United Natural Foods, Inc

Director, Solutions Design

Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Logistics Engineering, or related field plus 3 years of relevant experience.
  • 3 years of supply chain design, network optimization, or operations transformation experience.
  • Experience developing and defending capital investment business cases.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and data analysis with tools like MS Power BI and Alteryx.
  • Experience in implementing warehouse distribution centers and automation.
  • Expertise in optimizing warehouse performance and reducing operational costs.
  • Familiarity with warehouse design including capacities, layouts, and budgeting.

Responsibilities

  • Develop solutions in network design, facility design, WMS, and emerging technologies.
  • Create and implement efficient warehouse operations procedures and training programs.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to deliver competitive solutions and improve customer service.
  • Ensure project delivery aligns with design standards and methodologies.
  • Oversee financial performance and deliverables of assigned projects.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives including re-design and automation projects.
  • Mentor and develop Solutions Design Managers and Analysts to foster team growth.

Benefits

  • Paid Time Off
  • Sick Time
  • Paid holidays and parental leave
  • 401K Program
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account
Full Job Description
Job Description:
  • Develop solutions, across functional disciplines such as: network design, facility design, WMS & emerging technologies.
  • Develop people, procedures, and training to ensure efficient and effective warehouse operations to achieve significant P&L contributions across UNFI business units.
  • Develop competitive solutions for customers to increase service levels and reduce OPEX. Lead solution development and drives the end-to-end development and solutioning of UNFI capacity projects through warehouse sizing, warehouse design, assessing network capacity, network supply chain design and developing an optimal design to meet all stakeholder demands.
  • Own delivery and financial performance of assigned solutions design projects. Effectively lead and organize other cross-functional teams in support of project development and execution, including but not limited to IT, automation, local sites, regional operations, transportation, warehouse slotting, finance and others as needed. Evaluate operational, service, and capital trade-offs.
  • Provide financial oversight for assigned initiatives. Identify cross-project risks and evaluate major trade-off decisions to reporting manager with recommended resolution paths.
  • Ensure project execution aligns with enterprise design standards, methodologies and design direction established by senior leadership. Lead continuous improvement and re-engineering initiatives such as, but no limited to process re-design and improvements, warehouse layout design, slotting, varying levels of automation.
  • Deliver improvements to UNFI's supply chain through various types of projects including facility design and automation business case development. Lead and develop Solutions Design Managers and Analysts. Foster team growth and inspire high performance.
  • Lead talent identification, recruitment, and development to build a strong, future ready team. Provide advanced analytical support on reengineering and continuous improvement projects. Incorporate appropriate business skills into design work (e.g. statistics, operations research, organizational behavior, finance, accounting, information technology etc.).
  • Develop and present capital investment recommendations and financial analysis for review by Senior Director and Vice President.
  • Design new tools and supports the development of national Facility Design standards and playbook.
  • Ensure Direct Reports are well trained, effective, and optimally used. Coach Managers regarding policy, procedure, and program changes. Conduct performance appraisals as required.
  • Formulates and implements corrective actions as needed. Recommends promotions, transfers, and salary adjustments as appropriate. Assume responsibility for ensuring professional business relationships are established and maintained with customers, vendors, the business community, and trade organizations.
  • Exhibit a commitment to excellence and to superior customer service - both external and internal - in every aspect of the warehousing function.
  • Work with warehouse leadership to analyze trends, implement new technologies and drive overall performance to maximize customer satisfaction, reduce costs, improve efficiencies and implement corrective actions to resolve any issues. Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Supervises 3 subordinates - Managers, Solutions Design and Managers Project Slotting Optimization

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:
  • Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Logistics Engineering, a related field, or a foreign equivalent plus 3 years of post-baccalaureate experience in job offered or any supply chain/logistics related job titles.
  • Applicants must have 3 years of experience in the following:
    • (1) supply chain design, network optimization or operations transformation;
    • (2) developing and defending capital investment business cases;
    • (3) AutoCAD and Ability to analyze data sets with Analytical Tools including MS Power BI, Access, Alteryx;
    • (4) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation;
    • (5) Working in the wholesale food distribution systems and third party logistics providers;
    • (6) optimizing warehouse performance, reducing operational costs, and enhancing warehouse efficiency;
    • (7) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation; and
    • (8) Warehouse design including layouts, elevations, rack systems, sizing, capacity, and wms system capabilities as well as warehouse budgeting (labor, opex, capex). 0-10%
  • Domestic travel required to visit company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 100% telecommuting required.

Compensation: $189,767/year

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act .

About United Natural Foods, Inc

UNFI is the leading independent national distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods and related products including nutritional supplements, personal care items and organic produce, in the United States. In addition to excellent distribution services, we provide a range of innovative, value-added services for our customers and suppliers, to foster mutual success and growth. Our services include marketing and promotional tools, merchandising, category management and store support services.

United Natural Foods, Inc. Careers

Join the vibrant team at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), where we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and innovation in the food industry. As a leading distributor of natural and organic foods, we are committed to nurturing talent through diversity training, leadership development, and a culture that values each team member's contribution.

Work You’ll Do

At UNFI, we are passionate about transforming the food industry sustainably and healthily. By joining our team, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on food access and quality. Our commitment to innovation and growth offers our employees unparalleled career advancement opportunities within a dynamic industry.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a senior management role, UNFI offers a range of career paths in areas such as logistics, sales, marketing, and corporate support. Our internship programs provide a robust foundation for students and recent graduates eager to gain hands-on experience and develop essential industry skills.

Innovative Work Environment

Our leadership is deeply invested in fostering an environment where creativity and strategic thinking are at the forefront of operational success. With cutting-edge technology and a focus on sustainable practices, working at UNFI means being part of a team that’s leading change.

Be Part of a Great Team

At UNFI, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. Our team is made up of passionate, curious, and solution-driven players who bring a wealth of perspectives and expertise to our company.

Future-Proof Your Career

With UNFI, the trajectory of your career is bound only by your ambition. We support our team members with extensive training, development programs, and certification support to ensure you are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Embrace the opportunity to grow with a company that is as committed to your career as it is to leading the industry.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the exciting employment and career opportunities at UNFI. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for innovative, driven, and professional individuals ready to join our leading team.

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Learn more about United Natural Foods, Inc
Size
28,300 employees
Market Cap
$2.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$198.4 million
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
+25.5%
Revenue
$27.9 billion
NASDAQ

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