Job Details

Job Description

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee's unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of "We Love What We Do," "We Own What We Do," "We Do What's Right," and "We Belong," we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity

Imagine shaping the future of how Designer Brands delivers style to millions. As a Senior Industrial Engineer, you'll be the architect behind operational excellence across multiple distribution centers. This isn't just about systems and processes-it's about creating smarter ways to move fashion forward. You'll lead initiatives that optimize labor, streamline workflows, and scale infrastructure to support growth, all while collaborating with passionate teams who thrive on innovation.

You'll be the connector-bridging Engineering, Operations, IT, and external partners-ensuring every solution aligns with business goals and drives continuous improvement. If you love solving complex challenges and making a measurable impact, this role is your runway. This position is based in Columbus, OH.

What You'll Be Doing

Your work will touch every corner of our distribution network. Here's how you'll make it happen:

Lead Strategic Projects

• Drive cross-functional engineering initiatives across multiple DCs, focusing on labor optimization, process improvement, and infrastructure scaling.
• Oversee project planning, execution, and delivery in partnership with Operations, IT, and external vendors.

• Design, develop, and maintain labor standards and Labor Management System (LMS) tools.
• Ensure consistent labor reporting and integrate LMS with WMS/WCS platforms for accurate performance tracking.

• Create and maintain SOPs, training programs, and workflow documentation for DC associates.
• Apply lean principles to eliminate bottlenecks, improve throughput, and elevate service levels.

• Analyze long-range forecasts and facility data to assess capacity needs.
• Build ROI models and lead capital investment planning for equipment, layout changes, and automation.

• Develop and maintain Description of Operations (DOO) and Functional Specification Documents (FSDs).
• Align engineering designs with system capabilities for seamless execution.

• Research emerging technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and scalability.
• Lead pilot programs and evaluate new equipment for potential rollout.

• Guide and mentor engineering team members to foster a high-performance culture.
• Build strong relationships across departments and with external partners to ensure success.

• Expertise in labor standards development (manual & standard data).
• Hands-on experience with LMS, WMS, and WCS systems.
• Strong project management skills from concept to implementation.
• Advanced analytical abilities and problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent communication skills-both verbal and written.
• Highly organized with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Project, AutoCAD, and Access.
• Familiarity with industrial engineering and financial principles.

• 6+ years of industrial engineering experience, ideally in retail DC or direct-to-consumer environments.
• Proven ability to mentor peers and lead initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of LMS and WMS systems.
• Expert-level analytical and organizational skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or equivalent experience required.
• Training in WMS & LMS systems.

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired-wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.