Director, Industrial Engineering - Ground Operations

$127,700 - $127,700/Yr

Forward Air - Forest Park, GA

Full-time - Senior

Forest Park, GA

501-1,000 employees

Support Activities for Transportation

About the position

Forward Air is seeking a Director of Industrial Engineering for our LTL Expedited terminals. This pivotal role will focus on establishing labor standards, optimizing operational processes, and introducing LEAN practices across key terminals within the business unit. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing methods to improve various aspects of operations, including dock layout, process flow, work organization systems, and the enhancement of standard operating procedures. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of improving labor productivity and operational efficiencies across multiple locations, along with exceptional skills in influencing and collaborating cross-functionally. Experience in a transportation and/or warehousing environment is strongly desired. In this role, you will establish initial labor standards and processes for loading and unloading trailers, as well as for the cross-dock movement of freight. You will measure employee performance against these standards and drive continuous improvement in labor productivity. Leading cross-functional projects with warehouse, data, and development teams will be critical to supporting the growth of Forward's operations. You will also create and propose layouts for distribution center expansion and relocation, using data and analytics to influence Operations Management on specific changes that enhance labor productivity and performance. Your responsibilities will include implementing changes that optimize labor loading and scheduling, utilizing data, analytics, and simulation to identify improvements in dock layout and process flow. You will identify opportunities to leverage systems and automation to enhance terminal operations and efficiencies, and lead the introduction and implementation of LEAN principles across terminals. Additionally, you will review products, processes, and systems to ensure continuous improvement for all ground operations, providing leadership oversight on all operations, systems, and technology. Developing, training, and motivating a team to achieve business unit goals will be a key focus, along with fostering employee development through cross-training. You will also collaborate with senior management on new business development initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

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
• Ability to work in SQL Data base management experience
• Flexible work hours as needed

Nice-to-haves

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

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for professional development
• Flexible work hours
• Employee development programs