Principal Process Engineer

Principal Process Engineer

KORE1, a nationwide provider of staffing and recruiting solutions, has an immediate opening for a Principal Process Engineer in San Bernadino, CA. As a Principal Process Engineer, you will have a specialized focus on designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting continuous production processes within an apparel distribution center. You are a technical specialist focused on physical DC optimization, transformations, and design. The Principal Process Engineer in a distribution environment is a hands-on expert responsible for continuously improving and optimizing all processes within the distribution center ('within the four walls') and for driving upstream supply chain improvement initiatives. This role serves as a change agent, ensuring that every process enhancement delivers measurable ROI.

What You'll Do

• Identify opportunities: Conduct comprehensive analyses and time studies of existing 'four-walls' distribution processes (e.g., receiving, put-away, picking, pulling, packing, wave planning and shipping) and upstream supplier logistics to identify waste, inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
• Utilize methodologies: Apply Lean Operating Principles, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies to map current and future states (Value Stream Mapping), driving operational excellence and eliminating non-value-added activities.
• Evaluate technology: Assess and evaluate current state configuration and functionality regarding technologies. Recommend automation where applicable, and warehouse management systems (CIMS) enhancements to maximize facility efficiencies. Provide recommendations and business cases for implementation.
• Standardized processes: Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all key distribution and upstream processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Project management: Lead complex, cross-functional projects focused on process improvement, from ideation and design to execution and successful handover. Manage project scope, budget, and timeline effectively.
• Develop technical solutions: Design and engineer process-driven solutions. This includes designing facility layouts, process flow paths, and workflows that increase productivity, quality, and cost savings.
• Implement change: Lead 'boots on the ground' implementation efforts, working directly with operations teams and stakeholders to drive adoption of new processes and overcome resistance to change.
• Document processes: Draft, update, and review all process engineering documentation and standard work instructions

Financial Measurement and Reporting

• Quantify ROI: Develop robust metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness and ROI of every process improvement initiative. This includes measuring cost savings, productivity gains, and other tangible benefits.
• Data analysis: Leverage data analytics tools (e.g., SQL, Qlikview/Qliksense) to analyze supply chain data, forecast demand, and model optimal process scenarios.
• Report findings: Present data-driven insights and project results to all levels of management, clearly communicating the business value of improvements.

Upstream Optimization

• Collaborate with Hybrid Business Owners: Partner with procurement and suppliers to optimize upstream logistics. This includes developing strategies to reduce lead times, improve quality, and ensure on-time delivery of materials.
• Address bottlenecks: Work with Organization and business owners, vendors and suppliers to recommend improvements for packaging, handling, and other inbound processes that affect 'within the four walls' efficiency.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Mentorship

• Partner cross-functionally: Work with Finance, Demand Planning, Operations, Quality, and AM/OM Sales teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure process solutions meet overall business objectives.
• Coach and mentor: Serve as a technical leader, coaching and mentoring other Hybrid owners and operations personnel on process improvement principles and tools.
• Champion ownership: Effectively hand over newly implemented processes and tools to operations, ensuring they are fully trained and equipped to sustain improvements independently.