Shop - Automation, Process Optimization & Operational Efficiency Manager, Fulfillment Center

About the role
We are a fast-growing U.S.-based overseas warehousing and fulfillment provider specializing in high-volume B2C cross-border e-commerce (Amazon FBA prep, Shopify D2C, and direct-to-consumer last-mile delivery). To support our 3–5 year scaling strategy, we are seeking a highly technical and strategic leader to drive our next generation of fulfillment automation, lean process engineering, and cost-optimization initiatives.
This is not a maintenance role. This is a greenfield and brownfield transformation role. You will own the roadmap from manual workflows to semi-automated/fully automated sortation, pick-pack, and value-added services (VAS). You will be expected to deliver double-digit productivity gains while reducing cost-per-order in a highly competitive cross-border logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Automation Roadmap & Capital Execution:

• Design and execute a 3-year automation master plan for 200K–1M+ sq ft warehouse facilities, including ASRS, AMR/AGV, goods-to-person (G2P), robotic picking, automated packing, and high-speed sortation systems.

• Lead end-to-end capital projects: business case development, ROI modeling (payback < 2 years), vendor selection, site layout re-engineering, installation, commissioning, and hypercare.

• Partner with real-estate and operations teams to integrate automation into new site launches and existing facility retrofits.

Process Optimization & Lean Transformation:

• Map, analyze, and re-engineer all B2C fulfillment workflows: inbound receiving, putaway, inventory accuracy, wave planning, picking (piece/piece), packing, labeling, carrier sorting, and returns processing.

• Implement Lean Six Sigma / Toyota Production System methodologies to eliminate waste (muda), unevenness (mura), and overburden (muri) across labor-driven processes.

• Deploy standardized work, visual management, and error-proofing (poka-yoke) to reduce defects, mis-ships, and damage rates.

Efficiency & Labor Productivity:

• Establish a labor management system (LMS) with engineered labor standards (ELS) and performance-based incentive models.

• Drive units-per-man-hour (UPH) , on-time shipment (OTS) , and cost-per-order (CPO) KPIs to best-in-class 3PL benchmarks.

• Optimize wave planning and order batching algorithms to maximize pick density and minimize travel time (both manual and automated).

• 1. Cost Optimization

• Identify and deliver $5M+ annualized cost savings through automation, packaging optimization, carrier consolidation, and waste reduction.

• Redesign slotting strategies to reduce handling touches and storage cube utilization.

• Collaborate with procurement to negotiate favorable terms with automation suppliers and MRO vendors.

Cross-Functional & Bilingual Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the primary technical translator between U.S. ops teams and Chinese headquarters/engineering teams—converting operational pain points into clear technical requirements and vice versa.
• Present monthly business reviews (MBRs) and quarterly capital review decks to C-suite, articulating trade-offs between Cap Ex, Op Ex, throughput, and service levels.
• Train and mentor operations managers, shift leads, and continuous improvement specialists on new automation systems and lean tools.

Requirements:

• Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, or related field. MBA or Master’s in IE/SCM strongly preferred.

• Experience: 5 years of progressive experience in warehouse automation, process engineering, or operational excellence within high-volume B2C fulfillment (minimum 50K+ orders/day).

• Automation Track Record: Proven hands-on leadership in at least 2 major automation deployments (e.g., AMR fleets >50 units, Auto Store, shuttle systems, robotic arms, or high-speed cross-belt sorters) from conception to go-live.

• Lean/Six Sigma: Black Belt certification (or equivalent demonstrated impact) with quantifiable results (e.g., 30% productivity lift, 40% defect reduction).

• Data & Systems: Advanced proficiency in WMS (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, or proprietary), data analytics (SQL, Power BI/Tableau), and simulation modeling (e.g., Flex Sim, Any Logic).

• Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cross-border e-commerce (China-to-US supply chain, FBA labeling, customs compliance, multi-carrier small-parcel).

• Background in MHE (material handling equipment) controls integration or basic PLC/SCADA knowledge.

• Prior P&L responsibility or site GM experience.

• Existing network of automation vendors (Honeywell, Dematic, Knapp, Hai Robotics, Geek+, Syrius, etc.).