Associated Wholesale Grocers
Industrial Engineer Sr Specialist
Associated Wholesale Grocers - Kansas City
Work at Associated Wholesale Grocers
Overview
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Overview
Job Description
Industrial Engineer Specialist
Department: Distribution & Logistics Support
Travel: Up to 50% travel (both day and night)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a versatile and technically skilled Specialist / Sr. Specialist - Distribution & Logistics to lead and support high-impact projects across our grocery wholesaler supply chain. This role involves a blend of systems implementation, industrial engineering, data analytics, and operational support. Projects range from WMS replacements and software upgrades to labor standard engineering, slotting optimization, and dashboard development. Candidates should be comfortable with extensive travel (25% to 50%+, depending on the project) and capable of working in both hybrid and on-site environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Execution & Systems Implementation
Benefits:
Industrial Engineer Specialist
Department: Distribution & Logistics Support
Travel: Up to 50% travel (both day and night)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a versatile and technically skilled Specialist / Sr. Specialist - Distribution & Logistics to lead and support high-impact projects across our grocery wholesaler supply chain. This role involves a blend of systems implementation, industrial engineering, data analytics, and operational support. Projects range from WMS replacements and software upgrades to labor standard engineering, slotting optimization, and dashboard development. Candidates should be comfortable with extensive travel (25% to 50%+, depending on the project) and capable of working in both hybrid and on-site environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Execution & Systems Implementation
- Support the execution of operational technology initiatives, including WMS replacements, software upgrades, and process optimization specific to grocery distribution.
- Coordinate with IT, warehouse operations, and third-party vendors to ensure seamless implementation and adoption.
- Conduct detailed reviews of current-state warehouse and logistics processes to identify inefficiencies, gaps, or risks.
- Recommend and implement improvements to enhance productivity, accuracy, and safety.
- Develop and maintain clear, standardized process documentation, SOPs, and training materials to support consistency and scalability.
- Support change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new systems, processes, and technologies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align goals, address concerns, and drive user engagement through effective communication and training.
- Conduct research on emerging technologies, tools, and best practices in supply chain and warehouse operations.
- Evaluate new vendors and solutions (e.g., automation, robotics, software platforms) that can improve distribution center performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Prepare recommendations and business cases for adoption of innovative technologies.
- Act as a technical liaison for WMS and other distribution systems, resolving issues, implementing enhancements, and aligning system capabilities with operational workflows.
- Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards and reporting tools to monitor key metrics such as throughput, spoilage, order accuracy, and cost-to-serve.
- Analyze operational data to support decision-making, drive efficiency, and identify performance trends.
- Design and manage engineered labor standards for warehouse processes including case picking, palletizing, and temperature-controlled product handling.
- Support slotting strategies and re-slotting initiatives by leveraging slotting software and operational data to improve pick path efficiency, reduce travel time, and optimize warehouse layout.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with warehouse and logistics teams to enhance productivity, safety, and space utilization.
- Support the development of financial models and reports to measure project ROI and operational KPIs.
- Partner with finance and operations teams to track budget performance and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Travel regularly to distribution centers and warehouse sites for project implementation, training, data collection, and operational support.
- Travel will vary by project, ranging from 25% to 50% or more.
- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in a supply chain, logistics, or engineering role-preferably in grocery, foodservice, or wholesale distribution.
- Strong working knowledge of warehouse operations including refrigerated, frozen, and dry goods.
- Experience with WMS platforms and warehouse execution systems (WES).
- Proficiency with Power BI, SQL, Excel, and other data visualization or analytics tools.
- Experience in automation a plus (e.g., conveyor systems, AS/RS, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), or robotics).
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects, engage stakeholders, and drive results.
- Strong problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
- Comfortable with a dynamic, hands-on role that includes significant travel.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
- 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Wellness Program
- Yearly Holiday Bonus