Director, Continuous Improvement

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Continuous Improvement leads strategic initiatives to optimize operational efficiency, enhance productivity, and drive continuous improvement across the organization. This role involves developing and implementing scalable process improvement frameworks, leveraging data-driven insights, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The Director collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Priority focus areas may include zero-based budgeting, operating model design, inventory & supply chain optimization, store operations & retail labor optimization, and other AI-enabled opportunities.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in cost management, margin improvement, business process transformation, and financial planning, with proven experience leading cross-functional teams to drive sustainable change.

Core responsibilities include the following but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute process improvement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify, analyze, and resolve inefficiencies.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to optimize operations.
• Lead the design and execution of a zero-based budgeting framework to improve cost visibility and accountability.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive data-informed decision-making.
• Champion change management initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Continuously refining processes based on performance insights and emerging best practices.
• Evaluate and rationalize organizational structures and spans of control.
• Set and deliver on overall cost reduction goals and improved efficiencies.

Professional Experience & Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in strategic roles such as corporate strategy, business operations, management consulting. Retail industry experience preferred.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale process transformations in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred), Agile, or similar methodologies.
• Bachelor's degree with strong understanding of Business, Finance, etc. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience managing cross-functional initiatives, teams and large-scale projects.
• Proven track record of driving strategic initiatives from concept to completion, preferably in a fast-paced or growth-oriented environment.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand and align projects with broader business goals.
• Project/Program Management: Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience leading multiple, complex initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct reporting lines.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Highly analytical with the ability to interpret and act on data to drive decision-making and project outcomes.
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems, develop creative solutions, and execute in a timely manner.
• Communication & Influence: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels.

Why Guitar Center? Here's just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

Pay Rate:$165,000 - $195,000/yr depending on background and experience.

This position is eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

About Guitar Center

Guitar Center embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to craft lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

Why join us?

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Love this gig and want to apply?

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job-related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email torecruiting@guitarcenter.com.