Sr Manager Final Mile Transformation-Business Lead

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life  the only major U.S.

-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, Kitchen Aid, Jenn Air, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and In Sink Erator . In 2024, the company reported approximately $17billion in annual sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – with 44,000 employees and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers.

The Project Next Mile team is responsible for implementing a multi‑year transformation plan for Whirlpool's Final Mile network. The ambitious goal of Project Next Mile is to streamline the physical network and create a competitive 3PL landscape that drives lower costs and delivers better service to the Builder, Retail, and Home Consumer channels supported by the Final Mile. Project Next Mile's goals are to reduce annual operating costs by $20million, consolidate the physical final mile network from 126 LDC locations today down to 93 LDC locations, relocate about 25 locations to be better positioned to serve our customers, and to diversify our 3PL partners by transitioning existing business to a portfolio of at least 10 providers.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading a matrixed team of internal and external (3PL) subject‑matter experts through the decision‑making, strategy, discovery, design, and validation of the Final Mile transformation.

• Assess the needs of the Final Mile organization to support large‑scale transformation and develop a strategic roadmap to enhance systems, simplify processes, and standardize work.
• Lead the selection of Final Mile delivery providers, alongside procurement partners, through competitive RFQ processes. Analyze bids, negotiate contracts, and ensure alignment with Whirlpool's operational needs and compliance standards.
• Lead the implementation of transformation readiness projects and build a culture of transformation mindset within the Final Mile team and supporting process partners.
• Manage and facilitate the closure or relocation of existing operational sites, ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with the strategic network transformation plan and timeline.
• Drive sign‑off from the operational, commercial, IT, and procurement experts on the overall fitness of the plan.
• Establish a training and governance model that validates 3PLs are qualified to perform installations on Day1 and that installation quality can be monitored and measured on a daily basis.
• Establish success criteria for Project Next Mile for all aspects of the project, including 3PL RFP outcomes, process transformation, training, warehouse, and 3PL readiness, KPI’s, recovery time, and financial savings.
• Oversee the Project Team, including the Project Manager, Change Manager, Operations Lead, Technical Installation Lead, and Warehouse Lead.
• Build and coordinate work through a coalition of supporting process partners and subject‑matter experts necessary to project success.
• Own key metrics for the post‑implementation phase and define what success looks like.

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5+ years of experience in Supply Chain or Transformation Management.
• Proven track record in building and executing transformative ideas on a large scale.
• Ability to influence matrixed stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and create a vision for new & different.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse processes, best practices, and industry standards.
• Ability to create compelling and adoptable business cases for prioritization, change, or investments needed to transform.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in the Google Suite and project management software.

• Master's degree.
• Final Mile experience.
• Appliance installation experience.
• PMP certification or equivalent.
• Experience working with 3PL providers.
• Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma…