Position: Director, Industrial Engineering – Ground Operations 

Compensation: $200,000 Annually

Job Description:

Forward Air is seeking a Director, Industrial Engineers for Ground Operations. The role will focus on establishing labor standards, optimizing operations processes, and introducing LEAN practices across multiple operating business units. Methods to improve will include, but are not limited to, dock layout, process flow, work and organization systems, and improvement of standard operating procedures. 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success improving labor productivity and operating efficiencies across multiple modes of operating business units and will have exceptional skills influencing and collaborating cross-functionally.  Experience in a transportation, logistics and/or warehousing environment is strongly desired. 

Core Responsibilities & Duties: 

Establish initial labor standards and processes for loading and unloading trailers and cross dock movement of freight  Measure employees against standards and drive continuous improvement of labor productivity  Lead cross functional projects with warehouse, data, and dev teams that are critical to supporting the growth of Forward’s operations  Create and propose layouts for distribution center expansion & relocation  Use data and analytics to influence Operations Management on specific changes that improve labor productivity and performance  Implement changes that optimize labor loading and scheduling  Use data, analytics, and simulation to identify dock layout and process flow improvements  Identify opportunities to use systems and automation to improve terminal operations and efficiencies  Lead introduction and implementation of LEAN principles across terminals  Lead the implementation of new processes, practices, and procedures  Review products, process, and systems to ensure continuous improvement for all ground operations  Provide leadership oversight on all operations, system, and technology  Develop, train, and motivate a team to reach business unit goals  Focus on employee development: organic growth through cross-training  Responsible for working with senior management on new business development initiatives  Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from an accredited university; MSIE a plus  Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Industrial Engineer, establishing labor standards, improving operational efficiencies, and initiating and leading process improvements  Experience successfully implementing LEAN principles in an operations organization  Experience supporting multiple locations  Experience using data, statistical tools, and statistical software to identify high-impact process improvements and measure their effect  Strong systems skills and advanced knowledge of at least one computer simulation product, graphical flow chart programs, and MS Office applications  Excellent written and verbal communication skills  Demonstrated ability to build credibility with operations management and influence acceptance and support of change initiatives  Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate with multiple stakeholders in Operations, IT, HR, and Finance  Ability to travel  Ability to work in SQL   Data base management experience   Flexible work hours as needed 

Skills: 

Strong culture leadership  Database management experience  Code writing   High level Microsoft Excel Skills  Knowledge of Tableau and Microsoft Power BI  Ideal candidate will possess a “can do” attitude with a “will do” work ethic  Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment  Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of operations  Strong team player that thrives in a fast-paced environment  General computer skills - Microsoft Office, Outlook, AS400  Excellent communication and problem-solving skills 

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer.

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