MANAGER, PROCESS ENGINEERING

Position Overview

The Manager of Distribution & Industrial Engineering is responsible for driving operational excellence across the distribution network through engineered labor standards, process optimization, capacity modeling, automation integration, and data‑driven performance improvement. This leader partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Technology to design and execute strategies that increase throughput, reduce cost, and enhance service reliability.

The role blends hands‑on problem solving with strategic planning, ensuring the network is equipped to meet current and future business demands.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Engineering & Process Optimization

• Analyze end‑to‑end distribution workflows to identify bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.

• Design optimized layouts, material flow paths, and storage strategies to maximize space utilization and throughput.

• Develop SOPs, process maps, and operational playbooks that ensure consistency and repeatability across sites.

Automation & Technology Integration

• Evaluate, justify, and implement automation solutions (AMRs, conveyor systems, robotics, palletization, scanning, etc.).

• Partner with engineering and vendor teams to validate system performance, acceptance criteria, and ROI.

• Lead commissioning, testing, and continuous improvement of automated systems.

• Ensure seamless integration between WMS, WES, and automation platforms.

Project Leadership

• Lead cross‑functional initiatives from concept through execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.

• Develop business cases, cost‑benefit analyses, and capital requests for engineering and automation projects.

• Facilitate change management, training, and adoption of new processes and technologies.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Leadership

• Champion Lean methodologies (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, standard work).

• Build a culture of data‑driven decision making and operational discipline.

• Mentor supervisors, engineers, and analysts in IE tools and problem‑solving techniques.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.

• 5–8+ years of experience in distribution, fulfillment, manufacturing, or logistics engineering.

• Strong expertise in engineered labor standards (MOST, MTM, time studies).

• Demonstrated success leading process improvement and automation initiatives.

• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Power BI/Tableau).

• Experience with WMS/WES systems and distribution technology.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business.

• Experience in high‑volume retail distribution or e‑commerce fulfillment.

• Hands‑on experience with robotics, AMRs, or advanced automation systems.

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).

• Experience managing or mentoring engineering teams.

Success Profile

A successful Manager of Distribution & Industrial Engineering is:

• Analytical and structured, with a strong command of data and modeling.

• Operationally grounded, understanding the realities of floor‑level execution.

• Innovative, bringing forward automation and process solutions that scale.

• Influential, able to drive change across diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Strategic, balancing long‑term network design with near‑term performance needs.