Factory Planning and Optimization Engineer - Schuler Consulting

Stiles Machinery; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing solutions provider is seeking a Senior Consultant to provide expert guidance on production processes. This role involves analyzing client needs, developing tailored production concepts, and optimizing manufacturing workflows in furniture fabrication. The ideal candidate will have a background in furniture manufacturing, excellent communication skills, and project management experience. Travel requirements include domestic and international site visits. Strong technical knowledge and a collaborative spirit are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in factory planning and engineering or management.
• Background in furniture manufacturing or wood-related production.
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, and CAD/CAM software functionalities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consulting services to clients in the wood and furniture industry.
• Design and develop customized production concepts tailored to client requirements.
• Lead and manage consulting projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Multitasking capabilities

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Project management

Customer-focused approach

Collaboration with diverse teams

Education

Degree in wood technology, industrial engineering, or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

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.

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 sk
• 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.