Special Projects Manager

Reporting directly to the VP of Business Operations, this position will serve as a shared resource to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), receiving assignments and direction from executive leaders across the business. The Special Projects Manager will be responsible for independently investigating challenges, identifying root causes, developing solutions, and driving corrective actions through successful implementation. This is a hands-on, execution-focused position requiring strong analytical capabilities, sound business judgment, operational curiosity, and the ability to work across departments and locations. The successful candidate must be comfortable entering unfamiliar situations, asking questions, analyzing data, working directly with employees, and taking ownership of issues until they are resolved. The position is not limited to traditional project management or reporting responsibilities. It requires an individual who can turn complex, sometimes loosely defined business challenges into actionable solutions and measurable improvements. pecial Projects & Executive Leadership Support * Lead and execute special projects assigned by the members of the Executive Leadership Team. * Serve as a cross-functional resource for investigating and resolving operational, financial, inventory, and business process challenges. * Independently assess assigned issues, determine root causes, and develop actionable solutions. * Take ownership of projects from initial investigation through implementation, follow-up, and resolution. * Develop project plans, establish timelines, coordinate resources, and track progress against defined objectives. * Collaborate with ELT members to understand business priorities and ensure project outcomes align with organizational goals. * Maintain visibility into active projects, priorities, milestones, and results. * Communicate project progress, findings, recommendations, and outcomes to appropriate executive leaders. * Escalate competing priorities, resource limitations, and significant barriers to the VP of Business Operations for resolution. * Ensure completed projects are documented and transitioned to the appropriate functional leaders for ongoing ownership. * Inventory Accuracy & Distribution Center Support * Travel to company distribution centers and operating locations to investigate inventory discrepancies and operational challenges. * Analyze inventory variances, adjustments, transfers, receiving, picking, shipping, and other inventory-related transactions. * Investigate recurring inventory issues to determine whether underlying causes involve systems, processes, training, controls, or operational practices. * Work directly with local management and employees to identify and implement corrective actions. * Review inventory management procedures, cycle-count processes, and reconciliation practices. * Identify opportunities to strengthen inventory controls, improve transaction accuracy, and reduce inventory losses. * Develop standardized procedures and preventive measures to reduce recurring inventory discrepancies. * Monitor implemented improvements to verify effectiveness and sustainability. * Develop, maintain, and enhance operational reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators. * Analyze ERP and other business system data to identify trends, discrepancies, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities. * Investigate reporting inaccuracies and work with appropriate departments to resolve underlying issues. * Prepare clear, concise reports and recommendations for executive leadership. * Support reporting needs across Operations, Finance, Purchasing, Sales, and other departments. * Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency through automation, standardization, and improved data processes. * Establish performance measurements to evaluate operational improvements and special project outcomes. * Translate complex information into practical recommendations that support business decisions. * Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization * Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and cost effectiveness. * Evaluate existing workflows and business processes to identify inefficiencies, unnecessary steps, control weaknesses, and opportunities for standardization. * Conduct root-cause analyses and develop sustainable corrective action plans. * Lead the implementation of process improvements across departments and operating locations. * Partner with functional leaders to develop and document standard operating procedures. * Identify opportunities to leverage technology, automation, and existing systems to improve business performance. * Measure the operational and financial impact of improvement initiatives. * Follow up on implemented changes to ensure improvements are sustained. * Work collaboratively with Operations, Finance, Purchasing, IT, Sales, and other departments to resolve business challenges. * Build effective working relationships with employees and leadership across all levels of the organization. * Coordinate resources and facilitate accountability to ensure projects and corrective actions are completed. * Provide hands-on support during the implementation of new processes, systems, and operational improvements. * Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both frontline employees and executive leadership. * Drive progress through collaboration, influence, and follow-through without requiring direct supervisory authority. * Support other business improvement initiatives as assigned. * Cross-Functional Collaboration & Execution * Business Reporting & Data Analysis * Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. * Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in distribution operations, inventory management, business analysis, continuous improvement, or special project management. * Demonstrated experience investigating complex operational challenges and implementing successful solutions. * Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret operational and financial data. * Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with ERP systems and reporting tools. * Understanding of warehouse operations, inventory controls, and distribution processes. * Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities. * Ability to independently manage multiple assignments and competing priorities. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Ability to work effectively with employees and leaders at all organizational levels. * Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the United States and to other company locations as required. * Experience in wholesale distribution, flooring, paint, building materials, or related industries. * Experience with Epicor Eclipse ERP or similar distribution management systems. * Experience developing reports and dashboards using Power BI or comparable business intelligence tools. * Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. * Experience supporting multiple distribution centers or geographically dispersed business operations. * Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives without direct supervisory authority