Our corporate location based in Livonia, Michigan is currently seeking an Industrial Engineer - DC Performance & Reliability. This role drives distribution center performance across an assigned portfolio of sites, using WMS and MES (Manufacturing Execution System) data to diagnose root causes and close performance gaps. The role provides insights to the Site GM and leadership teams on corrective action to move DC performance toward network Best-in-Class targets and leads DC and production-flow infrastructure design to increase productivity and overall DC KPIs, supporting the company's growth objectives. The role partners closely with the Director of Insights & Business Metrics and the Supply Chain Engineering Project Manager to translate findings into sustained operational improvement.
Values:To perform the job successfully, the incumbent's behavior must be consistent with the PRIDE values expected of all Mastronardi Produce employees: be Passionate; have Respect; be Innovative; be Driven and strive for Excellence.
Primary Responsibilities:- Lead recurring DC metrics compliance reviews with site leadership, evaluating performance against network KPI targets (labor productivity, throughput, order accuracy, on-time performance, inventory accuracy, and similar site metrics).
- Conduct root cause analysis (5-Why, fishbone/Ishikawa, DMAIC) on performance gaps, process flow breakdowns, and end-user process non-compliance to identify the true driver of underperformance rather than symptoms.
- Serve as the analytical and coaching partner to the Site General Manager on workforce performance - the Site GM retains full ownership and accountability for training and workforce performance; this role surfaces KPI-based diagnosis and corrective action needed.
- Own performance oversight across an assigned portfolio of distribution centers (typically one primary/larger DC paired with one smaller DC), with dedicated single-DC assignment for the network's largest sites as network growth requires.
- Maintain a hands-on onsite presence at assigned DCs - reinforcing the Site GM's daily cadence of performance reviews and floor-level monitoring, particularly where onsite leadership capability for User Performance Management is still developing.
- Lead DC and production-flow infrastructure design and redesign initiatives in partnership with Operations Leadership - facility layout, workflow, and capacity planning - to support the company's projected growth in sales over the next four years.
- Lead or significantly contribute to new DC site analysis, selection, and start-up as part of network expansion to support business growth.
- Translate DC performance metrics and customer-service impact analysis into briefings for cross-functional corporate HQ leadership (Sales, Customer Service, Finance, and other executive stakeholders) to inform enterprise-wide growth planning and decision-making.
- Translate KPI and root-cause findings into specific coaching recommendations for the Site GM's Corrective Action Plans; track corrective action plan progress and re-validate that gaps close and stay closed, with the Site GM directing execution.
- Map and analyze DC process flows (value stream mapping, time and motion studies) to identify nonvalue- added activity, bottlenecks, and points of process/system deviation.
- Standardize local site workflows against network SOPs; author or revise SOPs and work instructions where process breakdowns or compliance gaps are identified.
- Partner with the Director of Insights & Business Metrics on KPI definitions, dashboard requirements, and site scorecards used to drive the metrics compliance review cadence.
- Partner with the Supply Chain Engineering Project Manager and IT design and implementation team where corrective actions intersect with WMS/MES rollout sequencing or system-adoption gaps.
- Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions with site operations, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve cross-functional root causes.
- Present root cause analysis findings, corrective action status, and site performance trends to DC and Supply Chain Engineering leadership.
- Support new system rollout compliance (WMS/MES) as it relates to sustained process adherence post go-live.
- Travel to other network distribution centers and prospective new sites to support network design, site selection, and cross-portfolio metrics reviews.
- Assist with DC site Capex project reviews and documentation in support of site projects.
- Work closely with the DC Site Maintenance team on key productivity initiatives and maintenance projects.
- All other duties as required to support Supply Chain Engineering functions.
Education/Background Requirements:- Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (required);
- Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field preferred given the network design and facility planning scope of this role.
- 8-12 years of progressive experience in distribution center or manufacturing operations, including demonstrated experience in DC/production facility design, network planning, or site selection - not solely steady-state DC operations experience.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior site leadership (up to and including General Managers) and cross-functional corporate leadership through data-driven analysis, without holding direct line authority.
- Demonstrated experience applying structured root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
- (5-Why, fishbone/Ishikawa, DMAIC, A3, or equivalent).
- Working knowledge of WMS/MES systems and process documentation.
- Strong Excel proficiency and working familiarity with a BI/reporting tool (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent) for metrics analysis.
- Strong coaching, facilitation, and communication skills; comfortable advising site leadership - including the Site General Manager - on workforce performance corrective direction without holding direct line authority over the DC workforce.
- Ability to work onsite at assigned DC portfolio sites, with periodic travel to other network locations for network design and site-selection work.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) desired.
Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:- DC or plant start-up experience strongly preferred - site analysis and selection, facility layout/design, and initial operations stand-up.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
- Experience with value stream mapping, time and motion studies, and line/labor balancing.
- Experience in food, produce, CPG, or another perishable/high-velocity distribution environment.
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 / analytics-driven performance tools (real-time dashboards, IoT-enabled tracking).
- Root Cause Problem-Solving - moves past symptoms to the underlying "Why" using structured methodology.
- Analytical Thinking - interprets DC metrics and translates them into targeted, actionable corrective actions.
- Organizational Influence - engages effectively with Site GMs and cross-functional corporate HQ leadership without formal authority; comfortable "leading leaders" through data and analysis.
- Coaching & Influence - advises Site GMs on corrective direction through analysis and relationship rather than positional authority.
- Accountability & Follow-Through - tracks corrective actions to closure and re-validates sustained compliance.
- Communication & Facilitation - clear across all levels, from DC floor associates to senior leadership.
- Data-Driven Decision Making - grounds recommendations in metrics rather than anecdote.
- Adaptability - operates effectively across a multi-site network with varying local conditions.
