DescriptionThe Senior Industrial Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining optimal, cost-effective distribution processes, engineered labor standards, and labor management systems across ReaderLink's multi-site distribution network. This role leads initiatives that improve productivity, increase operational efficiency, and reduce cost through data-driven engineering practices, PMTS-based labor standards, LMS/WMS optimization, and continuous improvement leadership.
The Senior Industrial Engineer partners heavily with Operations to support network planning, capacity modeling, automation readiness, and WMS/LMS system integration and optimization. The role requires significant on-floor engagement, hands-on analytical work, and strong cross-functional influence to drive sustainable change in a high-volume distribution environment.
What You Will Be Doing: - Serve as the primary owner and subject-matter expert for the Labor Management System (LMS), collaborating with relevant teams to ensure its successful development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
- Lead efforts to maintain and advance productivity and management focus for warehouse systems through data-driven analysis and regular on-floor presence.
- Maintain accurate drawings of all facilities using AutoCAD and Microsoft Visio; analyze space needs and publish routine capacity and space reports.
- Lead slotting optimization and develop DC network strategies to minimize cost and improve flow.
- Develop SOPs and process flow charts for all departments; build and sustain a "Visual Factory" through 6S and visual controls.
- Partner with DC managers and labor planners to integrate and optimize labor planning models across facilities.
- Lead complex DC data analysis, independently synthesizing information and translating findings into actionable operational improvements.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, workflow, capacity utilization, and cost.
- Resolve issues quickly by gathering and analyzing information skillfully while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
- Demonstrate a collaborative approach and openness to testing and implementing new methods and processes.
- Communicate clearly and persuasively, including effectively presenting numerical and analytical information.
- Maintain a strong quality orientation, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness while monitoring work to ensure quality.
- Prioritize and manage multiple initiatives while demonstrating strong planning and time-management skills.
- Adapt effectively to competing demands, changing priorities, and evolving operational requirements.
- Demonstrate dependability, initiative, and a proactive approach to identifying and pursuing continuous improvement opportunities.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance on industrial engineering methods, engineered labor standards, WMS/LMS capabilities, and operational improvement opportunities.
- Other duties may be assigned, directed, or requested.
What You Will Need: - Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field is required.
- Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of engineering experience is required.
- Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of business planning experience is required.
- Demonstrated experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Labor Management Systems (LMS), including data structures, system implementation, reporting, and operational optimization, is required.
- Experience developing, implementing, maintaining, or optimizing engineered labor standards and labor management processes.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access, and Microsoft Visio.
- Experience using AutoCAD for facility layout design and maintenance.
- Experience developing and implementing study strategies to improve operational efficiency.
- Experience utilizing SQL and data querying for in-depth operational analysis.
- Experience applying Lean principles and leveraging simulation software to optimize processes.
- Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to speak with all levels of the organization and outside partners.
- Ability to translate complicated technical, analytical, and operational information into clear and understandable recommendations.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written documents, reports, data, and computer screens for extended periods while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Must be proficient in basic mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Ability to do algebra, calculate figures and amounts and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
- A methodical and organized approach to problem-solving.
- Strong analytical and reasoning skills with the ability to evaluate alternatives, identify process improvements, eliminate waste, and implement effective solutions that enhance efficiency and workflow.
- Regular exposure to distribution center environments, including noise, dust, and varying temperatures; use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.
- Work is performed in both distribution center and professional office settings, supporting operational analysis, process improvement initiatives, documentation, reporting, and project planning activities.
- The work performed is in an office environment.
- This role will be based out of the Romeoville Distribution Center and will require onsite presence five days per week.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at low decibels.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced, team environment.
- Employee is occasionally exposed to vibration and dust.
- Willingness to travel up to 10%.
Salary: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00Employee Benefits Include:Health Plans - Medical, Dental & Prescription
Flexible Spending Accounts - Health & Dependent Care
Life and Accident Insurance
Vacation Pay & Paid Holidays
401(k) with Company Match
Author Events
Publisher-sponsored Book Club
