The Optimization Manager reports directly to the Regional Director of Operations
Position Summary
The Optimization Manager has a focus on all departments from front office to shipping and receiving. This position has an overview of the entirety of the operation mapping the processes, determining bottlenecks, and ways to improve our overall financial performance.
General Duties of the Optimization Manager
Review, analyze, and improve current operational and front-office processes, including order entry, estimating/quoting, scheduling coordination, customer setup, and handoffs between Sales, Customer Service, Inside Sales, Production and Shipping
Lead financial and operational analysis to identify cost drivers, margin improvement opportunities, pricing impacts, and profitability by customer, product, and workflow
Create, maintain, and present weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting for leadership, including KPIs related to production efficiency, service levels, labor utilization, inventory, scrap, and financial performance
Serve as a key ERP system subject-matter expert, owning data accuracy, reporting logic, workflow optimization, and cross-functional process adoption
Translate ERP, production, and financial data into clear insights and actionable recommendations for leadership
Develop key metrics for data-driven decision making across Sales, Customer Service, Finance, and Operations to improve forecasting accuracy, demand planning, and execution discipline
Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and manual workarounds across departments and implement standardized, scalable process improvements
Develop and maintain dashboards and standardized reporting to support operational reviews and business planning
Assist and coordinate implementation of new methods, processes, and workflows across departments to improve efficiency, visibility, and customer experience
Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in collaboration with Finance and Operations leadership
Act as a bridge between front-office teams and production to ensure alignment on priorities, timing, and customer commitments
Promote a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven decision making, transparency, and accountability
Required Training
A period of training with CERM software and BI reporting
Required Education
Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Supply Chain or other related fields
Required Experience
Familiarity with Windows computers and operating systems.
5 Years of related professional experience OR 3 years of specific experience with UFP Business, products and market understanding
Required Skills
Computer, data entry, and Microsoft products.
Ability to present complex concepts in clear concise messages tailored to all levels of the organization.
Strong organizational, planning and problem-solving skills.
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Universal Forest Products and its subsidiaries and affiliates are equal opportunity employers. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
