Industrial Engineer - Apparel Distribution Center Department: Engineering , Supply Chain & Operations |
FLSA Status: Exempt
About the RoleWe are looking for a hands-on Industrial Engineer to drive operational excellence across our apparel distribution center. You will own the design and continuous improvement of fulfillment workflows - from inbound receiving through outbound shipping and including reverse logistics - with a particular focus on transportation management, labor efficiency, and order flow optimization. This role sits at the intersection of engineering rigor and logistics execution, working closely with DC operations, transportation, technology, and merchandise allocation teams.
Key ResponsibilitiesWorkflow Engineering & Process Improvement
- Analyze and re-engineer end-to-end DC workflows including receiving, put away, replenishment, picking, sorting, packing, returns and shipping for both wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels
- Conduct time studies, labor standards development, and capacity modeling across all functional areas of the distribution center
- Design and optimize facility layouts, slotting strategies, and travel path logic to minimize unit handling and maximize throughput
- Lead value stream mapping exercises to identify waste and implement Lean improvements across the DC floor
- Design engineered labor standards (ELS) and develop incentive-based labor programs
- Partner with WMS and systems teams to configure workflows, carton flow logic, and task interleaving rules that support apparel-specific handling requirements (hanging garments, polybag, folded, ticketing, etc.)
Transportation Management
- Support the design and continuous improvement of inbound and outbound transportation processes including carrier selection logic, load planning, manifest workflows, and dock scheduling
- Analyze freight data to identify opportunities for consolidation, mode optimization, and carrier performance improvement
- Partner with the transportation team to engineer dock-to-carrier workflows that reduce dwell time and improve on-time shipment performance
- Develop engineered standards and labor models for shipping operations including packing, manifesting, trailer loading, and yard management
- Evaluate and recommend transportation management system (TMS) configurations and process changes to improve efficiency and cost per unit shipped
- Monitor inbound transportation flows and collaborate with vendors and logistics partners to reduce receiving variance and improve appointment scheduling compliance
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Build and maintain operational dashboards tracking throughput, units per hour (UPH), order cycle time, dock utilization, and freight cost per unit
- Use data to identify trends, diagnose performance gaps, and prioritize engineering projects with the greatest operational impact
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses for capital projects, automation investments, and process changes
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with DC operations leadership, transportation, IT, and merchandise allocation teams to align engineering initiatives with business priorities and seasonal volume plans
- Support peak season planning by developing staffing models, capacity scenarios, and process contingency plans for high-volume periods (Back-to-School, Holiday, etc.)
- Lead training efforts for industrial engineering methodologies and new process implementations with frontline supervisors and associates
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field
- 3-6 years of experience in distribution center or fulfillment center engineering, preferably within apparel, fashion, or retail
- Hands-on experience with warehouse management systems (WMS); Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder, or Oracle WMS experience strongly preferred
- Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) and outbound logistics operations
- Strong proficiency in data analysis tools - Advanced Excel, SQL, and/or Power BI required; Python or R a plus
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing engineered labor standards (ELS)
- Working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; certification preferred
- Understanding of apparel distribution operations including garment-on-hanger (GOH), folded goods, value-added services (VAS), and retail compliance labeling
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically active distribution environment and flex schedule during peak periods
Preferred Experience- Experience with conveyor sortation systems, put-to-light, or automated picking technologies
- Exposure to omnichannel fulfillment strategies (store replenishment, e-commerce, marketplace)
- Familiarity with carrier compliance programs and routing guide management
Working ConditionsThis position is primarily based on the distribution center floor. The role requires regular walking of large facility areas, frequent interaction with operations teams, and occasional travel to carrier facilities or vendor locations.
