Director, Facilities Strategy & Optimization

Parts Town • Addison, IL

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the fastest-growing distributor of restaurant equipment, HVAC and residential appliance parts, we like to do things a little differently. First, you need to understand and demonstrate our Core Values with safety being your first priority. That’s key. But we’re also looking for unique enthusiasm, high integrity, courage to embrace change…and if you know a few jokes, that puts you on the top of our list! Do you have a genius-level knowledge of original equipment manufacturer parts? If not, no problem! We’re more interested in passionate people with fresh ideas from different backgrounds. That’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We’re proud that our workplace has been recognized for its growth and innovation on the Inc. 5000 list 15 years in a row and the Crain’s Fast 50 list ten times. We are honored to be voted by our Chicagoland team as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for the last four years. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, go above and beyond and put your ambition to work, all while having some fun, let’s chat – Apply Today! We are seeking an experienced Facilities Strategy & Optimization Director to design and run automation projects, support and partner with divisional engineering teams, and identify and provide solutions for maintenance programs across a network of facilities. This role will drive utilization of our facilities, increased throughput, facility uptime, automation advancement, and be the liaison for strategic vendor partnerships and integrators within our complex and quickly growing organization. In this role, you’ll leverage transactional and operational data to create design solutions, partner with teams on options, work with vendors on execution, and monitor KPI for long-term success. You'll play a key role in aligning and advancing our automation processes and tools, while also serving as a mentor and connector. By building strong relationships across our facilities, you'll help foster cohesion and collaboration within our automation efforts. If you're passionate about supply chain automation and excel in structured, cross-functional teamwork, we want to chat with you!

Requirements

• 7 + years of progressive leadership experience in maintenance operations, automation engineering, and vendor management within a multi-site distribution environment or logistics environments
• Proven success in leading large-scale automation and capital improvement projects across a distribution organization
• Analytical mindset with ability to leverage data for performance optimization.
• Strong financial acumen, and vendor negotiation skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive initiatives across a distribution organization.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and analytics.
• Courage to direct the design, selection, and implementation of automated material handling systems, robotics (AGVs, AMRs), AS/RS, sortation, conveyor systems, and advanced technologies.
• Genuine positive, outgoing, team spirited, one-for-all personality.
• Ability to travel (30% annually, but as high as 50% during project implementation).
• Quality, high speed internet connection at home.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office products (proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and analytics tools is strongly preferred).
• All-star communicator and proficient in English (both written and verbal).

Nice To Haves

• Bonus points if you have a Bachelor’s Degree or advanced degrees in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Facilities Management, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, industrial engineering, and asset management is a plus!

Responsibilities

• Direct engineering initiatives from data to design to implementation across new and existing sites.
• Lead deployment of automation technologies (e.g., AMRs, AS/RS, conveyor systems) and ensure system integration with fulfillment operations.
• Manage large-scale capital projects including budgeting, scheduling, vendor management, and QA/QC inspections.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for throughput, equipment utilization, and facility performance.
• Use data analytics and modeling to identify bottlenecks, optimize layouts, and drive continuous improvement.
• Implement benchmarking frameworks and global best practices.
• Collaborate with Operations, Safety, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to achieve reliability and cost-efficiency goals.
• Develop and standardize predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
• Minimize unplanned downtime and extend asset life through reliability-centered strategies.
• Oversee maintenance performance and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Act as primary liaison with vendors, ensuring alignment with internal teams and resolving escalations.
• Oversee project timelines, resource allocation, and execution across multiple concurrent programs.
• Mentor and coach site-level engineering and maintenance leaders.
• Develop training programs focused on automation, data tools, and reliability excellence.
• Build a high-performing, scalable engineering team through skill development and succession planning.

Benefits

• Hybrid Work schedule
• Team member appreciation events and recognition programs
• Volunteer opportunities
• Monthly IT stipend
• Casual dress code
• On-demand pay options: Access your pay as you earn it, to cover unexpected or even everyday expenses
• Health insurance
• 401(k) with match
• Employee assistance programs
• Time away
• Profit-sharing program
• Annual bonus
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director