Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineer
- Distribution Center

Location: Lake Bluff, IL

Salary Range: doe

Employment Type: Full-Time

One of our clients is seeking an Industrial Engineer
- Distribution Center to drive operational efficiency, streamline workflows, improve inventory accuracy, and deliver measurable cost savings across its distribution operations.

The successful candidate will lead warehouse process improvements, WMS optimization, acquisition integration, Lean initiatives, and cost-reduction projects while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and customer service.

This role will initially focus on acquisition integration, distribution center process improvements, and WMS system enhancements
. The position reports to the Leader, Distribution Support and requires strong analytical, project management, and leadership capabilities, along with flexibility to work overtime as needed.

• Engineering and Project Management
• Optimize Warehouse Management System (WMS) configurations, including automation, picking strategies, allocation strategies, and workflow improvements.
• Collaborate with IT and systems teams to identify, test, and implement system enhancements that improve productivity, throughput, quality, and user experience.
• Support the implementation of warehouse technologies, including forklifts, electric walkies, AGVs, conveyor systems, automated packing, robotics, and lithium battery solutions.
• Develop warehouse layouts, storage plans, and facility design recommendations to maximize capacity, space utilization, and operational efficiency.
• Manage warehouse slotting programs, bulk storage configurations, and space optimization initiatives using data-driven methods.
• Monitor operational KPIs, develop reporting tools, and automate recurring reports where practical.
• Support inventory improvement projects and cycle-count programs by analyzing inventory KPIs and identifying process improvements.
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance (PM) programs for warehouse equipment and support equipment installation, maintenance, safety, and standardization.
• Implement quality control measures across receiving, storage, and fulfillment operations.
• Develop, document, map, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identify, justify, and implement cost-saving initiatives using data analysis and operational assessments.
• Lead projects involving time-and-motion studies, bottleneck analysis, productivity improvements, and quality enhancements.
• Develop project plans, manage budgets and timelines, coordinate stakeholders, and validate solutions through pilot programs.
• Coordinate vendor relationships and manage facility reconfigurations, setups, and exits associated with acquisitions and lease expirations.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, shorten lead times, improve productivity, and optimize resource utilisation.
• Implement and maintain 5S standards throughout distribution center operations.
• Train and mentor employees on improved workflows, new technologies, and structured problem‑solving methods.
• Analyze underperformance operational metrics and develop data‑backed corrective action plans.
• Develop and continuously improve distribution center KPIs.
• Benchmark industry best practices and identify opportunities to introduce new processes and technologies.
• Supervision and Leadership
• Provide temporary operational leadership and serve as a backup for warehouse leaders during planned or unplanned absences.
• Oversee receiving, storage, inventory movement, and shipping activities to ensure accurate and timely order fulfilment.
• Monitor workflows, address operational challenges, and maintain day‑to‑day continuity.
• Support staff training, change management, and…