WMS Continuous Improvement Strategist Manager- exp. in Blue Yonder Warehouse Management System required

This role will lead the design, configuration, deployment, and continuous optimization of the Blue Yonder Warehouse Management System (WMS SaaS) across Panasonic Logistics operations and customer sites. The position serves as the strategic link between warehouse operations, customers, the WMS vendor, and transportation/3PL partners — driving labor reduction, quality improvement, and innovation through technology adoption, Lean methodology, and end-to-end supply chain integration.

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What You'll Get To Do:

Blue Yonder WMS Implementation, Configuration & Optimization:

• Lead end-to-end implementation, configuration, and deployment of the Blue Yonder WMS SaaS product across Panasonic warehouse sites and customer engagements.
• Configure modules including inbound/outbound flows, slotting, wave planning, task management, labor management, and yard/dock operations to align with site-specific operating models.
• Design and execute test plans (unit, integration, UAT) and lead cutover, go-live, and hypercare activities; ensure data conversion, master data setup, and integration mappings (host ERP, TMS, customer EDI/API) are accurate and stable.
• Manage version upgrades, release adoption, and SaaS configuration governance to maximize value from new features and minimize operational disruption.

Warehouse Operations Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Partner with site leadership to translate Blue Yonder WMS capabilities into measurable labor reduction, quality improvement, and throughput gains.
• Conduct operational assessments, time studies, and process mapping (including Value Stream Mapping) to identify automation, system, and process improvement opportunities.
• Apply Lean methodology (5S, kaizen, A3, standard work) to embed continuous improvement into WMS-enabled workflows; coach operators on sustainable process change.
• Develop and monitor operational KPIs (lines per hour, cost per unit, inventory accuracy, on-time ship, picking quality) and lead root-cause analysis on performance gaps

Customer, Operator & WMS Vendor Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary collaboration point between site operators, customers, and Blue Yonder to align WMS configuration and roadmap with business requirements.
• Facilitate customer workshops, requirements gathering sessions, and design reviews; translate operational needs into WMS configuration decisions and integration designs.
• Manage the Blue Yonder vendor relationship at the working level — including support escalations, enhancement requests, professional services scoping, and roadmap influence.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with customer supply chain and IT counterparts to accelerate adoption and joint optimization initiatives.

Transportation & 3PL Partner Integration:

• Partner with internal transportation teams and external 3PL providers to ensure WMS-driven warehouse processes are fully integrated with inbound/outbound transportation, yard, and dock execution.
• Drive end-to-end solution design across WMS, TMS, and carrier/3PL systems to maximize visibility, capacity utilization, and on-time performance.
• Identify cross-functional optimization opportunities (appointment scheduling, load building, dock scheduling, freight audit data quality) and lead joint improvement initiatives with logistics partners.
• Ensure 3PL operating models leverage Blue Yonder capabilities to deliver consistent service levels and unit economics across customers.

Innovation & Strategic Roadmap:

• Contribute to Panasonic’s internal supply chain technology roadmap and innovation agenda, with emphasis on WMS, automation, and labor strategy.
• Engage with Blue Yonder product management to influence roadmap, pilot new capabilities, and provide structured feedback from production operations.
• Evaluate emerging technologies (AI/ML for labor and slotting, voice/AR picking, robotics integrations, advanced analytics) and assess fit within the current Blue Yonder ecosystem.
• Capture and share best practices, reference architectures, and reusable configuration patterns to accelerate future deployments across the Panasonic network.

Scope:

• Individual contributor / strategist role; no direct reports at hire, with potential to grow a small team of WMS analysts/specialists.
• Influences and coordinates cross-functional resources across operations, IT, transportation, customers, and the Blue Yonder vendor team.
• Accountable for WMS configuration standards, deployment outcomes, and post-go-live performance KPIs across assigned sites.

What You'll Bring:

Education & Experience: 

• BS/BA degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Information Systems, or related field required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in warehouse/3PL operations, WMS implementation, and supply chain technology.
• Deep, hands-on experience implementing and configuring Blue Yonder WMS (SaaS) is required — including multiple full-lifecycle deployments (design, configure, test, cutover, hypercare, stabilization).
• Demonstrated track record delivering measurable labor reduction and quality improvement through WMS-enabled operational change.
• Lean certification or formal training (Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Shingo, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Candidates should be located in either Fontana, CA. Aurora, IL., Savannah, GA.

Problem Solving:

• Expert-level functional knowledge of Blue Yonder WMS configuration, including labor management, slotting, wave/task management, and integration architecture.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations strategies — direct labor models, engineered standards, slotting strategy, inventory accuracy, and quality systems.
• Working knowledge of Lean methodology (5S, kaizen, A3, standard work, Value Stream Mapping) and ability to apply it within a WMS-enabled environment.
• Skilled at collaborating with operators, customers, and software vendors to translate operational needs into system and process solutions.
• Ability to partner with transportation and 3PL partners on end-to-end solution design across WMS/TMS/yard execution.
• Innovation mindset — comfortable contributing to internal Panasonic technology strategy and influencing the WMS vendor’s product roadmap.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project/program management skills; comfortable with data-driven decision making.
• Highly self-directed, proactive, and able to manage multiple concurrent deployments across geographies and customers.
• High competency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio) and familiarity with reporting/BI tools (Power BI or equivalent).

Communications: 

• Strong ability to communicate across all levels — from warehouse floor associates and supervisors to customer executives and vendor product leadership.
• Excellent facilitation, workshop, and stakeholder engagement skills; able to drive alignment among operators, customers, and vendors with competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication — design documents, configuration specs, executive readouts, and customer-facing materials.

Other Requirements: 

• Travel up to 75% — domestic site deployments, customer engagements, and vendor sessions; occasional international travel may be required.
• Ability to work on warehouse floors, including walking, standing, and observing operations for extended periods during go-lives and assessments.
• Flexibility to support cutover and hypercare activities outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and rotating shifts as needed.

Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You:

Panasonic prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

We Take Opportunity Seriously:

At Panasonic, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer. 

The wage range of $130,000 - $140,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives.

About Us:

At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Supplemental Information:

Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic.