Logistics Innovation Manager

DHL (Supply Chain)•Canal Winchester, OH

36d•$85,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DHL Supply Chain is seeking a Logistics Innovation & Automation Manager dedicated to supporting the Energy Sector and its growing network of operations. This role will be responsible for evaluating, vetting, and supporting the implementation of existing and emerging logistics technologies aligned with customer expectations, and future operational needs. The position will partner closely with Operations, Industrial Engineering, Solution Design, IT, and external technology providers to identify solutions that improve safety, productivity, capacity, service, and cost. The successful candidate will evaluate technologies from both an operational and financial perspective, including developing business cases, ROI models, capacity and labor analysis, implementation timelines, and recommendations for customer and DHL leadership. This individual will also work directly with technology vendors and integrators to coordinate demonstrations, pilots, solution design, implementation, testing, and post-deployment performance. Strong customer-facing communication and the ability to translate technical concepts into clear operational and financial benefits are critical to this position. This is a multi-site, customer dedicated role supporting First Solar locations in Luckey, OH; Canal Winchester, OH; Trinity, AL; New Iberia, LA; and Spartanburg/Greer, SC. Travel to First Solar locations, vendor sites, and other project locations will be required based on business and implementation needs. Candidates should have hands-on experience evaluating, designing, implementing, or supporting warehouse automation and autonomous technologies. Relevant experience may include AMRs, AGVs, autonomous forklifts, robotics, automated material handling systems, conveyors/sortation, AS/RS, automated storage solutions, or similar emerging warehouse technologies. Experience integrating automated equipment with WMS, WCS, WES, or related warehouse systems is highly valued.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in industrial engineering, logistics engineering, warehouse automation, supply chain technology, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience evaluating and/or implementing warehouse automation, autonomous technology, robotics, or material handling solutions.
Experience developing business cases, cost-benefit analyses, ROI/payback models, and financial justification for capital investments.
Strong Industrial Engineering skills, including process flow, capacity analysis, labor modeling, productivity analysis, and facility/equipment layout.
Strong project management and customer-facing experience with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, vendors, and technology partners through implementation.
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or an equivalent field (Essential)
2+ years of project management experience in Logistics
Proficient in using AutoCAD and making layout changes, adding layers as needed
Comfortable communicating projects and their impacts to the customer
Experience building CBAs/ROI models for capital investments
Demonstrated understanding of operational processes, data management and logistics modernization initiatives
Strong organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Data analysis using excel, access, SQL, power BI
CAD for equipment layout
Proven organization and planning skills.
Working knowledge of defined Business Unit and Logistics industry processes, processing and material handling equipment and warehouse automation technologies.
Ability to read and understand common financial reports, legal documents, drawings, and technical writings in English.
Ability to write reports, respond to inquiries, and communicate with customers and regulatory agencies at a level consistent with presentations to customers and top level management.
Mathematics skills sufficient to perform the duties outlined above, including application of Industrial Engineering analysis (capacity, throughput, labor modeling)
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills Ability to work in a team-oriented environment. Ability to lead and direct projects.
Strong computer skills including Word, Access, Excel, ACAD, internet access, MS Project, and e-mail
Ability to manage a team of contractors and sub-contractors, as well as lead and direct project resources in automation deployments
Excellent project management skills

Nice To Haves

Experience with autonomous warehouse technologies such as AMRs, AGVs, autonomous forklifts, robotics, AS/RS, or goods-to-person solutions.
Experience with WMS, systems integration, Power BI, SQL or labor-modeling tools.
Experience supporting multi-site operations and/or large-scale customer implementations.
MOST / MTM labor modeling (desirable)

Responsibilities

Create the vision for innovations in the supply chain at DHL
Attend demonstrations and trade show events in support of opportunity identification, evaluation, and vetting of automation technologies
Draft business cases including company history, ideal product and site profile, benefits, opportunities and solution fit, and ROI driven by Industrial Engineering analysis
Create innovation roadmap for the sector with milestones from pilots to full implementations
Plan and coordinate demonstrations and pilots and document progress and results
Apply Industrial Engineering principles (time studies, capacity analysis, process flow) to identify, vet, and deploy warehouse automation solutions
Assess capability of innovations, including operational fit, scalability, and performance impact
Hold regular team meetings
Provide updates to Stakeholders including the NA Executive team
Establish working relationships with vendors
Function as a subject matter expect in warehouse automation
Manage the identification and implementation of technology with solutions design, IT, operations and potential vendors
Responsible for the identification off new technologies and innovations that will generate cost savings opportunities for DHL and its customers