Director of Engineering- US Distribution

Vaco is hiring for a Director of Distribution Engineering opportunity in Danville KY
Direct Hire, Onsite
Salary: 150-160,000/yr + Bonus

The Director of Distribution Engineering is responsible for applying current, emerging, and evolving engineering principles, policies, and practices to optimize distribution operations, improve efficiency, and maximize return on investment across the organization's domestic distribution network.

This position provides leadership and technical expertise in areas including:

• Distribution facility layouts, processes, and operational methods
• Equipment standards and optimization related to manpower, equipment, and material utilization
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Capital budgeting, planning, and project execution
• Distribution engineering, facility equipment maintenance, and technology-related initiatives
• Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) support and compliance

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge, business acumen, and leadership capability, with the ability to translate operational challenges into financial impact and develop solutions that support long-term business growth strategies.

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of major capital projects and process improvement initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing productivity.
• Develop and optimize distribution layouts, processes, equipment standards, and operating methods utilizing Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Partner with plant and operational leaders to establish project priorities, provide status updates, and ensure timelines, budgets, and deliverables are achieved.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to identify opportunities, resolve challenges, allocate resources, and improve overall facility performance.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance related to distribution engineering, automation, equipment improvements, and process optimization.
• Support research, development, and implementation of new materials, technologies, and processes impacting distribution operations.
• Ensure engineering projects and operational processes align with regulatory, quality, licensing, and Environmental Health & Safety requirements.
• Evaluate complex technical challenges and provide recommendations impacting capital investments, operational standards, and business performance.
• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop engineering team members while establishing clear priorities, expectations, and performance objectives.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement efforts as part of broader supply chain and operational strategies.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives to ensure the organization maintains strong technical capabilities.

To successfully perform this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility effectively. The qualifications listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering preferred.

• 5+ years of experience leading engineering projects, process improvements, or operational initiatives.
• 3+ years of experience in engineering leadership, project management, financial analysis, and team development.
• Experience within distribution, manufacturing, automation, or material handling environments preferred.

• Strong understanding of engineering principles applied within distribution, manufacturing, or operational environments.
• Experience with distribution automation, material handling systems, equipment optimization, and process improvement.
• Knowledge of feasibility studies, cost justification, capital planning, and return-on-investment analysis.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead complex initiatives from concept through completion.
• Understanding of Lean principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence.
• Ability to analyze financial data, develop business cases, and communicate operational impacts in financial terms.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to balance technical, operational, and financial considerations.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.