Job Information
Forward Air Director, Industrial Engineering - Ground Operations in Forest Park, Georgia
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.
About Us
Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.
Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.
Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies (https://www.newsweek.com/americas-most-trustworthy-companies-2022/transport-logistics-packaging) " publication
About the Team