Manager Yard & Process Excellence

The Manager, Yard & Process Excellence leads the standardization and continuous improvement of yard and delivery operations across all locations. Leading through a team of operational leaders and cross-functional partners, this role is accountable for establishing operating standards, driving performance excellence, and building scalable operational capabilities that support safety, efficiency, customer experience, and business growth. 

This role requires strong leadership, change management, and influencing skills to drive sustainable results across a multi-site network. 

This role will require flexibility for travel to visit the sites, approximately 2 nights a week.

This position offers a competitive salary ($97-129,000/yr)

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end SOP strategy and governance model for Yard Operations and Delivery Logistics; ensure SOPs are practical, adopted, and embedded in daily work. 
• Define the performance standards and KPI framework for yard and delivery operations, enabling data-driven decision-making and consistent execution across the network. 
• Create the continuous improvement model and lead the cross-functional initiatives to reduce delays and improve processes. 
• Support rollout, training, adoption, and reinforcement of new processes across locations. Align Retail Operations, Fleet, Supply Chain, Safety, PRO, Retail Sales, and Continuous Improvement teams around shared operational priorities. 
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of operational leaders responsible for executing yard and delivery standards, fostering accountability and high performance throughout the organization.  
• Drive the design and implementation of scalable operating models, including workflow optimization, yard layouts, equipment standards, labor strategies, and operational best practices.   
   

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Industrial Engineering, Operations, or Supply Chain. 
• 8-12+ years of experience in logistics, yard operations, fleet, distribution, supply chain, or process improvement. 
• Strong process mapping, workflow design, documentation, and data analysis skills. 
• Ability to develop SOPs, job aids, dashboards, KPIs, and training materials. 
• Strong communication, facilitation, influencing, and change management skills. 
• Demonstrated success by leading leaders and managing multi-site operations through indirect influence and organizational alignment
• Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives and driving sustainable change across geographically dispersed teams. 
• Lean or Six Sigma Certification would be an asset. 

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees.  At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an ecommerce website, our mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service and know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. We protect our customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to our safety values. We employ over 3,700 people and work hard to increase our market share through strategic investment in training and technology. We focus on the development of our people and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to our retail stores, we operate truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company. We are a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group which ensures our great product selection and pricing