Automation & Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Description: Automation & Continuous Improvement Manager Company: Malco Group Department: Information Technology Reports To: Director of IT & Global Cyber Security Location: Annandale, MN - Hybrid Position Overview: The Malco Group is seeking an Automation & Continuous Improvement Manager. This leader will be accountable for designing, implementing, and scaling automation across Malco Group’s core business processes. This role owns a repeatable automation playbook—from opportunity identification through deployment and value realization—and ensures improvements are practical, measurable, and adopted by the team. Partnering closely with Operations, Finance, HR, Sales, Supply Chain, and IT, this role translates business friction into streamlined, automated workflows using the most effective tools available. AI is one of several tools in the toolkit, alongside workflow automation, system integration, standardization, and process redesign. Operating Model & Key Interfaces This role leads cross-functional automation initiatives in a shared-services model, partnering with People Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Sales, Finance, IT, and New Product Engineering. The Automation & Continuous Improvement Manager sets priorities, runs the EOS® operating rhythm (Rocks, L10s, Scorecards), and ensures clear ownership and measurable outcomes. Key Responsibilities Own the enterprise automation and continuous improvement strategy and roadmap. Develop and maintain a standard automation playbook. Lead portfolio management for automation initiatives. Champion tools such as Power Platform and Microsoft 365 Copilot in service of better processes. Drive change management and adoption. Define, track, and report business impact metrics. Success Measures (First 12 Months) Deliver 3–5 automated process improvements with measurable impact. Establish and socialize a repeatable automation playbook. Achieve meaningful adoption of automation tools. Report clear bottom-line and capacity gains Education/Experience: Required Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, Information Technology, Engineering, Analystics or related. 3+ years of experience in business process improvement or automation Familiarity with workflow automation and AI-enabled tools Strong change management and communication skills. Prior experience leading teams, preferably across multiple locations or functions Strong operational, analytical, and communication skills Preferred Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or multi-brand organizations Familiarity with AI Tools and ERP systems (Oracle) Demonstrated success working cross-functionally in complex organizations 10-15% travel Benefits and Perks: The Malco Group recognizes the importance of offering comprehensive benefits and perks to its employees, including: 401k with company matching. Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Company paid life insurance and paid short-term disability. Paid time off