The 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 - $150,000.00
Employee 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 ReaderLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran. ReaderLink is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please email your request to info@readerlink.com, or call: (708) 356-3737.