Job Description

About Designer Brands

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

At Designer Brands, this role sits at the center of how our distribution network runs every day. As part of the Engineering team, you’ll work closely with operations to shape how work gets done across our Distribution Centers—making processes smarter, systems more effective, and the associate experience better.

In this role, you’ll own and evolve labor standards, systems, and reporting that drive efficiency and visibility across the operation. You’ll partner across functions—Operations, IT, and external partners—to solve real challenges in real time while also building long-term improvements that scale. If you enjoy blending analytics, systems, and hands-on problem solving, this is a role where you can make a direct impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

Labor Standards & Systems Ownership

• Own, design, develop, and maintain all Distribution Center (DC) labor standards (manual and engineered)
• Serve as the primary owner of Labor Management Systems (LMS), including:
• System functionality and performance
• Reporting and data integrity
• Integration with warehouse systems (WMS and others)
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of labor tracking within the WMS

Operational Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with DC Operations, IT application support, and LMS/WMS vendors to resolve system or labor-related issues
• Provide day-to-day support for labor, methods, and system-related challenges within the DC
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across teams to support a connected, high-performing environment

Process Improvement & Engineering Work

• Identify process bottlenecks and recommend practical, scalable improvements
• Design and implement enhancements across:
• Logistics and material handling
• Information systems and workflows
• Overall operational efficiency and service levels
• Apply industrial engineering, financial, and analytical principles to drive measurable results

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Support and lead projects including:
• Process improvement initiatives
• Capacity planning and optimization
• DC layout and material handling systems
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment or system upgrades to improve safety, efficiency, and the work environment

Training & Standardization

• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Create and deliver training resources to support DC associates
• Ensure consistency in methods, processes, and performance expectations

Data & Analysis

• Gather and analyze data to support engineering and operational decisions
• Use insights to inform improvements and measure success of initiatives

What You’ll Need

Experience

• 2–5+ years of Industrial Engineering experience (preferred in a retail DC or fulfillment center environment)
• Hands-on experience with:
• Labor standards development
• Labor Management Systems (Manhattan Associates LM preferred or equivalent)
• Process improvement and industrial engineering practices
• Project management experience is a plus

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or equivalent experience required
• Labor standards development and LMS training and/or certification preferred

Technical & Functional Skills

• Experience developing labor standards (manual and standard data)
• Strong familiarity with WMS functionality
• Proficiency in:
• Microsoft Office
• Project management tools
• AutoCAD
• Understanding of industrial engineering and financial principles

Core Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!

• 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 https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi
• 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 & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.