Factory Planning and Optimization Engineer - Schuler Consulting

Stiles Machinery; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm is looking for a Senior Consultant to provide expert guidance to clients in optimizing furniture production processes. This role involves designing customized production concepts and leading projects across various locations, including client sites. Candidates should have a background in furniture manufacturing, exceptional communication skills, and at least three years of hands-on experience in factory planning. Willingness to travel is essential, and knowledge of software such as ERP and CAD/CAM is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Background in furniture manufacturing or wood related production.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in factory planning and engineering or management.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consulting services to clients in the wood and furniture industry.
• Lead and manage consulting projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
• Analyze client needs and advise on production and manufacturing processes.

Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Strong multitasking capabilities

Advanced problem-solving skills

Customer-focused approach

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in wood technology or industrial engineering

Tools

ERP

MES

CAD/CAM software

Job description

The Senior Consultant provides expert guidance to clients on production processes, focusing on designing and optimizing manufacturing workflows in furniture fabrication. They develop tailored production and IT concepts, lead projects, and facilitate workshops to drive operational improvements. The role involves close collaboration with both client teams and internal stakeholders. Strong technical knowledge and a background in furniture production, project management skills, and international travel readiness are essential. They feel at home in a shopfloor environment and in the office.

Essential Functions

Client Consulting & Advisory

• Provide expert consulting services to clients in the wood and furniture industry.
• Analyze client needs and advise on production and manufacturing processes.
• Assume responsibility for customer projects, collaborating closely with both customer stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams.

Production Concept Development

• Analyze and define customer requirements.
• Design and develop customized production concepts tailored to client requirements.
• Define production capacities and workflows to optimize output.

Manufacturing Optimization

• Conduct potential analyses to uncover areas for operational enhancement and quantify impact.
• Identify and implement improvements in manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and quality.

IT Solutions & Implementation

• Develop IT concepts integrating ERP, MES, and CAD/CAM systems to support production.
• Support digital transformation initiatives within client operations.

Project & Workshop Management

• Lead and manage consulting projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
• Facilitate workshops and coordinate cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Background in furniture manufacturing or wood related production
• Degree in wood technology, industrial engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of mass customization, variant configuration, and batch size 1 furniture production
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, and CAD/CAM software functionalities.
• Technical and commercial acumen.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
• High interpersonal skills with teamwork and communication strengths.
• Minimum 3 year of hands‑on experience in factory planning and engineering or management
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Valid Driver's license

Skills And Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for internal and external collaboration.
• Strong multitasking capabilities with excellent organizational skills.
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address complex and diverse project challenges.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to production and manufacturing.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative production concepts.
• Effective project management and lead project teams and moderate workshop
• Customer‑focused approach with consultative selling skills.
• Proficient in collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Work Environment

• Office-based with frequent client site visits in the USA, Canada and internationally