DC Operations Engineer (On-site)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

We are seeking a DC Operations Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will manage a team of two to three analysts and use data to improve how the distribution center operates day to day. You will focus on labor optimization, operational performance and cross-functional problem solving, while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

This role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset and the ability to translate complex operational data into actionable business recommendations. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of operational KPIs and experience working in a fast-paced distribution or operations environment. Success in this role also requires the ability to collaborate across teams and support cross-functional initiatives that improve performance.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Leading facility-wide process improvement initiatives using data analysis, labor modeling and engineered standards to improve productivity, service, safety and cost
• Developing and analyzing operational KPIs, labor plans, capacity models and staffing forecasts to support daily execution and long-term planning
• Partnering with Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Maintenance and Automation teams to identify issues and implement process, system and automation improvements across inbound, replenishment, picking, packing and shipping
• Conducting time studies, process mapping and root cause analysis to identify waste, improve flow and support workflow optimization and slotting strategies
• Supporting capital projects, equipment implementations and network optimization initiatives, ensuring solutions are ready for day-to-day operations

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Systems Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Analytics, Statistics or a related quantitative field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• 2+ years of experience in data analysis, KPI or performance reporting, time studies or dashboard and report development, with advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead or support projects and cross-functional initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven mindset
• Experience conducting time studies, process mapping, workflow optimization and operational analytics
• Strong understanding of operational KPIs including UPH, CPU, throughput, utilization and service metrics
• Ability to translate complex operational data into actionable business recommendations
• Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams

Preferred:

• 2+ years of experience in continuous improvement, process or industrial engineering, or supply-chain analytics in a large-scale distribution, fulfillment or retail environment
• 2+ years of experience building reports, dashboards or analytical tools such as Power BI, SQL or advanced Excel, or leading continuous improvement projects
• 2+ years of experience with labor management systems, WMS platforms, SAP or automated material handling systems such as AS/RS
• Experience supporting automated warehouse environments

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Competitive compensation based on skills and experience, and bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean