Senior Manager, Industrial Engineering

KeHE Distributors, LLC; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 125,200 - 183,590; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Rx

Dental

Vision

Flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA)

401(k)

Paid time off

Employee stock ownership (ESOP)

Job summary

KeHE Distributors, LLC is seeking a Senior Manager of Industrial Engineering to enhance distribution center operations. This role includes leading a team, managing projects, and utilizing Lean engineering principles.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in distribution process engineering and be proficient in tools like JDA/Blue Yonder and AutoCAD. Join us to help improve efficiency and drive operational excellence in a mission-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years in distribution process engineering.
• Experience in JDA Labor Management and Lean projects required.
• 4+ years of managing engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Optimize distribution operations across multiple sites.
• Lead a team of industrial engineers to improve efficiency.
• Manage and implement industrial engineering projects.

Skills

Project Management

Lean Engineering Principles

JDA/Blue Yonder Labor Management

AutoCAD

Analytical Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

AutoCAD

JDA/Blue Yonder Software

Job description

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $125,200.00/Yr. - $183,590.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
  • Health/Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
  • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
  • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

The Senior Manager of Industrial Engineering will be responsible for optimizing distribution center operations across multiple sites by applying their expertise in project management, Red Prairie/JDA/Blue Yonder Labor Management, time studies, AutoCAD, and Lean engineering principles. This role will lead a team of industrial engineers and be a critical role in improving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing overall performance within our distribution network. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Essential Functions

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages a team of industrial engineers to ensure labor standards are fair and accurate at all distribution centers.
• Leads and manages industrial engineering projects, including the implementation of JDA/Blue Yonder (Labor Management System, LMS) from conception to completion, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to coordinate project activities and resources.
• Utilizes JDA Labor Management software to develop and implement labor standards, ensuring accurate labor forecasting, performance tracking, and workforce optimization.
• Utilizes AutoCAD software to design and layout efficient distribution center floor plans, optimizing space utilization and flow of materials.
• Maintains Engineered Labor Standards, including the following:
  • Develops engineered labor standards for new processes and facilities.
  • Conducts time studies to update and validate engineered / RE standards (MSD / PST / MOST) as needed.
  • Manages existing standards and periodically verifies standards and observation methods.
  • Identifies and implements improvements in preferred methods, procedures, equipment, or workflows.
  • Conducts supervisor and employee meetings to review enhancements to procedures, equipment, and/or standards.
  • Maintains LMS by ensuring any changes to existing standards or new standards are accurate.
  • Maintains complete records of all-time studies or other data used to change standards.
  • Maintains Labor Standards to reflect changes in preferred methods, equipment, or standards.
• Stays current with industry trends and best practices in distribution and process engineering to proactively identify innovative solutions.
• Fosters a mindset of operational excellence and efficiency across all levels of the organization.
• Trains and mentors others in effective engineering principles and use of labor management systems.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and manage a team.
• Ability to identify and resolve conflicts as well as improve processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, Access).
• Ability to manage and lead multiple projects or tasks simultaneously at multiple sites, ensuring consistent implementation and successful outcomes.
• Ability to interpret data into meaningful solutions.
• Demonstrates a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to be results-oriented, self-directed and solve problems in a professional manner.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Possess strong analytical and project management skills.
• Advanced skills in AutoCAD for creating efficient distribution center layouts and floor plans.
• Strong understanding of Lean principles.
• Strong expertise in conducting time studies, process analysis, and workflow optimization.
• Proficiency in using JDA/Blue Yonder Labor Management software for labor forecasting, scheduling, and performance measurement.
• Ability to travel periodic & multi-state by airplane, rail, rental, or personal motor vehicle about 50%+ of the time.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years in distribution process engineering, with a focus on JDA Labor Management, time studies, AutoCAD, and Lean engineering principles.
• Minimum of 4+ years in managing engineering teams.
• Experience implementing Lean projects.
• Lean or Six Sigma certifications required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time.
• May spend long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• May use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment during workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.
• Work is fast paced; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Requisition ID

2026-29397

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.