Director, Industrial Engineering - Ground Operations

Position: Director, Industrial Engineering – Ground Operations

Compensation: $127,700 Annually

Job Description:

Forward Air is seeking a Director, Industrial Engineering for Ground Operations. The role will focus on establishing labor standards, optimizing operations processes, and introducing LEAN practices across multiple operating business units. Methods to improve will include, but are not limited to, dock layout, process flow, work and organization systems, and improvement of standard operating procedures.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success improving labor productivity and operating efficiencies across multiple modes of operating business units and will have exceptional skills influencing and collaborating cross-functionally. Experience in a transportation, logistics and/or warehousing environment is strongly desired.

Core Responsibilities & Duties:

• Establish initial labor standards and processes for loading and unloading trailers and cross dock movement of freight.
• Measure employees against standards and drive continuous improvement of labor productivity.
• Lead cross functional projects with warehouse, data, and dev teams that are critical to supporting the growth of Forward’s operations.
• Create and propose layouts for distribution center expansion & relocation.
• Use data and analytics to influence Operations Management on specific changes that improve labor productivity and performance.
• Implement changes that optimize labor loading and scheduling.
• Use data, analytics, and simulation to identify dock layout and process flow improvements.
• Identify opportunities to use systems and automation to improve terminal operations and efficiencies.
• Lead introduction and implementation of LEAN principles across terminals.
• Lead the implementation of new processes, practices, and procedures.
• Review products, process, and systems to ensure continuous improvement for all ground operations.
• Provide leadership oversight on all operations, system, and technology.
• Develop, train, and motivate a team to reach business unit goals.
• Focus on employee development: organic growth through cross-training.
• Responsible for working with senior management on new business development initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from an accredited university; MSIE a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Industrial Engineer, establishing labor standards, improving operational efficiencies, and initiating and leading process improvements.
• Experience successfully implementing LEAN principles in an operations organization.
• Experience supporting multiple locations.
• Experience using data, statistical tools, and statistical software to identify high-impact process improvements and measure their effect.
• Strong systems skills and advanced knowledge of at least one computer simulation product, graphical flow chart programs, and MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build credibility with operations management and influence acceptance and support of change initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate with multiple stakeholders in Operations, IT, HR, and Finance.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to work in SQL.
• Database management experience.
• Flexible work hours as needed.

Skills:

• Strong culture leadership.
• Database management experience.
• Code writing.
• High level Microsoft Excel Skills.
• Knowledge of Tableau and Microsoft Power BI.
• Ideal candidate will possess a “can do” attitude with a “will do” work ethic.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of operations.
• Strong team player that thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• General computer skills - Microsoft Office, Outlook, AS400.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer.