Sr. Project Engineer (Supply Chain) at Essendant Co. in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Major Responsibilities

• Manages development, implementation, and coordination of capital projects through schedule review, financial analysis and design/status meetings. Coordinates with field management staff, finance and departmental leadership on project implementation and priorities. Total budget responsibility is in the multimillion dollar range with guidance from department management.


• Supports the implementation of strategic changes through cross functional collaboration across Supply Chain with Engineering, Analytics, Operations, Inventory Management and Transportation.


• Works with data analysts to interpret data, converting it into actionable financial and business cases while providing engineering expertise related to the design, layout, equipment, processes and productivity of distribution centers.


• Develops facility designs and innovative solutions to increase efficiency, resolve operational problems, lower overall costs, empower goto market operational capabilities and provides alternatives to value engineer project costs.


• Reviews building and equipment designs to ensure integration between design components, compliance with applicable regulations, safety standards and company equipment design standards and specifications. Oversees the installation of recommended equipment and improvements by conducting on site reviews of system functionality and performance.


• Meets with vendors, negotiates and reviews pending contracts as part of equipment procurement process and system design.

• Maintains responsibility for return on investment analysis and ensures that implemented systems are meeting designed goals.

• Develops and builds tools and processes to aid in the management of the department.

• Understands and Demonstrates Essendant’s Core Values and role expectations.


• Perform other duties as assigned.


• Ability to travel 20-30% of time.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering and at least 5 years of experience using manufacturing, fulfillment or distribution material handling systems. OR High School/GED and at least 10 years of experience with manufacturing, fulfillment or distribution material handling systems.


• Expert knowledge of engineering and industry concepts and trends related to distribution center/warehousing operations, processes, and technologies that will increase efficiency and reduce overall costs.


• Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritize in a dynamic,fast-paced environment with/leading cross functional distributed teams


• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.


• Experience with analyzing and reporting data in order to identify issues, trends, or exceptions to drive improvement of results and find solutions.


• Experience with project management (for example: planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives).


• Experience developing facility designs and solutions to efficiency and operational problems.


• Understanding of Industry Standards (OSHA, IBC, NFPA, ANSI, CEMA, RMI, RIA) and good practices in regards to hazard elimination and risk control in engineering.


• Understanding of financial modeling and business case development (ie. NPV, IRR,etc.)


• Experience with Microsoft Office365 Suite, SharePoint Online, Power Platform

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience with manufacturing, fulfillment or distribution material handling systems in the office products industry, eCommerce or 3PL Fulfillment.


• MBA, Master’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering, or PMP Certification.


• Advanced level skill using Microsoft Office365 Suite, Power Platform, SharePoint Online


• Experience using CAD Software (2D/3D/BIM/AutoCAD/Revit).


• Experience in Operations Research and/or Network Optimization through academic studies or application on the job.


• Understanding of transportation/facility network design strategy and planning for a large organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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