Director, Industrial Engineering Ground Operations

$200,000 - $200,000/Yr

Forward Air - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Senior

Dallas, TX

1,001-5,000 employees

Support Activities for Transportation

About the position

The Director of Industrial Engineering for Ground Operations at Forward Air is responsible for optimizing operational processes and establishing labor standards across LTL Expedited terminals. This role focuses on improving labor productivity and operational efficiencies through the implementation of LEAN practices and data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional projects, influence operations management, and ensure continuous improvement in ground operations.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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
• Database management experience

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of Tableau and Microsoft Power BI
• Strong culture leadership
• Code writing
• High level Microsoft Excel Skills
• 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

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance