Industrial Engineer - Labor Management, Waco, TX
Overall Job Summary The Industrial Engineer supports distribution centers by improving how work gets done. This includes designing and refining warehouse layouts, workflows, and performance systems to make operations safer, faster, and more efficient. The role also manages labor standards and incentive programs in the Manhattan LMS, ensuring performance is measured fairly and consistently across sites. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%) Model capacity, throughput, and staffing to support daily operations, peak planning, and S&OP scenarios. Design and optimize DC layouts, pick/put strategies, and material flow (receiving → storage → picking → packing → shipping). Develop standards of work (SOPs), ergonomics improvements, and safety by design practices with EHS partners. Lead cost/benefit analyses and capital justifications for process changes and material handling equipment (MHE). Build, validate, and maintain engineered labor standards using time study, sampling, and methods analysis (e.g., MOST/PMTS or equivalent when applicable). Conduct scheduled standards audits; recalibrate after process, layout, or system changes. Administer Manhattan LMS to maintain labor standards, reason codes, and performance baselines while partnering with DC leaders on adoption and integrity. Design and maintain performance incentive programs in LMS that are fair, motivating, and compliant; monitor for drift, gaming, or unintended effects. Provide training and coaching for leaders and associates on standards, incentives, and productivity reporting. Build repeatable datasets and dashboards (Power BI/Tableau) for KPIs such as UPH, lines/hr, dock-to-stock, order cycle time, indirect/exception time, and incentive payout accuracy. Use SQL/Python/R (or similar) to automate ETL, reconcile WMS/LMS/slotting data, and enable self service analytics. Provide functional support for Manhattan WMS/LMS and slotting; troubleshoot systemic issues with DC and IT partners. Facilitate Kaizen events and apply Lean tools (5S, value stream mapping, SMED, SPC, PFMEA) to eliminate waste and reduce variability. Apply DMAIC/A3 problem solving; validate results with pilot tests and control plans. Drive change management: stakeholder alignment, communications, training, adoption metrics, and sustainment. Evaluate new technologies (e.g., goods to person systems, AMRs, put walls, vision systems, conveyor) and coordinate pilots with vendors and site teams. Create what if analyses and digital experiments using simulation tools (e.g., FlexSim) to inform design and investment decisions. Support facility and MHE configuration and commissioning for new processes and network initiatives. Partner with DC leadership, LPIM, Operations, Finance, HR, and IT to prioritize, launch, and sustain initiatives. Establish metric definitions, data governance, and review cadences to ensure clarity and consistency across sites. Prepare executive-ready materials summarizing options, tradeoffs, risks, and ROI. Required Qualifications Experience: 1–3 years of relevant work in distribution/fulfillment, operations engineering, or equivalent internships/co ops. Experience with engineered labor standards and/or a strong drive to learn the discipline is required. Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering preferred; other STEM, Supply Chain, or Business fields considered. Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered. Professional Certification: None Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities Working knowledge of warehouse operations, WMS/LMS (Manhattan strongly preferred), slotting concepts, and incentive programs Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Ability to create clear SOPs, process maps, and project plans Competence with data tools: Excel, SQL, Power BI/Tableau; Alteryx and/or Python/R are a plus. Familiarity with time study methods; exposure to MOST/PMTS is a plus Exposure to simulation (e.g., FlexSim) and experiment design for what if analyses Strong analytical thinking, communication, and the ability to influence without authority in a fast paced environment Ability to write and present policies, procedures, and executive summaries for audiences from floor associates to executives Detail orientation and solid project management; able to juggle multiple site initiatives Working Conditions Hybrid / Flexible working conditions Travel up to 50% Physical Requirements Sitting Standing (not walking) Walking Kneeling/Stooping/Bending Lifting up to 20 pounds Disclaimer This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor. Company Info At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future. Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for all full-time Team Members and all part-time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service. Please visit this link for more specific information about the benefits and leave policies applicable to the position you’re applying for.
