Process Improvement Specialist

This job will be located in Itasca, IL in a Distribution Center environment.

Job Description:

Process Improvement Specialist needed for FAST PACED Distribution Center! Be part of a team that is recognized as Forbes World’s Top 100 “Most Innovative” Companies for 8 years and counting! KEYENCE’S promote from within culture, competitive compensation package and “Learn by Doing” development policy provides OPPORTUNITY for personal and professional growth!

Responsibilities and Duties

• Implement process improvements and make further adjustments to workflow, schedules, or other protocols and processes as required.
• Generate documentation of existing processes and improvements and forecast expected results of process changes.
• Coordinate complex logistics problems to ensure the organizations Distribution Center runs smoothly and on time daily.
• Lead Operational Team of 3PL management and staff by defining team objectives and core KPI’s. Work with 3PL to ensure objectives are met on time and accurate.
• Break down various operational processes using flowcharts, manuals, and other documentation.
• Review data of inventory movement to optimize the flow of the operation within the facility and processing of inbound and outbound shipments.
• Review customer and sales returns of merchandise on a complex level to determine next steps of processing within the DC and based on Keyence’s specific business rules.
• Work with sales and other Keyence departments as needed to resolve unknown customer returns in a timely fashion.
• Troubleshoot and rectify complex Warehouse Control System (WCS) software and mechanical issues with appropriate vendors as needed. Track tickets and progress to minimize downtime to operation.
• Complete documentation of equipment stoppages, interventions, and other areas related to DC Operations.
• Work with external vendors to ensure all parties are aligned with Keyence’s expectations for daily DC operations.
• Lead meetings between Keyence and 3PL for operational unit reviews and improvements.
• Manage Daily activities that are part of the shipping, receiving and internal inventory control movement within DC.
• Daily Administrative tasks include email, phone calls, tickets/requests and assisting in other areas of the DC as required.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, Technical Degree or equivalent.
• 0-2 years’ experience working with complex conveyor systems and equipment. Preferred, not required.
• 0-2 years’ experience in Facility Safety Management/Coordination. Preferred, not required.
• Steel Toe shoes required.
• Overtime (OT) required as needed.
• Work from home is available for this position under Keyence’s work from home policy.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds without assistance. (On rare occurrence)
• Must be able to lift 75+ Pounds safely with assistance.
• Work is split between office and warehouse environment.
• Warehouse/forklift/machine background noise present in office.
• Weekend work required as needed/scheduled. (Estimated 3 – 4 times per year)

Preferred Skills/Technical Skills

• High attention to detail required.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Organizational skills
• Basic knowledge of HAZMAT (lithium batteries and UN1210 product). Preferred, not required.
• Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Office Skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.). Basic Skills required.
• Knowledge of WCS/WMS Software, preferred, not required.
• Basic understanding of PDCA Cycle. Preferred, not required.
• Basic understanding of OSHA standards and where to obtain standards for safe practices. Preferred, not required.
• Willingness to learn!

At KEYENCE, we never settle.  We aim to change the status quo for society and for the world, one product at a time. We are a global leader in industrial automation with the ability to add value to customers in all aspects of manufacturing, research, and design.  Our strict promote from within policy puts pressure on our organization to continue developing new managers so we can expand our business and provide lucrative careers for our employees.  We hire talented individuals who push themselves and our organization to get to the next level.

KEYENCE is an at-will, Equal Opportunity Employer.