Materials Services
Supply Chain Services
Supply Chain Services
Aligning People Processes and Systems
A Conversation with Edward Nummer III, Vice President, Operational Excellence
Q: How long have you been with thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services, and what’s your background?
A: I joined thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services around 2020–2021 and have been here for about four and a half years. My background is in logistics and operations, where I’ve done everything from running large-scale warehouses to project management and turning around underperforming facilities. Throughout my career, I’ve leaned heavily on Lean principles, traditional project management, and continuous improvement to drive results.
Q: What types of roles have you held throughout your career?
A: I’ve worked across a wide range of roles. I started as an engineer and eventually ran 1.5 million ft² just-in-time (JIT) facility supporting General Motors. I’ve also led troubleshooting and reengineering initiatives, including consolidating multiple facilities into single operations and customizing warehouse management systems to support imports, exports, and kitting. Much of my work has been at the intersection of operations, IT, and process design.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your current role?
A: I thrive on problem-solving and driving efficiency. Whether it’s systems, processes, or people, I enjoy finding how the pieces fit together. It’s not just about the technology, you know. True efficiency comes from aligning people, process, and systems. That puzzle-solving aspect is what keeps the work exciting.
Q: How do people and teams factor into operational excellence?
A: People are a huge part of it. You can have the best systems in the world, but without engaged teams and strong processes, you won’t succeed. I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work with outstanding teams, and that’s especially true here. The quality of the people, the collaboration, and the culture are what motivate me every day.
Q: Who would you like to recognize as part of your team?
A: It starts with my leader, Chris Merz, who sets a strong, authentic culture and truly walks the talk. Beyond that, it’s hard to single anyone out. My team is made up of strong leaders and emerging executives who all contribute in meaningful ways. The strength really lies in the team dynamic as a whole.
Q: Are there any projects you’re especially proud of that you can share?
A: Over the past year, we’ve made a major push toward digitization using Microsoft Power Platform. We’ve built applications that help capture ideas, define problem statements, assess ROI, and track projects from concept to completion. We’ve also created dashboards, reporting tools, safety applications, and centralized information hubs that give teams better visibility and control. All of this supports better decision-making and stronger outcomes for both employees and customers.
Q: What does customer centricity mean to you?
A: Customer centricity means solving problems for both external and internal customers. While end customers are critical, my direct customers are often the people in the field. By making their jobs easier—streamlining processes, improving systems, and removing friction—we ultimately enable better service for external customers. The two are deeply connected.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a career in operational excellence?
A: Don’t try to be an expert in just one thing. Broad exposure across functions is incredibly valuable. Equally important is mastering the art of listening and asking good questions. Operational excellence is about leading others to be successful, not about being right. When teams align around a shared conclusion and direction, that’s when real improvement happens.
Q: How would you summarize your philosophy on leadership and improvement?
A: It’s not about being right—it’s about being successful. Continuous improvement requires listening, collaboration, and drawing on diverse experiences. When people, process, and systems are aligned, that’s when organizations truly thrive.
Thank you, Ed!
We are so grateful Ed could take time out of his busy schedule to discuss how the organization is working to diligently to improve efficiency across people, processes, and systems for the customer and employee alike as well as his own experiences over the years.
To read other interviews, check out our blog.
To see Operational Excellence in action, check out our Services pages, like this one on our Warehousing & Distribution Services.