Distribution Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Industrial Engineer – Distribution Center is a key driver of operational success within our distribution operations. This role is pivotal in streamlining workflows, enhancing accuracy, and delivering measurable cost savings while supporting our rapidly expanding operations.

The successful candidate will focus on accelerating order fulfillment, maintaining inventory accuracy, and ensuring exceptional compliance with customer requirements. This individual will lead initiatives to integrate lean methodologies, foster quality assurance, and drive continuous improvements across all operational areas. Additionally, they will mentor staff in value-added workflows, structured problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve aligned goals.

Reporting directly to the Leader, Distribution Support, this role requires a proactive mindset, strong leadership capabilities, and the flexibility to meet overtime requirements as needed.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for this role are as follows: Engineering and Project Management, Continuous Improvement and Lean, and Supervision.

This role will start out primarily focusing on acquisition integration, as well as DC process improvements and cost savings via WMS system improvements.

Engineering and Project Management

Systems and Automation:

• Leverage the Warehouse Management System (WMS) (i.e. automation, picking/allocation strategy configuration, etc.) to optimize DC processes by increasing productivity/throughput while maintaining our quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with the IT/systems team to identify, evaluate, develop, test, and implement system enhancements and fixes that boost quality, throughput, efficiency, and user experience.
• Drive the implementation and adoption of advanced technology solutions, including forklifts, electric walkies, AGVs, lithium batteries, conveyor systems, automated packing, and robotics.

Warehouse Design and Optimization:

• Facility Design and Layout: Develop customized warehouse storage plans that align with the unique needs of each facility. Produce detailed design drawings and deliver actionable recommendations to enhance operational efficiency while maximizing capacity and utilization.
• Space and Efficiency Optimization: Manage and continuously refine the warehouse slotting program using data-driven methodologies to optimize space utilization and configure bulk rack and floor bulk storage areas effectively.
• Performance Metrics and Monitoring: Track and analyze key performance indicators, such as space utilization and efficiency rates, to enable proactive space management and drive continuous operational improvements. Create basic tools and reports to support these efforts, with a focus on automating any tools or reports that require long-term sustainability.
• Storage Solutions and Product Integrity: Implement advanced storage solutions that maximize space utilization, ensure safety, and maintain product quality, safeguarding stored goods and preserving their integrity.

Inventory and Equipment Management:

• Support the inventory team by regularly reviewing inventory KPIs, managing inventory projects, and providing ideas on new ways to improve the inventory and CC programs.
• Design and maintain a preventive maintenance (PM) program for all warehouse equipment.
• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and safety compliance of warehouse equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop and support equipment strategies emphasizing standardization, safety, cost, and efficiency.

Quality Control and Process Improvement:

• Analyze opportunity to implement quality control measures at the receiving stage and throughout operations to maintain high standards and minimize defects.
• Develop, write, map, file, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance and streamline warehouse operations.
• Identify, cost-justify, and manage the implementation of cost-saving initiatives.

Project Management:

• Lead projects focused on enhancing quality and productivity, utilizing lean methodologies, conducting time and motion studies to identify bottlenecks and recommended solutions. Obtaining stakeholder buy-in and perform pilots to validate concepts.
• Develop detailed project plans, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion within scope and budget.
• Use data analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Engage in and maintain relationships with vendors for various projects/initiatives.
• Manage building reconfigurations, setups, and exits related to acquisitions and end-of-lease activities.

Continuous Improvement and Lean

• Use Lean Six Sigma principles to identify and eliminate waste, reduce lead times, and improve resource utilization.
• Train and mentor staff on new processes, technologies, and structured problem-solving techniques to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Create and implement 5S standards across the distribution center(s).
• Periodically benchmark industry best practices and emerging trends to drive innovation and ensure the organization remains competitive.
• Develop strategies for addressing underperforming metrics with data-backed solutions.
• Develop, refine, and identify ways to improve distribution KPIs.

Supervision and Leadership

• Serve as a backfill for warehouse leaders during planned or unplanned absences (e.g., PTO or vacant roles).
• Oversee key operational tasks, including receipt, storage, and shipment of goods, ensuring accurate and timely order processing.
• Manage staff, monitor workflows, and address issues that arise to maintain operational continuity.
• Provide guidance and temporary leadership to ensure smooth day-to-day operations during supervisory gaps.

Additional Responsibilities

• Regulatory and Safety Compliance: Ensure all operations adhere to safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Change Management: Lead change initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption of new processes, tools, and technologies.
• Overtime Flexibility: Be prepared to support operations during peak periods, ensuring adequate coverage and continuity.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Prefer minimum of 3 years of experience in an engineering role within a warehouse or distribution center environment.
• Understanding of supply chain logistics, warehouse management systems (WMS), and process optimization.
• Proficiency in data analysis.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivation with the ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with AutoCAD for facility layout and design.
• Experience with WMS configurations. Infor WMS would be a bonus, but not required.
• Understanding of ERP and TMS systems
• Expertise in developing, maintaining, and auditing standard work procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships and contributing effectively to team dynamics.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with sound judgment and the ability to make well-informed decisions.
• Attention to detail to ensure precision in all tasks.
• A proactive and positive attitude.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401k Safe Harbor Plan with 3% Company contribution
• Generous PTO plans
• 10 paid company holidays per a calendar year
• Annual paid volunteer day for non-profit or charity of your choice
• Company provided life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability coverage.
• Off-site events to encourage team building
• Company performance based bonus plan

Physical Demands:

This role involves regular verbal communication and frequent use of motor skills, including standing, walking, sitting, and manual dexterity. Responsibilities may include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The position may require lifting and/or moving objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and color vision to ensure safety in the workplace.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Homewerks Worldwide, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

 Salary Range: $75k - $100k