarity with retail store development processes (e.g., site selection, permitting, construction, or procurement) and workflows is a strong plus.

About Autozone

Since opening our first store in 1979, AutoZone has grown into a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to Going the Extra Mile define who we are, for both our customers and AutoZoners. Working at AutoZone means being part of a team that values dedication, teamwork, and growth. Whether you're helping customers or building your career, we provide tools and support to help you succeed and drive your future.

Benefits at AutoZone

AutoZone offers thoughtful benefits programs with one-on-one benefits guidance designed to improve AutoZoners' physical, mental and financial well-being.

All AutoZoners (Full-Time and Part-Time):

• Competitive pay

• Unrivaled company culture

• Medical, dental and vision plans

• Exclusive discounts and perks, including an AutoZone in-store discount

• 401(k) with company match and Stock Purchase Plan

• AutoZoners Living Well Program for free mental health support

• Opportunities for career growth

Additional Benefits for Full-Time AutoZoners:

• Paid time off

• Life, and short- and long-term disability insurance options

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts with wellness rewards

• Tuition reimbursement

Minimum age requirements may apply. Eligibility and waiting period requirements may apply; benefits for AutoZoners in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may differ. Learn more about all that AutoZone has to offer at Careers.AutoZone.com.

We proudly support Veterans, Active-duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guard and Military Families. Your experience is highly valued, and we encourage you to apply to join our team.

Online Application:

An online application is required. Click the Apply button to complete your application. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply visit careers.autozone.com/candidateresources.

AutoZone, and its subsidiary, ALLDATA are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected categories. ?

Job Identification 13253

Job Schedule Full time