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.

#IND

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