TikTok 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. 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 cross-border logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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 CapEx, OpEx, throughput, and service levels.
   • Train and mentor operations managers, shift leads, and continuous improvement specialists on new automation systems and lean tools. 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, AutoStore, 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., FlexSim, AnyLogic).

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.).